Transcripts For MSNBCW NewsNation 20141217

Released and theyre heading back to havana. That was not an exchange for alan gross. Instead theyre making it clear that was an exchange for an intelligent asset of the u. S. Who had been imprisoned in cuba for 20 years, tamron. Im being told that the contents of the background call that we received are now able to be reported out. Im going to be give you some of the details. President obama will be announcing a shift in policy between the United States and between cuba. Hes going to announce that a number of restrictions will be eased between the two cubs when it comes like travel and commerce. Its going to be a major shift in relations and u. S. Embassy will be set up in cuba. Of course, that is significant. This is going to be the largest easing of relations between the United States and cuba that we have seen in decades. So this is certainly going to be a significant announcement. This entire exchange was has been worked on for a number of years. The calls for him to be released have grown laouder particularly in the release of bergdahl. His wife speaking out saying if they can exchange taliban prisoners for bergdahl certainly they can work out a deal. The president saying the fact that alan gross was being held prisoner was an impediment to u. S. Cuban relations. They felt it was bad for the u. S. And also bad for cuba. Again, tamron, the headline is that the president is going to announce some really significant changes. Hes going to announce that people can travel more easily under 12 categories including things like business, journalism, and other sorts of humanitarian purposes and hell map out the 12 categories likely when he addresses the nation. Hes going to announce that commerce can be eased. People who travel back and forth will be allowed to purchase some items in cuba. Bring them back. So this is going to be a significant shift in u. S. Policy with cuba. As you point out, raul castro set to speak at noon. Hell address that major shift as well. Kristen, i hope you can standby. I want to bring in eugene robinson. A columnist for the washington. In an article you criticized the administration for putting cuba on the list for supporting terrorism. You wrote that the Obama Administration made but progress toward a factbased relationship has been tentive and halting at best. Here we are potentially seeing the largest ease in relations in decades as kristen well ewelker put it. It seems to be a huge move on the part of the United States. Lets be clear eyed first of all about the cuban government. Its a terrible government. The stalinist government functioning. How do you change that . We tried a policy for 5050 50 years that hasnt worked. I think what president obama is going to attempt is a lot of people makes more sense which is enga engagement. The policy they took toward the Old Soviet Union and china with results. Weve never tried it with coo baa. I think its time. You have mauro marco rubio. His family fled in the 50s and hes not in favor of the process. Let me play what senator rubio had to play. Im not in favor of the process which his release was required. It puts a price on every american abroad. Governments know they can take a american hostage they can get significant concessions from the United States. Its ironic a week after we impose sanctions on humanitarian rights violators in venezuela. We are lifting it on the government that taught the venezuelans. A Senior Administration official tells nbc that gross was to be reported in poor health. You know the divide that exists whenever the conversation of cuba and the u. S. Policy is discussed particularly in mr. Rubios home state of florida. Yeah. Its a huge issue in florida. And very devicive. Youll hear, i think, some pretty sharp rhetoric on both side of the issue. It is important to remember that from all reports. I was checking, you know, a blog by one of cubas leading disdents who wrote of mr. Gross declining health. By all accounts, it was time to make a move. I think not only did the United States recognize that fact for obvious humanitarian reasons trying to get a citizens home. I frankly, believe, the government of castro saw the potential leverage in any sort of discussions, you know, was in Failing Health and if this was a time for them to move, too. And so we dont know the full story yet. Lets keep an eye on the cuban government and what they agree to do. We have new information. President obama and castro tuesday about normalizing relations. So, eugene, how does the president present this to the American Public particularly going back to just the early comments from senator rubio saying that this was not a good idea and likening it to negotiating with some of the worst. This will immediately become a huge and inevitably mostly partisan bone of contentions. Not all republicans will oppose it. Not all democrats will enthusiastically support it. But basically the same partisan divide, i think. The president is doing what he can do through executive action. There are other large issues remaining that he cant do on his own. I think the trade embargo, for example. Right. It has to congress would have to act in order to ease that. Just the establishment of embassies, which we havent had in five decades. I think gives the United States some leverage that it can use in havana. Of course, also with, you ha many requestiasks what does it the people of cuba . Their situation has been, frankly, increasingly desperate. As other economies have moved forward, cuban economy has been stuck and has been sinking. You know, one trip to havana shows you the potential and five decades of missed