immediately after landing, the president tweeted that he's looking forward to meeting and among them -- cardinal ortega -- a man once imprisoned in cuba for his catholic faith. but the historic day was not without protest. nats cuba si, castro no female family members of jailed cuban dissidents, dressed in all white were arrested in havana, just before the president arrived... and there were also demonstrations in miami, home to the largest population of cuban exiles -- a reminder of difficulties that remain in this relationship in havana, im scott mclean. and we will have continuing coverage of the president's visit to cuba... we'll follow his journey... on air .. on fox19 now dot com and our free mobile app. we'll be right back. sot "steve open" sot "announcer: now with the fox19 mobile app, you'll never be without fox19 news. from fox19.com to text and email alerts for breaking news and weather. it's all right here in the palm of your hand." betsy hplaz bets cam betsy hplaz

obama will arrive here first at cuba's national cathedral in old havana, where he'll meet with cardinal ortega, who played a crucial role in normalizing relations between america and cuba. many remember this palace as the cuban white house of sorts. president obama will be here meetiti with raul castro and then will return with the first lady for a state dinner. on tuesday president oma will be here at the national theater to the cuban people. the cuban government will be listening closely to what the president has to say. but not as closely as the people of cuba, who are hoping that the president will address some of their concerns from the first sitting president to visit the island in almost years. and the president's final stop here at the stadium in havana, where the president will take in a gameetween the tampa bay rays and the cuban natitial team. final preps are under way as they get ready for the b game. you're seeing right there the generators. and jackie, it's also important to note that the president plans on meeting with dissidents on the island. no date or time has been set for t

arrive in havana on sunday and take a tour of old havana and visit the cathedral and meet with cardinal ortega. on monday he will have a meeting with raul castro and meet entrepreneurs. later he will attend a state dinner. on tuesday he will make a speech directed to the cuban people and meet members of civil society and dissidents. followed by a baseball game between cuban national baseball team and tampa bay rays. eliott rodriguez probation 08 are heading to event to cover the visit. listen to the report starting >>> coming up counting his blessings a firebreathing performer describes the horrific accident at high school pep rally that left his face severely burnt. the small change in the fact that almost cost him his life. >>> trumping trump. what some republicans are pushing to keep the billionaire businessman from getting gop nomination. this is investigators were to figure out who sent a threatening letter to one of his sons. >>> meet maze the brand-new police force in pinecrest. news. -- sad news. baltimore ravens quarterback miami northwestern*tray walker has died. the 23-year-old was

the word around cuba is that the cardinal cardinal, ortega, will be stepping down soon. >> so many stories to be told here. we're going to have a lot more tonight at 11:00. we're going to continue our team coverage from havana, cuba. for jackie nespral, i'm jawan strader. more on "nightly" with lester hot. >> we say good night and we'll see you tonight at 11:00 on nbc 6. >>> breaking news tonight. history in cuba. the american and cube ne president side by side. an angry raul castro challenged over human rights raising president obama's arm in an awkward embrace. republans as hillary clinton and elizabeth warren go on the attack agast him. >>> airport bust. 60 pounds of cocaine found hidden in carry-ones after a woman ran from screeners. you won't believe who investigators are looking for. >>> hitting back. serena williams leading the charge against a powerful tennis executive who said women players should get on their knees and thank the men. >>> and getting money. even with bad credit or debt piling up, how people are getting the loans they need at rates they can actually afford. "nightl

this palm sunday the president is visiting the cathedral in old havana, thanking the country's cardinal ortega with pope francis brokered secret talks bre tween president obama and raul cass troechlt also coming here, ceo's to sign deals for hotels, banking and internet service. to boost biz not the president lifted restrictions so americans can travel here easily. to reach millions of cuban tv fans he retaped a routine with cuba's biggest comedy star. >> reporter: times are changing since a young fidel castro launched his revolution. the u.s. retaliated with an economic boycott. more than a half century of suspicion dies slowly. a weekly silent women's protest against rat sheem was disrupted by counterprotesters. arrests on both sides. the u.s. and scuba still disagree over free elections and free speech. some cubans have moved to canada but now see business opportunities. i've may ask, why did you leave cuba? >> it was more about the way the country works and the way the country is run. it was more about the limitations and the loss. >> reporter: without widespread internet, a young blogger

