Barack Obama Once Advocated for Real U.S.-Haiti Partnership

During a campaign stop in Florida in October 2008, then-U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama expressed a desire to transform U.S. policy toward Haiti by establishing a true partnership aimed at long-term development--not just humanitarian aid.

Speaking to Haitian-American audiences, Senator Obama was openly critical of past U.S. approaches to Haiti.

He emphasized that Washington had not paid enough attention to the country's structural challenges and stressed the need for deeper cooperation with Haitian authorities to stimulate economic growth and sustainable progress.

"We must work with the Haitian government to support Haiti's economic development.

It's time to move beyond charity and build a meaningful partnership," Obama stated.

Haiti-U.S. relations were a central theme during the Florida tour. Prominent Haitian political figures such as Mirlande Manigat (RDNP), Evans Paul (Alliance), and Micha Gaillard (Fusion) voiced support for Obama's vision, with some cautioning against underestimating Republican contender John McCain.

Senate President Kelly Bastien also publicly backed Obama, saying that as a private citizen, he believed the Democratic candidate was better positioned to address the concerns of Haitians living in the United States.

Historical Context:

This statement came just weeks before the 2008 U.S. presidential election, during a time when Haitian-American voters were seen as a key demographic in swing states like Florida.

Obama's comments reflected a broader campaign effort to engage diaspora communities and rethink foreign policy through a more collaborative lens.