opportunities for Economic Development and, also, obviously Political Development for cuba. I think the people will react, hopefully, to this. And, you know, they have learned not to expect a miracles from the castro government. Right. So i dont think they will expect everything changes immediately. But i think theyll see this as a miracle. Let me. You can hang on. Kristen welker at the white house. We understand you have more details on what the president will unveil here in the next hour. Right. More information coming out of background call we had with Senior Administration officials including more specifics about the tick to k how it went down. It was set in motion in the spring of 2013. Thats when the first facetoface discussions started happening between the u. S. And cuba. Those discussions held in canada. Then very interesting point, tamron, this fall u. S. Delegation, a cuban delegation met in the vatican. The pope apparently very engaged in this had written to president obama, had written to president castro. Had encouraged this type of transfer to occur for the purpose of easing relations between the two countries. So important to point out that the pope was instrumental in this as well. I also mentioned just a few moments ago the fact that the u. S. Would be encreasing and opening the ability for americans to travel to cuba. I want to make it clear, though, it still wont be able to americans wont be able to go for the purpose of tourism. Thats something that congress would have to approve. Still it is significant that more americans will be able to travel to cuba over those 12 does naeesignations i talk abou among them business, journalism, going to work in cuba, for example, for humanitarian purposes. I want to read one quote says, quote, does not need to be a relationship frozen in time. I think that characterizes and captures where the u. S. Stands right now when in terms of the relationship to cuba. Eugene, frozen in time as you have been to cuba many times. Thats how people describe the minute you step foot there. Its frozen in time. Yeah. Its frozen in time, you know, sometimes its a bit over done but basically you see the old cars, you see the deteriorating infrastructure. There is a frozen in time sense to this. An important thing to remember is that the number one excuse that the castros have given the cuban people for all these years for their repression is we have the giant enemy to the north that is seeking to destroy the cuban revolution and therefore we have to be, you know, repr s reimpressive. To deprive them of the excuse is significant. Right. And the significance of the vatican being involved and the pope. Do you believe that will have some influence particularly among those who would be traditionally opposed to any movement with the government. I think potentially but realistically those who have opposed any loosening of this relationship probably will continue to do so. The demographics of the Cuban Community in florida are changing. The younger cubans are less sort of dogmatic on the point than the elders who came over at the time of the revolution. But that hasnt totally changed. And so this is not going to over easily at all. Eugene, let me bring in rosa delaura who met with alan gross in cuba in may. Thank you very much. I heard you say it was a wonderful day. Im having i had the opportunity to meet with alan gross, met with his family here with other members democrats and republicans were concerned about alan and most recently concerned about his health. Its a really a the first anytime five years hell be able to celebrate with his family and his imprisonment was a tragedy. It changed their lives. His family can begin to, you know, to move on and begin a new chapter together. I was honored to meet with him at that time. Honestly was struck by the declining state of his health and back on american soil and received medical care and its my view not a moment too soon. When you say declining health. Can you describe what his health was like when you met with him in may. Well, you know, mobility, walking impaired, problems with vision, et. Cetera, and others. This is the first time i met with alan gross be i was there with my colleague barbara lee two of us went to visit and prior to that my colleague sam had been to visit. From both of their experiences they commented as well on the deterioration of his health. Senator marco rubio within the last hour said this release sets a very dangerous precedent. He said it puts a price on every american abroad. The government now knows that if they can take an american hostage, they can get very significant concessions from the United States. Your reaction to senator rubios words there . Well, i just my overall reaction is the following. Regarding cuba, first of all, great news. Member of the congress on both sides of the aisle. I was part of democrats and republicans about moving forward and not back ward. I believe we are moving forward with easing of the relationship with cuba, which is good for cuba also good for the United States. Already senator rubio is saying he plans to delegation democrats and republicans because i was chair of the agricultural subcommittee of the house of appropriations. Both democrats and republicans went there to talk about the economic advantages to the United States of easing and dealing with good relationships. I dont believe we will i think that was overstated by senator rubio and i think we have to look at how we move forward. This did not happen overnight. Its been years and years in the making. We have finally achieved a very positive role to the future. I would like to follow up in the new