it begins sunday with a tour of old havana and a visit to will meet cardinal ortega. monday mr. raul castro as well as cuban entrepreneurs and attend a state dinner. on tuesday he will directly addressed the cuban people from cuba's national theater. will be with members of civil society and dissidents before attending the exhibition baseball game between tampa bay rays and the national team. was night he met at the white house with 16 comments cuban- americans. including emilio estefan. >> we might not agree on many things about his trip to cuba but we share the same hope that making it a better future for cuba. >> reporter: the meeting lasted two hours and those who attended said the president listened intently taking notes and asking questions. many in the room stressed the importance of mr. obama meeting with dissidents who can shed light on the status of human rights on the island. >> i said i love everyone here is a great feeling about the future of cuba. but we cannot forget about the medical that die and are in my goal is one day to have free elections and a free cuba. >

this palm sunday, the president is visiting the cathedral in old havana, thanking the country's cardinal ortega with pope francis helped broker secret talks between president obama and cuba's president raul castro. also coming here, ceos to sign deals for hotels, banking, and internet service. to boost business, the president lifted restrictions so americans can travel here easily. times are changing since a young fidel castro launched his revolution and the u.s. retaliated with an economic boycott. a weekly silent women protest against the regime was disrupted today by counter-protesters. arrests on both sides. the u.s. and cuba still disagree over free elections and free speech. some cubans have moved to canada but now see business opportunities. if i may ask, why did you leave cuba? >> it was more about the way the country works and the way the country is run. it was more about the limitations and the loss. >> reporter: without widespread internet, harold cardonez, a young blogger is hopeful. >> the individual fights between multiple countries, many of them are not relevant anymore. and my g

get a briefing before he heads off to old havana to walk around and meet with the cardinal ortega, who played a pivotal role. >> one of the important things about making the intersection into an embassy was the number of americans who could work there. because the cubans, while it was part still of the swiss diplomatic station, there was a limit i think to 160 i think was the number of americans that could be located there. and to process the visas and all the other business, it was a small staff. they have something like 3 cuban nationals who work there well. >> anchor: explain why jeff is not the ambassador. he's not yet. >> the president of the united states needs to nominate the situation with the elector cycle, or year, the senate is not going to elect anyone that the president nominates. in the meantime, jeff is serving as kind of in -- he is and does have rank. he's already ambassador. but officially, technically, he cannot be ambassador because he's not been confirmed by the u.s. senate. >> there are three americans in the senate, republican, ted cruz, they all oppose the appoi

does arrive here on sunday, one of the very first stops le make is here at cathedral to meet cardinal ortega. >> that meeting at the ca thee immaculate conception a nod to an important roalt catholic church played in opening the role of relations between the u.u. and cuba. and ortega was in stra member mental in making the talks. the president and first lady will take? n- some of the sites in havana. and he will come here to lay a wreej wreath at monument. ananthe fight for cuba's independence from spaifnlt the prident will also meelt raul castro but the obama administration says there is no meeting, public or pry get vet with fidel castro but he will meet with human rites advocates on the island. the administration de laind to name them at this point. all around havana, you seek signs of the preparation fortz historic trip. painting, sweeping, construction in the areasas the spreses scheduled to visit. a she says work so when president obama gets here to receive him and everything looks good. >> i'm sthoapg see him eithehe on >> reporter: this national theater is normally home to cucu's nat

