Watch Interview with Fidel Castro - Special Edition of McNeill/Lehrer NewsHour - June 25, 1985

In 1985, the renowned broadcasting team of Robert MacNeil and Jim Lehrer of PBS NewsHour traveled to Cuba for an exclusive interview with the country's charismatic leader, Fidel Castro. The interview was conducted in Havana and was broadcasted globally as a special edition of the McNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. For a long time, Fidel Castro was one of the world's most intriguing and controversial leaders. He was considered a revolutionary who overthrew a dictator, established a communist regime that was very close to the Soviet Union, survived numerous assassination attempts, and led his country through difficult times of economic sanctions, blockade, and political isolation. Despite the many controversies surrounding him, Castro was highly regarded by many as a leader who stood up for the rights of Cuba and other developing countries against the domination of the United States and other capitalist powers.

The interview took place at the Palace of the Revolution, the main government building in Havana. MacNeil and Lehrer questioned Castro on a wide range of issues, including the Cold War, U.S.-Cuban relations, communism, socialism, democracy, freedom, human rights, and the future of Cuba. The interview was conducted in English, which Castro spoke fluently, and was translated for the Spanish-speaking audience.

Throughout the interview, Castro showed his political savvy, his wit, and his passion for his ideals. He spoke at length about the U.S. government's hostility towards Cuba and its efforts to isolate it economically and politically. He denounced what he saw as U.S. interference in the affairs of other countries, and accused the U.S. of supporting dictators and violating human rights around the world.

Castro was also highly critical of the capitalist system, which he saw as exploitative and unjust. He argued that socialism was a more humane and equitable system, and that it allowed people to live in dignity and fulfill their potential. He acknowledged that there were problems with socialism, including bureaucracy, inefficiency, and corruption, but argued that these were caused by external pressures and difficulties, rather than inherent flaws in the system itself.

The interview was not without moments of tension and controversy. At one point, MacNeil challenged Castro over his government's record on human rights, citing reports of political prisoners and dissidents being jailed and mistreated. Castro defended his government's actions, arguing that Cuba was in a state of war with the U.S. and that it had to take tough measures to protect its sovereignty and security. He also claimed that the U.S. had committed numerous human rights violations, both domestically and abroad.

Overall, the interview provided a rare glimpse into the mind and worldview of one of the most enigmatic and influential leaders of the 20th century. It allowed viewers to hear Castro's own words on the issues that defined his life and his legacy, and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of Cuban politics and history. The interview remains a valuable historical document and a fascinating piece of journalism.

Interview with Fidel Castro - Special Edition of McNeill/Lehrer NewsHour - June 25, 1985 is a 1985 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes.