president obama meeting with the cuban president roulo castro, a first step in trying to work past the bitter divide between the u.s. and the communist nation. president obama sharing his optimism in an abc news exclusive interview. >> changes going to happen here, and i think roulo castro understands that. cheering crowds, hopeful that this marks the turning point. 11 million residents make an average of $20 per month, well the trade embargo still exists, american businesses starting to take advantage of newly relaxed restrictions bringing more tourism dollars to cuba. but opponents criticize the president actions here, pointing to the ongoing arrest of political dissidents and other human rights issues in cuba. president obama bowing to take a strong stance. >> although we still have significant differences around human rights and individual liberties inside cuba, we felt that coming now would maximize our ability to prompt more change. >> and he'll meet with some of those dissidents and give a nationally televised speech, but first this historic meeting between would never see stand