. >> reporter: president obama national cath tropical in old havana where he will meet with cardinal ortega who played pivotal role in restoring communications with cuba. he will get a little r and r with the first family. behind me revolution palace, also known as the presidential palace, many rememberhis as the cuban white house of sorts. president obama will be here meeting with raul castro and then retur later with the first lady for a state dinner. >> d then on tuesday president obama will be here at the national eater for the much people. the cuban government will be listening closely to what the president has to say, but not as closely as the people of cuba who are hoping that the president will address some of their concerns from the first sitting president to visit the island inlmost 90 years. and the president's final stop here athe stadium in havana where the president will take on a game between the tampa bay rays and a cuban national team. are under way as they get ready for the big game. generators. >>> want strader, nbc 6 news. >>> many cubans say they have hopeful anticipati

havana before visiting cathedral to meet with cardinal mie ortega. the big news on the island that venezuelan president's visit. on saturday, he spoke with supporters and evensupporters and even showed otos with him with fidel castro. we have to me it clear that president obama has said he will not be meeting with fidel. [speaking foreign language] >> graciar, i think i am all se@t for arrival. >> reporter: the president is already familiar with the country's famous comedian star of a very popular show on the island. this video was released yesterday and starts with him asking about the weather for the tampa bay rays game. they will be playing the cuban national team on tuesday. heard, he vevrs to la vesia, the beast. that is how the president's carr is known. we will show that you car. it was spotted right utside the u.s. embassy. the people here have been talking about it for weeks now. very egger to see the beast. la bestia. something that the cuban people are excited about. the rolling stonesill play their first concert every in havana. the stage

it had affects the president we'll be right back affects his legacy, but also it affects cardinal ortega because as we know the church has gained new ground here in cuba in the last couple of decades. francis, pope francis now playing a new role in that relationship, not just between the church and cuba but also between the united states. >> calvin: the church playing a very critical role, in fact, holding some of the secret meeting going back 18 monons before the announcement on december 17th of 2014 where the president talked about after some 550-plus years of animity and acrimony. but right now we dmit president is going to be headed t t if not already in old havana meeting with cuban entrepreneurs to talk about chef employment, to o lk about the growing private sector here. there have been a number of people who have been able to have their own businesses, throroh the government. so the president is hoping to speak with them at a panel discussion. then after thaha the at time he will go to the chief of missions home where for a couple of hours he and the first lady will be getting dr

ortega. he played a major role in bringing the two countries together. let's go back to the 18 months of secret negotiations. we know cardinal jamie ortega house. esident obama gave him a letter. he took the letter to raul castro and that helped begin the whole talks of normalizing countries. >> it's been a very long process. jamie ortega seems to be in the spotlight. of course, j jie orthey -- ortega was f fnt and center along the pope. >> reporter: andnd the church played a role in the two countries coming together. we remember all too well when the pope was here back in september, thousands of people came here to revolution plaza for that moment. >> reporter: and tomorrow president obama will be right here at revolution plaza, laying a wreath at the jose mararne memorial. what makes that a little controversial this time around outside the already-instilled inherent controversy surrounding this trip is that it was a few days that venezuelan president nicolas maduro was here doing the exact same thing. >> heried the steal the about the beast. we had a chance to see the beast parked behend the american embassy. i wonder why

among them -- cardinal ortega -- a man once imprisoned in cuba for his catholic faith. but the historic day was not without protest. nats cuba si, castro no female family members of jailed cuban dissidents, dressed in all white were arrested in havana, just before the president arrived... and there were also demonstrations in miami, home to the largest population of cuban exiles -- a reminder of difficulties that remain in this relationship in havana, im scott on tuesday.. president obama will give a speech to the cuban people but it will also be targeted at the cuban-american community in the united states. and we will have continuing coverage of the president's visit to cuba... we'll follow his journey... on air .. on fox19 now dot com and our free mobile app. a sheriff's deputy in indiana has died, after he and a colleague were shot while serving a warrant early this morning. 27-year-old carl coontz was a three year veteran of the howard county sheriff's kokomo. around 12-30 this morning, two deputies were shot when they were trying serve a warrant... at a russiavill

lady and their daughters will walk through that old part of town as well as well as meeting with cardinal ortega, the cardinal who helped facilitate the easing of tensions and northerly mall lie zagss. that's on the agenda. >> ed lavandera, thank you very much. the president along with the first family is expected to land there in a couple of hours. watch it all right here on cnn. >>> there's a lot of talk of a brokered convention on the road to the white house. is that the best approach? we'll bring back our panel right after this. i wanted to put the odds in my favor. so my doctor told me about botox®, an fda-approved treatment that significantly reduces headache days for adults with chronic migraine, 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting 4 hours or more. it's shown to prevent headaches and migraines before they start. and it's injected by my doctor once every 12 weeks. effects of botox® may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. alert your doctor right away, as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems, or muscle weakness can be signs of a life

. >> almostst immediately after landing among the first was cardinal ortega who went to prison for his catholic faith put a critical role between negotiations between the united states and cubaol the day was not without protest female family members dressed in all at were arrested and havana just hours before the president arriveded and in miami with theem largest cuban population of exiles a difficulty that remains in this relationship. after meeting with castro today obamarr will speak more later this week. >> republican candidates and donald trump will head to the capital to meet with gop leaders designed to try to smooth over the relationships with the republican establishment trump will be in washington dc yet to it to speak at an annualal pro is really campaign. >> a strange story out of pennsylvania to start even more shockingto a man the 55 -year-old near harrisburg yesterday morning he tried to tie them up one officer showed up t he was shooting and they returned fire and he was killed h h they say he were retired in 2012 after serving 26 years as a state trooper. >> several d

here the president met with the cardinal ortega who is credited along with the pope who is helping to forge thaw a half century of bitterness between 2 countries with only 90 miles between them. the first family had dinner this evening at one of the legendary, very well known paladars. the family restaurant to san cristobal before calling it)a night because the president has a particularly long day tomorrow. more on that in a couple of minutes. meanwhile state run television since the announcement was made anthe president will visit and they have been reporting on the president the first faly quite a bit over these last several weeks leading up to the visit. so anticipation here has been building quite a bit and people were lining the streets to greet the first family as they made their way through today some of them. their impressions on the president's arrival today. >> robbin: a lot of people waiting in the rain just to catch a glimpse of the presidenenon his arrival. president barackckobama's first stop upon landing in cuba hotel malia abana toeet with u.s. embassy staff. >> i act

there you see him inside of the ka thee daal of havana with cardinal ortega.looking at something u.s. president has not looked at in 88 years. looks like a portrait of president lincoln right there. tomorrow the president is set to meet with cuba's president raul castro who will be the first u.s. sitting president to do that, to be on the cuban soil in 88 years. much more from havana in just a moment. now back to politics at home. this political season has been rough and tumble to say the least. you can relive another brutal campaign tonight here on cnn, bush versus dukakis. it is a brand new episode of "race for the white house." here's a look. >> first question comes in -- >> governor, if kitty dukakis were raped and murdered, would you favor an irrevocable death penalty. >> so easy for caucus to react with genuine emotion, anger and right, indignation. that somebody would murder his wife. >> i know what it's like. that is where the answer had to go. >> i don't, bernard. i would oppose the death penalty during all of my life. i don't see any evidence that it

sustains so many cubans and americans and it also gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude to cardinal ortega, who along with his holiness pope francis did so much to be pay honor, and this morning i was able to pay tribute to jose marti, not only in his role in cuban independence but the profound words he spoke in support of liberty and freedom everywhere. i bring with me the greetings and friendship of the american people. in fact i'm joined on this trip by 40 members of congress, it indicates the excitement and interest of america about the process that we've undertaken. these members of congress threak ourecognize that the new interet of the american people is of interest to both nations. and i'm joined by america's entrepreneurs and business leaders, we're ready to proceed with ties by americans and cubans alike. and i'm especially glad to be joined by so many cuban americans. for them and the more than 2 million cuban americans across the united states this is a moment filled with great emotion. ever since we have made it easier to travel between the countries, more cubans are coming ho