remark we received in from senator rubio. He said he intends to use his role as incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee western hemisphere subcommittee to make every effort to block what he calls dangerous and desperate attempt to burnish his legacy at the cuban peoples expense. He says todays announcement initiating a dramatic change is the latest in a long line of failed attempts by president obama to appease rogue regimes at all costs. Once again responsible for shutting our government down causing american taxpayers. I suspect that the cuban public will be pleased because, in fact, the three of their nationals are being returned. When i was in cuba in may, a number of us met with women parliamenttarians in cuba. One of the cuban nationals and i thing the length of time they have been in prison we have engaged with prisoner swaps in the past. This was a long time in coming. I think senator rubios remarks are so overstated. Just like he was overstated in shutting our government down. And causing may him for the people of this country. Thank you so much for your time. I would like to bring in andy gomez. A Senior Adviser with the federal regulatory law practice. Thank you so much for your time. My pleasure. Let me get your initial reaction from senator rubio who is already vowed to block any what he calls dangerous and separate attempts by the president to burnish his legacy at the cuban people hands. How does it work under the helm burden law and congress its role in the change of policy in the president s ability to do so well, i would expect for senator rubio, im listening to your conversations with others to try to block in the senate. Well have to wait to see how successful he can be. We have to remember that the act is highly codified. What i mean by that there are parts of that act that the president can act on by executive order and other parts of the law that must be have the approval of congress. Well have to wait and see how that plays out in the next couple of weeks and couple of months, to be honest. Look at the situation with mr. Grossman. The case he faced, the allegations, i should say. By all accounts those who support him say he was not a spy. Senator rubio points out he never did anything wrong. He was not a criminal. He was referred to as a hostage here. The white house has gone out of its way to say this was not a prisoner swap. Prisoner exchange here. But the case against mr. Gross in cuba was one rejected by americans. Right. We have to understand alan gross had done what he was arrested for. Im sorry i apologize for interrupting. Live images of alan gross getting off the plane at andr andrews. Breaking news developing at this point. Weve spoken with his Family Members in the past. You can only imagine their joy and surprise. Eugene robinson, are you there with us . Yes. Here we are, eugene. Five years in prison in cuba and now no one saw happening this morning in perhaps this mans release leading to a tremendous change in policy with the u. S. And cuba. Yeah. You can only imagine how he feels five years in a cuban prison. It would be a terrible experience as everyone has pointed out. His health was in decline and to be home it must be an incredible moment for him and his family. We can only wish them the best and celebrate. He should never have been arrested. He didnt do anything that any civilized country would consider a criminal. I think we should celebrate what has been done to bring him home. Hes now home. These images. Back to the battle already brewing as the man has barely stepped his foot opn american soil in five years. What do you make of that . Here it comes. If we predict that, you know, you and i a few minutes ago. Its going to be Sharp Division on this point. Senator rubio speak its bad for the cuban people. Having been there a lot of times, i cant imagine what could you do to make things worse for the cuban people . Theyve had the government for more than five decades. It continues. Its not going anywhere under our current policy or under our i guess we can call it our prior policy. So yes, by all means lets try to get rid of the castro dictatorship, but lets try to do it in ways we know have been successful in the past. And those ways are based on engagement, peopletopeople exchanges. On infusion of american ideas and values. On Economic Development. On ways that have worked around the world. For some reason our policy has not been willing to accept the proposition that maybe they would work in cuba, too. Hopefully well try a different tact and maybe, you know, i certainly hope make more progress. Yeah. An let me bring you back in, andy, to the battle we might see. Particularly with your expertise the legal battle potentially regarding this policy change that some republicans will wage or attempt to wage as we watch. You know, let me stop for a second. Its an emotional scene. Its a family before we talk about the battle, to be honest with you. This visual of this family, you know, right before the holidays whether they celebrate it or not. Its an occasion where families gather. Whatever your faith. You have this family escorting this man in poor health and perhaps fearing they would never see him again, andy. Yeah. Its very nice to see it live. Theres no question about it. Particularly for alan gross himself and the family as eugene was saying. Five years in a cuban prison and what hes had to endure for mo reason. We have to remember alan gross, as i was trying to say earlier, he was arrested the sixth time he went into cuba to do the same thing, was to deliver computers to the jewishCuban Community. So, i mean, the cubans knew what he was doing. They did it at the time where they wanted to bring attention to the u. S. Congress to try to usa id support inside. Were trying to get a glimpse. I would imagine mr. Gross is probably the gentleman with the lyinger colored shirt. It seems to be the person that is surrounded and the attention is focussed on that person as he slowly walks into the building. Our view may be on secured after they walk after they walk in the building here. What it represents over all and at least eugene, your view from im interested from the younger cuba population to the older. Which you noted on earlier. And what they see here as this plays out as well. And what it means well, i have heard arguments from both from dissidence inside cuba and from younger cuban immigrants that this embargo and the travel restrictions and the whole cuba policy it hasnt worked. And isnt working. It is, in fact, counter productive. So i kind of base my view on what ive heard from those people. There is, as i said, something of a split in the Cuban American Community in florida. And i want to overstate that. This will certainly not be universally popular, but the waves of cuban immigrants who arrived in more recent times tepid to still have connections with the island to still Family Members or sometimes able to travel back and forth. They would like to be able to help the people who are still in cuba materially a bit more than they can now. And i think they will certainly celebrate this move as a step toward what they would see is a more rational policy. I want to play an important sound from linda gross, she was on with my colleague jose diazbalart. I want to play what she had to say and ill get your remarks. He said to me about a week ago in an email. Were at the critical time right now. I kind of had a feeling something was going on. He never e lap ralab rate e elaborated. I would never ask. My family is crying and overjoying. Were jewish. Its a hanukkah miracle. Just unbelievable. What a great way to end 2014 its fabulous so touching there. An andy, go ahead. We have to understand the majority of the Cuban American Community in south florida today arrive after 1980. And i dare to say the difference between the early arrivals to those that arrived much recently psychologically they still have relatives on the island. They are still attached to the island. The key here for the older generation of cuban americans in south florida is going to be this proposal that president obama is going to make at 12 00 noon about looking to reestablish formal diplomatic ties with cuba without properly address the violation of human rights. Thats going to be the key. Well have to wait to see how its going to be treated. Im told that in january a u. S. Delegation will go to cuba to try to begin to negotiate some of the issues. Well have to remain and see. Yeah. We have to wait and see. We know in about a half hour well hear more details from the president as he addresses the nation on this policy or change in course as its called with cuba. Well be right back with more discussion what we witnessed this hour and the larger impact between the relationship between the u. S. And cuba. Er ] are you so stuffed up, you feel like youre underwater . Try zyrtecd® to powerfully clear your blocked nose and relieve your other allergy symptoms. So you can breathe easier all day. Zyrtecd®. Find it at the pharmacy counter. Zyrtecd®. vo rescued. Ed. Protected. Given new hope. During the subaru share the love event, subaru owners feel it, too. Because when you take home a new subaru, we donate 250 dollars to helping those in need. Well have given 50 Million Dollars over seven years. Love. Its what makes a subaru, a subaru. Okay patrick, lets go base, shark, blitz. The nfl trusts duracell quantum to power their game day communication. Abort abort hes keeping it duracell quantum. Lasts up to 35 longer than the competition. Im sure you know what this meeting is about. Yes, a raise. Im letting you go. I knew that. You see, this is my amerivest managed. Balances. No. Portfolio. And if doesnt perform well for two consecutive gold. Quarters. Quarters. Yup. Then amerivest gives me back their advisory. Stocks. Fees. Fees. Fees for those quarters. Yeah. So, im confident im in good hands. For all the confidence you need. Td ameritrade. You got this. I think that the United States needs to get into negotiations with the cuban government and get him home. Get him back on u. S. Soil. Hes an american citizens. He was working under a u. S. Contract when he was arrested in cuba, and the United States, president obama need to do whatever it takes to bring him home. That was the wife of alan gross, judy gross just six months ago. Now these images. Her husband, alan, back in the United States landing just a few minutes ago. A surprise to everyone this morning when the news first broke. This is a tweet from jeff flake who was on the plane. Alan gross back on u. S. Soil. Joining me now msnbc. Com managing editor editor. I was looking to wall street if we can get a reaction from wall street from this because this is economy. This is money. These are dollars were now talking about. Were about 30 minutes away from hearing more specifics from the president. The dow is up 118 points. We dont know if that is the reason. We have to wonder what will be the impact there. Were talking about numbers and money. Yeah. Were talking about economic trade embargo. For the Business Community theyve been pushing for changes for years. Its influenced greatly, obviously, president obama when he first came in then secretary of state Hillary Clinton who talked openly at the beginning of that administration about