For the past 45 years, the US has tried to isolate Cuba by severing diplomatic relations, restricting travel between the two countrries, and giving shelter to Cuban nationals who makes it to our shores. But this policy has only strengthened Castro’s hand, allowing him to focus on the “threat” from the North, while ignoring the failed economic policies of the miserable little Communist theme park he calls a country. A far wiser course would be for the US to fully engage Cuba with trade and cultural influences, which is how we brought down the Berlin Wall and opened Communist East Europe to democracy.

But the Miami Cubans will hear none of that. They want Castro dead yesterday, and think engaging Fidel is akin to dancing with the Devil. Together, the anti-Castro Floridians make up a formidable voting block, and no US President or candidate will risk their votes by taking a softer line on Cuba.