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By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Potential 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton knows a political gift when she sees one.

She was quick to embrace the step this week when President Barack Obama, a fellow Democrat no longer having to face an electorate, relaxed U.S. policy toward Cuba.

While assailed by Republicans opposed to restoring ties with the communist-led island, the action has the power to solidify support for Democrats among increasingly influential Latino voters and appeal to voters in farm states like Iowa eager to do business in Havana.

Obama's unilateral move has gently shaken up the 2016 race to succeed him, exposing divisions among Republicans and possibly helping Democrats already buoyed by his decision to liberalize immigration policy.

Potential contenders Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio adhered to the traditional Republican hard line on Cuba and sharply criticized Obama. But Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who has a libertarian streak, backed the new policy.

A likely White House candidate, Paul told a West Virginia radio station that the 50-year-old embargo with Cuba "just hasn't worked."

Clinton, Obama's former secretary of state, also had asserted the previous policy was not working. In her memoir, "Hard Choices," she wrote that she urged Obama to shift. She welcomed the change in a statement on Wednesday.

Democrats argue that Clinton's embrace of Obama on Cuba could help her with Latino voters, especially younger ones in the key state of Florida, who are less inclined than their elders to be virulently opposed to the Cuban government.

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With Cuba Decision, Obama Hands Hillary Clinton A 2016 Gift

Kerry Kennedy Introduces Hillary Clinton at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Gala, December 16, 2014
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights President Kerry Kennedy introduces former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the 2014 Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner.

By: Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

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Kerry Kennedy Introduces Hillary Clinton at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Gala, December 16, 2014 - Video

Regarding the rush to give Hillary Clinton the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, put me down as underwhelmed.

I know she's already the putative nominee. I know she's the strongest candidate the Democrats have against anyone on the Republican side. I know she can raise more money than everyoneelse and knows how to run a national campaign. I know she would have a former president at her side, offering wise counsel.

I know, if elected, she would be uniquely qualified and experienced in the job, the first president who was also first lady. And I know that her nomination and election would make obvious history in other ways.

In the end, it may not matter that anyoneisunderwhelmed by the prospect of President Hillary Clinton. Many observers regard her nomination asinevitable - and she has not even announced her candidacy.

Of course, she seemed to have it all wrapped up in late 2007. She had the money and experience and the right supporters. But there was the small matter of Barack Obama, who ran off with the nomination she thought was hers.

If Clinton is nominated, however, I'll be sad that the Democratic Party missed a historic moment to nominate someone capable of the bold, transformative leadership the nation still needs. Based on her 2008 candidacy and her tenure as secretary of state, there's not much about Clinton that is bold or transformative.

She lost the 2008 nomination in large part because she had supported George W. Bush's disastrous Iraq War. The succeeding years seem not to have taught her much humility when it comes to the use of America's military. She's almost hawkish as ever.

Democrats looking for someone to take on Wall Street and the big banks and fixa corrupt system that is rigged against the little guy might wish to look elsewhere. Nominating a wealthy, powerful former New York senator would be among the last things you would do if you wanted to reformthe nation's financial system.

To me, at least, she embodies the past (and that has nothing to do with her age). She simply exudes "privileged Democratic establishment."

As a candidate, she is wooden in manner and instinctively cautious and guarded. I'm not sure whom she inspires, but it's not me.

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Underwhelmed by Hillary Clinton: Robert Mann

Howard Dean: #39;One of the Nice Things #39; About Hillary Clinton is She Doesn #39;t Take Many Positions
Howard Dean: #39;One of the Nice Things #39; About Hillary Clinton is She Doesn #39;t Take Many Positions (December 14, 2014)

By: Washington Free Beacon

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Howard Dean: 'One of the Nice Things' About Hillary Clinton is She Doesn't Take Many Positions - Video

Data2x Progress Event
Bloomberg Philanthropies hosts a press announcement for Data2X a partnership launched by Secretary Hillary Clinton in July 2012 to identify and spur efforts to fill gender data gaps.

By: Bloomberg Philanthropies

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Data2x Progress Event - Video