changes in cuba. You know, what theered that plan, that hope for warming relations with cuba, frankly, was the cuban decision to arrest alan gross. Thats what held everything in place, froze all of that hope. And i think definitely, as you said for the Business Community, for wall street and others. Were the only country not doing business in cuba. It hurts our relations with the rest of the region and our influence there. Eugene robinson spoke well about that how we work with other nations there. The fact of American Leadership from an Economic Perspective but also just, you know, in that region is important to retrieve. Yeah. To her point, the sense the u. S. Was on the island alone as it relates toi indealing with cub right. What people dont realize how transformational will be. Theyll be able to openly purchase things like cuban cigars. Tourists will be able to potentially use debit cards. It opens the door to cuba the american banks industry could be huge. When you look at the political candidate we have potential president ial candidates like marco rubio, all rely on the backing of the kun man american and the cubans in south florida, this is going to throw a Major Political question into the 2016 election. Dlets look at the other important things to note here what weve learned as far as negotiations. The meeting started last spring with a series of talks between the u. S. And cuba and canada. The pivotal meeting came in the fall at the vatican. Significant. I remember when Pope John Paul wept to cuba. What an enormous opening. There was a lot of open. I think the vatican playing that role probably gave both sides the cubans a lot of reassurance. Also, canada kind of like the perfect, you know, north American Partner there for the u. S. And cuba. I think that probably was two great mediators. Obviously brought them to the point. We see the images of alan gross back. We move to the political front of, you know, where do we go in congress. How strong will the push back be . What can the president and his administration do on their own. There are a number of things they can do quickly. To your point a Senior Administration travel to cuba is banned. Its only Something Congress can lift. Right. I believe there will be tremendous pressure from wall street, tremendous pressure from the u. S. Chamber of commerce. As you mentioned all the european nations are there. Canada is there. Were so far behind in catching up to that market. I think were also at an interesting juncture. The hard liners in cuba are trying to push back. They see the opening of relations with the United States as undermining. Cuba needs this. Since the soviet union collapsed their economy has been stimyed. When they lost the Financial Support of hugo chavez in the 90s and subsequently they have been stuck. Wages in cuba, i believe are 28 lower than what they were when the soviet union collapsed. So they need this, too. This will be a tremendous boot to them as well. As pointed out by the Senior Administration official besides gross and the u. S. Intelligence asset on its own cuba agreed to release 53 prisoners. Thats a good human rights sign there. I dont underplay the fact its a emotional issue for so many people. Obviously starting in south florida but for Many Americans an emotional issue. The fact that three cuban spies who have been imprisoned in the United States convicted spent 15 years in prison in miami released today. I think, you know, will fuel that emotion. And that sense of are now we now a country that trades hostages for spies . Does that put us at risk . The bo bergdahl trade was important for the gross family judy gross and talked about it if we were to be release five members of the taliban certainly we can find a way to bring alan gross home. Its the case. You know, i would be hesitant to say this is some sort of start down a bad road. Countries like israel will trade one israeli soldier for a thousand palestinian prisoners. You know, western democracy a close ally of the United States that is a normal thing to do when you are put in a terrible position like that. So i think those kinds of things will fuel the emotional front but i feel like there are many cases here where if you see u. S. Influence in a country hopefully access to the internet that would influence greatly human rights and access in social freedom. To your point we heard reports of even the use of hiphop artists as a infiltrate to get the message to younger people in cuba and the various ways of trying to reach these young people. I think that was a significant part of the administrations calculation that it was a we can better influence their society and their values by opening relations and allowing our cultural values, some of our entrepreneurial spirit to influence them. Theres the argument to be made. They have a terrible record on human rights, on many different levels. But look at the other countries weve traded with from china to russia. Theyre doing things far worst on a greater scale. I think theres an argument to be made that the time is now we try the embargo for 50 years. Nothing happened. This is the time because castro said hes stepping down in 2016. Hes 83. Were going to soon see a changing of the guard there in cuba. Now is the time to do it. Let me show our audience a photograph of alan gross and his wife judy taken, i believe, just before the departure. You see them together again. Just before leaving cuba this morning. That tweeted out and senator jeff flake tweeted out that photograph. Five years and finally being able to hug each other. As one Family Member referred to it as a hanukkah miracle for them. The president said