The Official Soledad O'Brien Fan Club

Host Pamm_MSNBC says:

Our guest is MSNBC's Soledad O'Brien. Soledad is covering the Pope's visit to Cuba

for MSNBC. She’s joined us to talk about the visit.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/POPECUBA_Front.asp

Host Soledad_OBrien says :

Hi everybody! Greetings from Cuba!

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Steve_Baxley says:

Soledad: first are you and the other members of the media free to roam and report what is going on ??

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I can't talk for everybody, but my experience is that we've been free to go everywhere. I've been surprised how open Cuban people are to being interviewed on the street. We're often invited into their homes afterwards. I haven't felt I was being watched or monitored.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I have noticed when you ask Cubans "sensitive questions" they tend not to answer them specifically. For example, people will often say there are many problems here that need to be fixed. When asked what, they say they can't go into it specifically. My sense is that people are wise enough not to say things that will get them in trouble.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Idalia says:

just want to know how the cubans have reacted to the visit

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

The Cuban people have to be the most friendly people I've ever met. People come up and hug us. I would say they've been extremely kind and generous to the media, allowing all kind of access into their lives and homes. I feel they believe they're misrepresented in the media and would like to have their stories told. At the end of interviews, it's

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

a Cuban saying, they say my house is your house, if you come back you can stay here.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Wisdom says:

Do you think the Pope's visit will help bring the US and Cuba back to normal relations?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

My thinking is that yes, however, in the long run, not necessarily in the short run. I think the Pope's been clear he's against the U.S. embargo and this helps clear the way for President Clinton to do something. Do I think it will happen in the next year? No. Do I think it will happen in the next two? Maybe.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

larry says:

Soledad: What is the security like to protect the pope?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

The only thing I've seen is the Popemobile, which is an unbelievable contraption to see up close. It looks like a ship in a bottle. I know that Cuba actually apparently has many fewer problems with firearms than the U.S. certainly. For example, police officers do not take their weapons home. But there are armed security guards who had a presence

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

in the Paseo where I was and the Pope came past us. At the same time, many fewer police than I've seen at Thanksgiving Day parade for example. There were also security cameras and security guards in front of the Papal Embassy, but not as many as I've seen in front of other buildings when a celebrity or head of state is staying there.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cmulder says: soledad, is seeing how the people live in cuba changing how you look at your own (american) life?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Definitely yes, but probably not in the way you'd think. It's been a real experience to see my family in Cuba, and it's made me realize a lot of things about my mother I didn't know. I'd never met her relatives. It's enjoyable to see someone who has the exact same mannerisms as your mother, that's a great experience.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I think because Cubans have so little money, the country has so little, they use everything, they are true recyclers. Cubans, when they cook, use all parts of the animal. There's much less wastefulness than in the U.S. and that's probably the thing that impressed me most.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

IndianaJack says: Will it strain relations between the US and Vatican?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

No. I think the U.S. will welcome something or somebody going into Cuba and acting as a catalyst for change.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cmulder says: as far as i know religion was forbidden in cuba , and now is the is the pope visiting there; does this afect the way people see religion ?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

It's interesting. Cuba is officially an atheist country. However, at the church where I was standing today, they have mass everyday at 5 p.m. and have had for the last 10 years.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I would say Cubans are very religious, although how many practice outside their homes is another question. So yes, the Pope's visit has allowed an overt display of Catholicism which wasn't allowed. I think the Cubans are a very religious and spiritual people.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Boda1 says:

Soledad: Is there any hostility towards the papal visit?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I have talked to only one person who told me she disagreed strongly with the Pope on his views about abortion. Beyond that, none whatsoever.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Abortion is legal in Cuba and available. Government supported.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Tink says:

Soledad, do most Cubans really like the government, or do they just go along with the status quo?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I think on one hand, Cubans are very afraid to speak their minds. Cuba is of course a Stalinist model which means the government controls every aspect of people's lives, i.e. your livelihood, your home, your school, not only for yourself but your whole family. One man said to me, "At least under Batista, the only thing you could lose was your life" .