sustained so many cubans and americans, and it also gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude to cardinal ortega, who along with his holiness pope francis, did so much to support the improved relations between our governments. this morning i was honored to pay tribute to jose marti, not only his role in cuban independence, but the profound words that he wrote and spoke in support of liberty and freedom everywhere. i bring with me the greetings and the friendship of the american people. in fact, i'm joined on this trip by nearly 40 members of congress, democrats and republicans. this is the largest such delegation of my presidency, and it indicates the excitement and interest in america about the process that we've undertaken. these members of congress recognize that our new relationship with the cuban people is in the interest of both nations. i'm also joined by some of america's top business leaders and entrepreneurs because we're ready to pursue more commercial ties which present jobs and opportunity for cubans and americans alike. and i'm specially pleased that i'm joined on this trip by so m

from there headed to old havana before visiting the cathedral where he will meeewith cardinal ortega. days before the ararrival is eventual ians president visit. on saturday spoke with reporteron saturday spoke with reporters and even though photos of him with fidel castrophotos of him with fidel castro. president obama has made it clear that he will not be meeting with fidel. there is one cuban at president is not familiar with, the country's most fame us where comedian whose real name is louis silva star of a very popular show. this radio of the two of them was released yesterday and started with him asking for the [speaking foreign language] >> gracias. i think i am all set for arrival. >> reporter: so in that clip he referring to la bestia, the beast. that is how the president's car is known. we spotted it outside of the u.s. embassy. the people here are talking about it for weeks eager to see lala bestia. starwood hotels and resorts o weston, sheridan, they plan on taking over three hotels on the island. it is the oldest hotel in have a nana and the company plans to start operati

. >> reporter: president obama will arrive here first where he will meet with cardinal ortega who played a pivotal role in restoring relations with cuba. he will get a little r and r with the first family. revolution palace known known as the presidential palace, many remember this as the cuban white house of sorts, president obama will be here meeting with raul castro and then return later with the first lady for a state dinner. and then on tuesday president obama will be h he at the national theater for the much anticipated address to the cuban people, the cuban government will be listening closely to what the president has to say but not as closely as the people of cuba who are hoping that the president will address some of sitting presidents to visit the island in almost 90 years. >> a a the president's final stop here at the stadium in havana where the people will take on a game between the tampa bay rays and cuban national team. final preps are under way as they get ready for the big game. you're seeing right there the generators. jawan strader nbc 6 news. >>> and one of president

he'll hit multiple spots includin a cathedral to meet cardinal jamie ortega. he went to the white house and hand delivered a letter from pope francis urging peace and paving the way f f a diplomacy deal in 2014. monday, mr. obama will view a wreath laying. then he meets with raul castro. monday night there's a state dinner at the revolution palace. tuesday, his last day, he gives aational address to the cuban ople. some cuban exiles say they hope that happens or else. for cuban freedom. >> deputy national security director addressed the trip last week. what we put at the center of our policy is what ll make life better? >> he e eoed those sentiments. the larger the normal gro will travel who will wrap things up. with baseball, he'll take on a game between the tampa bay r rs and the cuban nationall team. workers are busy getting the stadium ready. might also catch a glimpse of obama mania. vendors are selling shirts, flags and buttons depicting the u.s. commander-in-chief. >>> this was broadcast o cuba tv. the inaugural flight between cuba and the u.s. arrivedr

it also gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude to cardinal ortega who along with his holiness, pope francis, did so much to support the improved relations between our governments. this morning i was honored to pay tribute to jose martique. not only his role in cuban independence, but the profound words that he wrote and spoke in support of liberty and freedom everywhere. i bring with me the greetings and the friendship of the american people. in fact i'm joined on this trip by nearly 40 members of congress, democrats and republicans. this is the largest such delegation of my presidency, and it indicates the excitement and interest in america about the process that we've undertaken. these members of congress recognize that our new relationship with the cuban people is in the interest of both nations. i'm also joined by some of america's top business leaders and entrepreneurs because we're ready to pursue more commercial ties which create jobs and opportunity for cubans and americans alike. i'm especially pleased that i'm joined on this trip by so many cuban americans. for them

