SOTU and the Cuba Embargo

It's remarkable to hear a president ask Congress to lift the Cuba embargo during the State of the Union:

Let me give you another example. 

Fifty years of isolating Cuba had failed to promote democracy, it set us back in Latin America. That’s why we restored diplomatic relations, opened the door to travel and commerce, positioned ourselves to improve the lives of the Cuban people. 

(APPLAUSE) 

So, if you want to consolidate our leadership and credibility in the hemisphere, recognize that the Cold War is over. Lift the embargo. 

(APPLAUSE)

Lots of people, including me, have been making this case for many years, so it's nice to hear it from a president. The embargo defies all logic.

Update: here is the mention from the 2015 State of the Union. It was more forceful this year.

In Cuba, we are ending a policy that was long past its expiration date.  (Applause.)  When what you’re doing doesn’t work for 50 years, it’s time to try something new.  (Applause.)  And our shift in Cuba policy has the potential to end a legacy of mistrust in our hemisphere.  It removes a phony excuse for restrictions in Cuba.  It stands up for democratic values, and extends the hand of friendship to the Cuban people.  And this year, Congress should begin the work of ending the embargo.  (Applause.)