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

On the other hand, there have been many reforms for the people under Castro that have to be accepted. Cubans have had extremely progressive daycare since 1961. It's inexpensive, goes from 6 am to 6 p.m. They start taking care of children at 6 months to school age. This is something American woman have been fighting for for a decade maybe

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

more. In Cuba you won't see homelessness, everybody eats. Everybody is provided food, but many people don't eat well. I was talking to my 90 year old great aunt and she said all of her children have college degrees, she didn't pay a dime for their education, she claims there is little or less discrimination. I sense she feels there is a cost to

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

this and that is free speech. Mothers will tell me they don't worry about their children using drugs, being shot or kidnapped, it doesn't happen here. However, children and parents are frustrated because they have training in jobs that don't exist anymore. So it's a very complicated issue.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Dan says:

Soledad: Do you think that the primary reason that Castro is so receptive to the Pope is his large following in capitalist nations? Is he trying to show the people of the world that he is "compassionate"?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

My take on this is that Castro recognizes the fact that he's aging, the Cuban economy is a disaster, the people are growing more and more vocally frustrated and that he recognizes that the relationship with the U.S. has something to do with all this.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

And he's trying to repair that relationship before he dies. That's my sense and maybe that's a very optimistic look at this whole scenario.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Wisdom says:

What does the average Cuban think about President Clinton?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

All I can speak about is those I've spoken to, including my family. I'd say they're very unhappy with the U.S. That the U.S embargo, not just for economic reasons, but they'd like to visit their relatives in the U.S. freely.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Wisdom says:

Have you any comments on the Pope's health?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

In the 10 seconds that I saw him, I have to say my first thought was he looks just like he looks on television. In all seriousness, he looked fine from a distance at a very high speed for what it's worth.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

knollman says:

Soledad-- you do make an excellent point. It is ironic that an economy that is in such difficult straits can provided such complete cradle to grave medical car, child care, and educational opportunities. But, How can a bankrupt economy continue to provide such benefits?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I'm not sure that's Cuba's biggest problem right now. I think the biggest problem is creating a two-tiered economic system in the country. In 1993 when Cubans began accepting American dollars (before 1993 a Cuban caught with an American dollar would have been put in prison), you've created an economy where if you don't have U.S. dollars you do

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

without. Cubans make on average 250 pesos per month, the equivalent of ten bucks per month. There are no places in Havana right now you can buy clothing with pesos. If you don't have access to dollars and no one is paid in dollars you can't buy clothes. You can't buy fruit, you can't buy a lot of things.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Many people with access to U.S. dollars are people with relatives in the U.S. who send them money. They're creating exactly what they set out to destroy in the revolution 33 years ago - people with more, people with less. It's become a big problem now.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Hi Tom and I want to thank you once again for running the fan club! :)

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Chuck_Kopsho says:

Soledad_OBrien, what is the reaction to the impending problems of President Clinton down there in Cuba?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Certainly all the journalists know and in fact the main anchors have all flown back and left Cuba. I'd be interested in hearing what everybody else thinks about it.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

How’s the nightlife?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Actually we sampled a little of the nightlife and it's fun! I mostly spend the nights working in a converted ballroom with my colleagues from MSNBC where our workstation is set up. We tend to work around the clock.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Wisdom says:

Can you get a decent pizza in Havanna?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

You can get an okay pizza in Cuba. You get excellent black beans and rice. I had grilled lobster for dinner which was fabulous!

