Obama Calls for Easing Cuba Embargo

Democratic presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen Barack Obama, D-Ill.,speaks during a campaign stop in Derry, N.H., Monday, Aug. 20, 2007.(AP Photo/Jim Cole) (Jim Cole - AP)

None of the other top presidential candidates have sought to ease the restrictions.

In May, Democratic rival Hillary Clinton said she opposed immediate changes in Cuba travel but added that there may be need for change in the next presidency if Castro is no longer in power.

Such a change would be contingent on commitments to human rights and more openness from the Cuban government, the New York senator said.

Clinton must contend with her husband's legacy on U.S.-Cuba relations, particularly when he authorized U.S. agents to return young Elian Gonzalez to his father in Cuba, alienating many exiles.

Mauricio Claver-Carone, head of the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC, which supports full sanctions, said Obama's statement could hurt U.S.-Cuban relations at a crucial time.

"I'm sure he's well intentioned," Claver-Carone said, but he added that with the death of Castro possibly approaching and the potential for change on the island, such a statement could send the wrong message.

"It entrenches the regime at this historic time," Claver-Carone said.

(This version CORRECTS SUBS graf 17 to correct that Claver-Carone is head of the PAC.)