Washington, December 24 (RHC) -– A majority of U.S. citizens support opening diplomatic ties with Cuba, according to several recent polls -- the first conducted since President Barack Obama's change in policy was announced.
A Washington Post/ABC News poll released Tuesday found that 64 percent support re-establishing ties with Cuba, while a CBS poll published Monday said that 54 percent support opening trade and diplomatic relations. Additionally, the Washington Post poll found that 68 percent support ending the economic blockade against Cuba.
The polls follow President Barack Obama's announcement last week that the U.S. will normalize ties with Cuba, including setting up an embassy and easing certain restrictions.
However, Americans don't seem clear on what impact Obama's policy shift will have on Cuba or the United States. Nearly half of Americans said that improving diplomatic relations will make no difference, the CBS poll showed. Only 28 percent told CBS that the new policy will be good for the United States, but most are unsure.
U.S. citizens do seem united, however, on one thing: They want to be allowed to go to Cuba. Seventy-four percent support ending travel restrictions, according to the Washington Post, and 77 percent told CBS that Americans should be able to travel to Cuba.
The Washington Post-ABC poll was conducted December 17th to the 21st and surveyed 1,011 adults. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
The CBS poll was conducted December 18th through the 21st and surveyed 1,000 adults nationwide. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