engagement better than isolation. Isolation has failed, he says, for the last 50 years. I want to pick up on what raul discussed with the change politically happening with the castros in cuba and naturally people wonder what is next or who is next in line and could it derail sop of the very progress . Right. I think that the u. S. Is taking such a significant step here. I think if we do get to the situation where we have form alized relations. If the talks that begin in january or the group that goes to start negotiations in january is successful in the way we hope to be. We should be able to transcend a leadership change. I think that is the big hope here. And i think, you know, the 54 years of an embargo as many of our leaders have said over all of those years. It hasnt had the impact. It hasnt brought us a leadership change that would do that on its own. I think we have to be in a position where we feel confident about having a system in place that alouse different leadership to come and go. To be part of the change. If theres going to be the leadership change coming its far better theres a stronger argument that the u. S. Is there and able to influence indirectly be a part and a half. The imagery of it when you hear how many president s have come and gone and the castros remained. That itself is jarring and a reminder that things have changed but not there. Right. The isolation policy has not been able to change. Right. Even among the cubanamerican community. Theres a real again rational divide that older generation that had hopes of seeing the end of the castros. Theyre passing on. The Younger Generation is am bev lent and many not everyone is supporting this as its been strongly worded by senator marco rubio that he plans to do whatever he can within his power and his soon position of chairman of the subcommittee to derail any change in policy. Well continue to follow this breaking news on msnbc. Well be right back. The president expected to speak in about 20 minutes. I will light up every room i walk into. Olay presents the regenerist luminous collection. Renews surface cells to even skin tone. In just two weeks, see pearlescent, luminous skin. Regenerist luminous. Olay. Your best beautiful. And for many, its a struggle to keep your a1c down. So imagine, what if there was a new class of medicine that works differently to lower blood sugar . Imagine, loving your numbers. Introducing oncedaily invokana®. Its the first of a new kind of prescription medicine thats used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Invokana® is a oncedaily pill that works around the clock to help lower a1c. Heres how the kidneys allow sugar to be absorbed back into the body. Invokana® reduces the amount of sugar allowed back in, and sends some sugar out through the process of urination. And while its not for weight loss, it may help you lose some weight. Invokana® can cause important side effects, including dehydration, which may cause some people to have loss of body water and salt. This may also cause you to feel dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or weak especially when you stand up. Other side effects may include kidney problems, genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections, changes in urination, high potassium in the blood, or increases in cholesterol. Do not take invokana® if you have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis or if allergic to invokana® or its ingredients. Symptoms of allergic reaction may include rash, swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking invokana® and call your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions, medications you are taking, and if you have kidney or liver problems. Using invokana® with a sulfonylurea or insulin may increase risk of low blood sugar. Its time. Lower your blood sugar with invokana®. Imagine loving your numbers. Ask your doctor about invokana®. Mmmmmmm. Look out. Now theres even more of the amazing cinnamon taste you love on cinnamon toast crunch. Crave those crazy squares even more. Were about perhaps 15 minutes away from hearing from president obama who will discuss the release of alan gross and what could be a historic change in the u. S. Diplomatic changes with cuba. Well hear from cuban president who will address his nation on the major developments this morning. Joining me now is mark murray and chris jansing. Chris, let me start with you. As we receive more details on what were expecting from the president , expected to hear from the president , what can you tell us . Hes going to say, obviously, theyre happy for the release of alan gross, but in the bigger political picture, the message that the administration is sending is that engagement is better than isolation. That the policies that the United States has had in relation to cuba have not worked. Its not achieved what we wanted it to achieve. And now he believes the way to move forward is to do this. Its fascinating the way its come to be. The president sent signals over the years about his belief things had to change. This was a yearlong series of super secret meetings held between u. S. And cuban officials, youve been reporting. The vast majority coming in canada, but the impetus for the final impetus provided by letters that were sent to both president obama and president castro from pope francis and that final meeting that happened at the vatican. Of course, now the question becomes what happens politically moving forward . A senior official acknowledging they expect there will be a fight over the lifting of the embargo against cuba and already were seeing statements put out by members of congress who are criticizing