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

anita says:

Are you in a Hotel or with your relatives?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I've seen my relatives a couple of times, but I'm staying in a hotel called the Havana Libre.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

larry says:

Is this a sign of the end of castro?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I think the end of Castro will be when Castro dies and not before. But that is my guess.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cmulder says:

Do you feel save being being in cuba?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I feel very safe. Safer than I feel when I'm walking home from the subway to my apartment at home.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Home being the upper West Side in NY.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Steve_Baxley says:

do they really drive cars made in the 60s

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Yes, but you hear about that so much that you'd think those are the only cars on the street. Truth is there are many cars made in places other than the U.S., the little tiny cars that are all over the place. They are in much greater number than the big old American gas guzzlers from the 60's. But there a number of those cars and they're enjoyable

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

to see. Gas is rationed and you need coupons to get it.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Pete says:

Soledad, do you expect any opportunities for visiting journalists to question Castro?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

My guess is no. But, I'd say that not having made a request for interview myself as I'm here to cover the people not the government. But as the anchors of the 3 big networks have gone back to cover Clinton, no.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cando says:

How are the tourists doing? My brothers there now with 2 other couples.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

The tourists, I think, are doing really well. There are no people more hospitable than Cubans. The weather has been beautiful and there's incredible energy with the Pope’s visit so it's an incredible time to be here.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

They have a good tourist structure. My room is as spacious and nice as a Sheraton. Great bed, big room, great view with a wall of windows type of thing.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

rebel2 says:

Soledad, how free is web access?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I have no idea. Although I know that my relatives were amazed, they couldn't believe and wanted me to confirm for them that it was possible to email a journalist and ask them about their reports . I had to laugh because I guess they never watched "The Site".

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cmulder says:

Soledad do you still work on the book about your mother?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Actually, I gained a lot of material about my mother on this trip, but I think it's going to be a long term project.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Wisdom says:

Are there any American dignitaries on hand in Havanna for the Pope's visit, Soledad?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Only the religious kind. I believe every single archbishop with the exception of one, and many, many cardinals are here. But no government officials that I know of.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

topdj says:

Q: Why are US Citizens so curious about a visit of a theological leader to a country??

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I think the answer lies in the history of Cuba. Cuba has been a thorn in the side of America for a long time, yet at the same time, the U.S. continues an embargo that many people believe makes no sense. I think Cuba being just 90 miles off our coast is so close, yet ideologically across the world from us. It's a fascinating case study.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

topdj says:

Q: what are the expectations of Cuban citizens about the visit and... about all those media attention? Has Soledad any impressions at this point? Or maybe interviews with different Cubans?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I think a combination of the two. The spiritual significance makes it a tremendous occasion. But I think many others hope it will make a difference economically. I don't think they think the Pope's mass on Sunday will change things right away. But with all the attention on Cuba, you can't help but hope some changes will come out of it.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

daguns says:

Soledad: Have you had a chance to visit the countryside? If so what is your impression of the state of the current agricultural development?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

It's interesting. The agriculture, the most I saw was from a plane. It came in low and we flew over a large chunk of the country. I haven't really been out of Havana. So unfortunately we've worked so hard and have so many live shots we have to do that I can't leave for 3 hours to drive into the provinces.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

We took a charter out of Miami to arrive in Cuba.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

How’s the transportation?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

The roads have been great. People drive, there's a good bus system, in the sense that it covers everything though not very regular.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

matt says:

Soledad... Good question... what is the racial makeup of Cuba?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Totally no, I would say there's a tremendous amount of people of African descent, many people who are mezcisos, which is racially mixed. Then you have people who are whites. The country is so beautiful and people are so interesting looking because people are so intermixed. My cousin for example is a dark skinned black woman with the most

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

striking blue eyes you've ever seen.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

GoCincy says:

Are people in Cuba willing to talk openly about conditions there?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

To a certain extent yet. I think they're willing to say they're frustrated, can't make ends meet, don't have money to buy food. But they very much stop short of criticizing the government and are more willing to criticize the U.S. embargo, which is only part of the problem. I think people are afraid to criticize the government.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Send me email at sobrien@msnbc.com

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cmulder says: soledad do you think your view of cuba is influenced by the the fact your mother is born there?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I think it would be naive to say otherwise, people always bring their own perspectives into whatever they do. A lot of what I know about Cuba is from what my mother told me. On one hand it's yes, on the other hand in my reporting I've always striven to be balanced and fair and think I'm successful in doing that.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Do you miss The Site?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Very much. Even more, I miss all my friends from The Site who remain in San Francisco as I toil away in NYC.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cando says:

How poor are the people do they seem to be starving?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

No, people are not starving. Though they don't have as much as they'd like. I'd say people live in the most dilapidated houses there. People live in these mansions that are utterly falling apart. It's the strangest thing to go inside and see these places. But Cubans are probably the cleanest people I've ever seen. No garbage on the streets.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

We've been dropping in on people unannounced and their homes are absolutely clean.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

mike says: can anyone from the us go to cuba at any time?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

No. No one from the U.S. can go to Cuba at anytime. Most Americans who visit Cuba go through other countries.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Jimbo says:

Will you shoot Morning Blend in Cuba this weekend?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

That's the plan, that we'll anchor the show from Havana. However, depending on what transpires with our president, we'll determine that probably sometime on Friday.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

matt says:

Soledad--- they don't shoot you when you get on their property?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I cannot emphasize this enough. People are unbelievably friendly, there is no hostility from Cubans. Today I was doing a story from a beautiful church. So I went in search of an old woman who'd know the history of the church. I sat in her living room for half an hour and she told me how Mother Teresa had been in that church in 1986.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

This is a standard daily occurrence. These people are unbelievably friendly. I don't get the sense they were told to be this way.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

brotherb says:

what happen in Cuba today that sticks out the most

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Today I sat at the top of a little hill and had a vantage point of about a quarter mile in each direction, I saw about 1000 feet long. I saw 40,000 people standing for 5 and 6 hours as they waiting for the Pope to drive by. For 8 seconds. They were patient and sweet, as we were trying to shoot. It has been the most pleasant experience dealing

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

with people here.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

topdj says:

Q: Has Soledad any impression about what Cubans think about all those Cubans in the States? Let them stay there or....?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Cubans in the States are not of one mind. The Cuban community in Miami is different from Union City, NJ. I also think Cubans in Cuba are not of one mind when it comes to their relationships with those who have left. Remember, people have left for many different reasons and at many different times in history.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

daguns says:

Soledad: Break the producres behind and get some time to see the countryside then come back and give us your impression.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I actually will plan to do that when El Papa goes back to Rome. I'm going to get to spend some time with my cousins and take a couple of days off.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

uno says:

Mrs Soledad Are you in Havana? Where?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I am in Havana. I'm staying very close to the Deadel section. And I'm staying at the Havana Libre hotel where NBC has quartered its workstation.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

What is the pope's schedule?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

He goes to Camaguey tomorrow, which is a province somewhere east of Havana, not too far.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Jimbo says:

Have you participated in any activites or customs during your stay?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

One of my cousins is a Santeria and her cousin is a bablau which is priests and believes in the Santeria religion so I'm trying to understand that complex religion.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cmulder says:

soledad can cubans listen to us radio stations?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

There's Radio Martee but what they see mainly is VH1 type stuff and the equivalent of Showtime.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Wisdom says:

Is VISA accepted in Havana?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

No, actually there's no place for plastic or traveler’s checks, you want to pay cash in small bills.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Jimbo says:

Soledad, did anybody in your family arrive with you?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

No. I would have loved to come with my parents because they're a lot of fun.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

Prince says:

what do you think will happen when Casto dies? Is there any other strong dictator to take his place or what?

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Many people think that Raoul Castro will step in and play some kind of leadership role once Fidel is no longer here. However, many people also know that Raoul is no Fidel and leadership under him would be very different. But Fidel Castro has already pretty much picked him as his successor.

Host Chris_MSNBC says:

cubita says:

Soledad is true that Cuba got a day off today

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

I actually don't know. It would support the fact that 2 million people at least were in the streets today, but I don't know that to be true.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

We'll be reporting from here on Brian William's show Thursday and Friday night, then we're supposed to anchor Morning Blend from here on Saturday. And we'll cover the Pope's mass on Sunday live.

Host Soledad_OBrien says:

Thank you and good night!