the city but he is also expectedo then visit the cathedral where he is expected to meet with cardinal ortega. as you know he has been crucial, him and pope francis in these negotiations. >> michael and glenna. we mow that the church played a major role in bringing these two nations together. that u.s. embargo remains in tact and that is something that the president, he can come e over here and see a lot. he can make a lot of promises but that is one thing that he cannot overturn. michael, as you know, that will >> it did, indeed. in fact i got an e-mail yesterday from congressman mario diaz ballart of miami who in scathing terms said mr. president, you can do some things but you can't overturn the embargo unilaterally. and of course congress doesn't seem inclined to d/ that, glenna, before the election in november. >> gentlemen, can i go back to the issue of the press. i know you were talking about you spoke w wh bertasolare there was an arrest of an uncredentialed journalist, apparently. i want to let you know last time i was there we spoke with a ministry of the interior representative who

our visit to the cathedral gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude to cardinal ortega who along with his holiness pope francis did so much to support the improved relations between our governments. this morning i was honored to pay tribute to jose martis. nol not only his role in cuban independence, but the profound words that he wrote and spoke in support of liberty and freedom everywhe everywhere. i bring with me the greetings and the friendship of the american people. in fact, i'm joined on this trip by nearly 40 members of congress. democrats and republicans. this is largest such delegation of my presidency. and it indicates the excitement and interest in america about process that we've undertaken. these members of congress recognize that our new relationship with the cuban people is in the interest of both nations. i'm also joined by some of america's top business leaders and interrupt nurs becauentrepre ready to explore ties that create jobs and opportunities for americans and cubans alike. i'm especially pleased i'm joined on this trip by so many cuban americans. for the

, brokered by, of course, pope francis, none other than pope francis himself with the help of cardinal ortega here in cuba. all of this was more than symbolic, but now, everything is focused on the terror attack in brussels. the president will not adjust the schedule so far, but will be giving his reactions. and as we have been reporting, brian, as you know so well, back in november, the president did not respond very quickly or forcefully to the attacks in paris. and has acknowledged to jeffrey goldberg and to other print reporters who have been interviewing him in the last couple months as he reviews his foreign policy and talks about his legacy going forward, he acknowledges now that he did not realize how important the paris attacks were to america, and how americans responded with a great deal of fear to the terrorism in western europe. it was very immediate to them. you know how intensive our coverage was at the time and all of the other networks. so that's why he's going to be responding today as he speaks in havana. >> all right, andrea mitchell. we will keep an eye on that scene on t

there they will meet with cardinal jaime ortega. church and pope francis who played a role in the renewing of the relationship between both countries. on monday obama willly a wreath at the jose marti memorial, then meet with cuban president raul castro that evening he's also expected on to meet with cuban entrepreneurs, the first time wehear this. tuesday is the big day. the president will deliver his big s sech to the cuban people live on tv. he will meet with dissidents and attend the baseball game between 2 tampa b rays and the cuban national team. he will not, we're told, will not meet with fidel castro. now,late this afternoon weere also got word from the white house that the president also met with 16 cuban american leaders on that list, em i don't estefan don't. here's what she said. >> my impression was that it was a group of cuban americans that even though we come from deal with cuba, we were for most cubans and we all have in our hearts the best interests of the cuban people inside and outuide the island. it was a very r

president touching down and have them among the first with cardinal ortega at a man was imprisoned forolic faith they're also demonstrations in miami and to large population of cuban exile a reminder of difficulties to remain in this relationship. >>mark: a measure brought a bust in the east of a neighbor said had no idea the operation such which he had named this morning and more violence the dollar track runs of the weekend. ♪ ♪ ♪ (vo) making the most out of every mile. that's why i got a subaru impreza. love. it's what makes a subaru, a subaru. >>james: the extended models and enough in the sunshine for the rest of the week amid back to mid 70's by saturday and sunday for the weekend ahead of the more grand, the system and the like it will be a little bit here and there but timing could move here and there depending on how quickly the storm system moves in with the deceased and francisco with the showers a 63 to 64 degrees this afternoon here is look at the short term out of three forecasts with the next couple days of you to the and when some. >>robin winston: 9 from 17 at glenwood