what happens which they see as basic reporting what they see is tier any. Without a doubt its a biggest change in 50 years. Mark, the president has faced this dilemma for some years with the heavy pressure from the gross family. Felt the administration was not doing enough, frankly. Its important to note the politics of the and the reason why cuba and u. S. Relations are such a big political story. A lot has to do with the fact of cuba being next to florida and florida is such an important state in american politics. Particularly president ial runs. And the expatriot Cuban American Community in south florida has been overwhelming republican. What has gone on in recent years is the younger and younger cubanamericans are less hostile to the castro regime in cuba. That was one of the reasons why president obama was able to win florida in 2008 and 2012. President ial elections. So in a lot of ways the politics regarding cuba has changed. A recent poll taken earlier this year found that the majority of americans as well as majority of floridians support normalized relations between the u. S. And cuba. So its just important to get ahold of why this is such a big political story. Absolutely. Great perspective there. Thank you. Were going to take a quick break. Well be right back. Im angela, and i quit smoking with chantix. People who know me, they say i never thought you would quit. but chantix helped me do it. Along with support, Chantix Varenicline is proven to help people quit smoking. It gave me the power to overcome the urge to smoke. Some people had changes in behavior, thinking or mood, hostility, agitation, depressed mood and suicidal thoughts or actions while taking or after stopping chantix. Some people had seizures while taking chantix. If you have any of these, stop chantix and call your doctor right away. Tell your doctor about any history of Mental Health problems, which could get worse while taking chantix or history of seizures. Don take chantix if youve had a serious allergic or skin reaction to it. If you develop these, stop chantix and see your doctor right away as some can be lifethreatening. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart or blood vessel problems, or if you develop new or worse symptoms. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Decrease alcohol use while taking chantix. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. Common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping and unusual dreams. Im a nonsmoker, that feels amazing. Ask your doctor if chantix is right for you. Welcome back, we continue to follow breaking news. In ten minutes well hear from president obama who will discuss the release of alan gross and what could be a historic change with cuba. Handful of lawmakers there to greet him as he landed. Back in the United States after five years in prison, and one of those is illinois senator dick durbin. Thanks for joining us. Good to be with you. I can hear the excitement in your voice, what does this mean . Not just for the gross family, but for all americans watching . Well first, heres a man, five years in prison by cubans who finally made a good call. And what a positive response when we asked about the president s announcement coming up, he said if this doesnt lead to a better relationship with cuba, then i will have wasted five years of my life. He really is committed to the cuban people. He wants us to have a better relationship with the country. Its so interesting in a statement, the president made marking the fifth anniversary of mr. Grosss detention earlier this month, he said at the time, the cuban governments release would remove an impediment with relations between the United States and cuba, at the time, that statement was not a huge headline, but in reflection now, and the details we now know regarding the talks behind the scenes, that was ahead of the thought that we are discussing now. Well, thats another aspect to this, it turns out that the vatican, the pope played a role in this. We met legislatures met with the ambassador from the vatican to the United States about two years ago and said, with the pope going to cuba, heres a chance for the vatican to play a role as mediator. They played a very important role. And in your statement on your facebook page, you say that alans crime is that he provided the community with computer equipment to help them access the internet. Ive pressed the government for years to release him, i and my staff visited him in 2012 and again earlier this year. We know that the cuban government says they released him because of his health. Youve been in contact with him for this long, describe to me his condition from 2012 to what you saw today. I was really worried about him when i visited him in prison. Hed been there three years and you could tell it was taking its toll on him, physically, mentally, he was getting desperate. Separated from family and friends from that time. I was worried this year about what would happen if we werent successful. The good news is, this ended well. And hes back home, strong, good sense of humor, with his wife. You could just sense that hes so relieved back here in the United States. Already as you well know, some of your colleagues across the aisle have criticized this, senator rubio, senator Lindsey Graham as well saying that this is a bad idea, what weve seen here. And the notion of normalizing relations between u. S. And cuba. Some of them already vowing to block any effort here. What do you say to those words already coming out as mr. Gross has only been on the ground now a few minutes . Americas Foreign Policy of embargoes and exclusion was designed 