Clinton and Obama Call for Release of Political Prisoners

In the Democrats’ presidential primary debate last night in Austin, Texas, both Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama called for the release of political prisoners: Sen. Clinton: “I’m going to be looking for some of those changes: releasing political prisoners, ending some of the oppressive practices on the press, opening up the economy. Of course the United States stands ready.” Sen. Obama: “It is very important for us to make sure that there was an agenda, and on that agenda was human rights, releasing of political prisoners, opening up the press. And that preparation might take some time. But I do think that it’s important for the United States not just to talk to its friends, but also to talk to its enemies. In fact, that’s where diplomacy makes the biggest difference.” They were both of course speaking about post-Castro Cuba, but nevertheless it stands to reason that they should require the same of Russia. However, the country was not mentioned even once last night.