Florida Sen. Marco Rubio clashed with Donald Trump on Cuba at the Republican debate Thursday.
Rubio—who is of Cuban heritage from Miami—found fault in Trump’s answer to a question about the country and proceeded to rattle off reasons closing an “embassy” there would be a faulty strategy.
The billionaire said that he would close the embassy until America made better deal in Cuba, which Rubio remarked would have little effect.
“On the issue of a good deal, I know what the good deal is,” Rubio said. “I’ll tell you what the good deal now, it’s already codified. Here’s the good deal: Cuba has free elections, Cuba stops putting people in jail for speaking out.”
Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba were reestablished in late 2014, ending more than 50 years of isolation for the island nation some 90 miles south of Florida. In March, President Obama will become the first President to visit the country in almost 90 years.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Contact us at letters@time.com