Sunday 27 November 2016

Obama and Trump's opposite reactions to Fidel Castro's death caught the internet's ire

Politicians and leaders around the world are reacting to the news that former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, passed away on Friday.
Saturday morning, President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump released verydifferent statements on the death of 90-year-old Castro, both of which came under fire on social media.
Many Republicans have expressed their feelings that Obama's statement is far too soft, while others are mocking Trump for taking the time to focus on his endorsements in his much harsher statement about Castro.
President Obama released a sensitive and civil statement on the passing of Castro, offering his condolences to the people of Cuba and extending "a hand of friendship" to the country
He focused the majority of his statement on acknowledging the relationship between America and Cuba and vaguely addressed the "enormous impact" Castro had on the world. 
When Obama ended his statement by offering condolences to Castro's family, some Republicans — including Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush — commented on his "weak" delivery.
Trump, of course, took the opposite approach.
After announcing Castro's death earlier this morning on Twitter with four words and an exclamation point, the president-elect then released a much more elaborate and dramatic statement on the deceased former leader.
He referred to Castro as a "brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades" and expressed hopes for a future filled with freedom for the people in Cuba.
His statement then took an odd and somewhat boastful turn.
He ended his statement by mentioning the "many Cuban Americans" who supported him "so greatly" during his campaign and the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed him. 
Naturally, people were slightly confused by this and couldn't help but question whether this was the proper time for Trump to slip in a humble brag.
And while we're at it, Canada's Justin Trudeau caused quite the commotion with his statementon Castro.
Trudeau announced he was filled with "deep sorrow" after learning of Castro's death before describing him as a "larger than life leader" and a "legendary revolutionary and orator."
People shared their confusion over the seemingly high praise on Twitter.
"I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away," Trudeau said. "It was also a real honor to meet his three sons and his brother President Raúl Castro during my recent visit to Cuba."

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