inside, the president met with the controversial cardinal, ortega, who some criticized for not being more forceful about human rights. then on to a museum, where a portrait of president lincoln greeted the first family. finally, dinner at a restaurant havana. the sight seeseeing is a preclude to the real business of the trip which begins later this morning when the president meets with cuban president raul castro. they'll likely discuss lifting the u.s. trade em bardobargo and cuba's human rights record. before the president arrived, the ladies in white were arrested, chanting, freedom. president's trip is expected to tuesday. >> it's a historic opportunity to engage the cuban people and lay out our future that's bright brighter than our past. >> reporter: i asked about that when i sat down with cuba's top man. >> did you think the day would come, when the u.s. president would address the people? >> i'm confident this is the day it is right time. >> reporter: back in the states, the president's trip is already under fire from republican front runner donald trump, who mock td fact tha

reminder of the deep faith we share and also gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude to cardinal ortega who along with his holiness pope francis did so much to improve the relationship between our two governments. not only his role in cuban independent but the profound words that he wrote and spoke in support of liberty and freedom everywhere. i bring with me the greetings and the friendship of the american people. in fact, i'm joined on this trip by nearly 40 members of congress, democrats and republicans. this is the largest such delegation of my presidency and indicates the excitement and interest in america about the process we've undertaken. these members of congress recognize our new relationship with the cuban people is in the interest of both nations. i'm joined by america's top business leaders and entrepreneurs because we're ready to pursue more commercial ties to krcreate jobs and opportunities for cubans and americans alike. i'm pleased to be joined by so many cuban-americans. for them and for the more than 2 million proud cuban-americans across the united states, this is a

in old havana, he will visit a cathedral to meet cardinal jaime ortega who is key and diplomatic relations between the u.s. and cuba. he went to the white house and hand-delivered a letter from pope francis to president obama, urging peace and paving the way for a diplomacy deal between the two countries in 2014. monday, president obama will you a iefing at the jose martin memorial. then, a meeting with ryan l castro. monday night, there's a state dinner at the revolution palace, tuesday, his last day of the trip, he will give a national address to the cuban people and meet with distance on the island. me cuban exiles in south florida have their doubts about the trip to cuba. good for cuban freedom part of democracy. >> but, deputy national security deputy ben rhodes is trying to ease those fearful in south florida last week. >> man: what but at the center of the policy is what will make it better for cubans? >> the echo that of a cyte conference call to cuba on wednesday. he said a larger than normal group will travel to the president, who will wrap things . with baseball, he will watch a

the president met with the controversial cardinal, ortega, who some criticized foring more forceful about human rights. then on to a museum, where a finally, dinner at a restaurant in the narrow streets of old the sight see seeing is a preclude to the real business of the trip which begins later this morningsident meets with cuban president raul castro. they'll likely discuss lifting the u.s. trade em bargo and cuba's human rights record. before the president arrived,n white were arrested, chanting, freedom. one of the highlights of the president's trip is expected to be when he addresses cubansday. >> it's a historic opportunity to engage the cuban people and lay out our brighter than our past. >> reporter: i asked about that when i sat down with cuba's top >> did you think the day would come, when the u.s. president >> i'm confident this is t is right time. >> reporter: back in the states, the president's trip is already blican front runner donald trump, who mock td fact that the president was met by cuban's foreign minister, notl castro. tweeting that castro greeted the pope and others

sustained so many cubens and americans and it also gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude to cardinal ortegaalong with his holiness pope francis did so much to support the improved relations between our governments. this morning i was honored to pay tribute to jose marte. not only his role in cuban independence, but the profound words that he wrote and spoke in support of liberty and freedom everywhere. i bring with me the greetings and friendship of the american people. i'm joined on this trip by nearly 40 members of congress. this is the largest such delegation of my presidency and it indicates the excitement and interest in america about the process that we have undertaken. these members recognize the new relationship with the cuban people is in the interests of both nations. i'm also joined by some of america's top business leaders and entrepreneurs because we're ready to pursue more commercial ties which create jobs and opportunity for cubans and americans alike. i'm especially pleased i'm joined on this trip by so many cuban-americans. for them and the two million proud cuban-americans