55 years ago to put an end to the castros and communism in cuba. 55 years later, the castros and communism are still in cuba. Its time for a new approach. I think to throw up the doors to trade, travel, exchange of new ideas, were going to see a positive change in cuba. All right. Thank you so much senator durbin for joining us. I want to bring in bonnie, she is the sister of alan gross. Hello. Hi, how are you . Im wonderful, how are you . Im sure im not vaccine the day having the day youre having. First, when did you hear the news, bonnie . This morning, this morning, i had just woken up, and were in dallas and so were in the central time zone, and my cousin lives in maryland. And she called me first thing this morning and said alan is released, alan is released. My husband woke up, weve been jumping up and down. Im sure you could not believe what you were hearing. We were very happy to hear that. Did you have any idea, any notion that this was no. Nothing . No, i knew nothing. I knew nothing. But im very happy that hes coming home. Actually hes landed actually i saw. Yeah, we are showing the video right now. That he has landed. Hes here with his lovely wife. They are now together for the first time in five years. Yes. I saw that picture flash, with him and her before they left, and he had a big smile on his face. My husband and i laughed because he had a pen in his pocket just like my dad always used to. And that really made me laugh. And i know the family greatly concerned about his health over the past few years. And that is a part of what the cuban government said they were dealing with his health, and releasing him on humanitarian grounds, but we now know that alan will make a statement here shortly. Yes, im looking forward to seeing that. And, i cant imagine that you and the other Family Members are not planning some huge celebration, even though this is all happening very fast. And is moving rather quickly. But we wanted to have you on to hear the joy in your voice that i havent had, felt this light hearted in over five years. I saw alan in october of 2009, we had a family wedding. It was a wonderful occasion, and thats the last time i saw him. And ive been putting on a happy face hopefully trying, but always felt the heaviness, and now, i feel wonderful. Well, we are absolutely thrilled for your family and its wonderful to speak with you, cannot imagine what it must have been like for you to wait and wonder about your brothers health, and whether you would see him again. All these years later. So, i wish you the best, and cannot wait to hear how you celebrate together. I think one of your relatives referred to it as hanukkah miracle for the family. Thats the first thing my son said when i spoke to him this morning. Its a hanukkah miracle. Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to join us and our best to you and your entire family on this day. Thank you very much. Absolutely. Bye. That does it for this edition of news nation. Im tamyra hall, my colleague is standing fwoi pick up our coverage right now. Andrea. Hello, president obama will be announcing hes normalizing relations with cuba baa. Hell open since 1961. Cuba will open an embassy in washington. This is after the president talked to raul castro for 45 minutes yesterday. At the same time, president castro, raul castro of cuba will be announcing steps for new freedoms towards cubans in a live broadcast simultaneously from havana. All this just after alan gross today landed back on american soil. Arriving on a military plane at Andrews Air Force base after five years in a cuban jail. At the same time, three cubans convicted on espionage related charges, were released after 15 years in american prisons. In exchange for them, cuba released a u. S. Spy who had spent 20 years in a cuban jail. Early this morning, alans wife judy gross met him in havana. Left cuban air space at 8 45 a. M. When they crossed into u. S. Air space, i was told the pilot told his passengers gross stood up. Also on that plane, senators pat leahy and blake. He was met with bowls of popcorn and a corn beef sandwich on rye with mustard. He called his daughters and his sister bonnie and told them, im free. Gross first learned he was released when he got a call yesterday from his lawyer. He was embraced at ann draws air force base, you can see a picture now by john kerry who just flew back from europe. Kerry in fact was critically important in this entire exchange and also in the normalization of relations. As we await the president s remarks from the president with the white house, let me give you a little bit of background on john kerrys relationship. I am told that kerry and his first talks with president obama about joining the administration coming from the senate, asked about what would be the possibility of normalizing relations with havana. This had always been one of kerrys top agenda items. They discussed it, discussed how it would go forward. Alan grosss imprisonment was always an impediment. They engaged the vatican, pope francis got personally involved. And im joined now be Kristin Welker from the white house lawn and julius wide on foreign relations. Kristin, first, lets talk about the president s involvement in this extraordinary conversation between president obama and raul castro. As you point out andrea, it lasted for 45 minutes, extraordinary indeed. Officials describing this as the biggest shift in the u. S. Cuban relations in 50 years. President obama and president castro discussing that, finalizing all of the details of this release of alan gross and of the announcement they are going to make today, andrea. Among the changes will be an