Like several other major media outlets, USA Today tried to frame Obama’s handshake with Raul Castro, repressive communist dictator of Cuba, as a respectful nod to Mandela’s legacy of reconciliation with recent historical precedent.

After noting that the U.S. and Cuba have had no diplomatic relations since Fidel Castro’s communist revolution 50 years ago, reporter David Jackson provides some political cover for Obama by citing Bill Clinton’s famous handshake with Fidel Castro in 2000 and by highlighting Cuba and South Africa’s positive relationship during Mandela’s anti-apartheid movement.

The United States and Cuba have not had diplomatic relations since the communist revolution led by Castro's brother Fidel more than 50 years ago.

This appears to have been only the second U.S.-Cuban leader handshake in the last five decades. Back in 2000, Fidel Castro shook the hand of then-President Bill Clinton.

Fidel Castro backed Mandela's anti-apartheid efforts, and Mandela often expressed his admiration of Castro. Fidel Castro visited South Africa for a conference in 1998, years after Mandela's release from prison and election as president.

CNN’s Chris Cuomo attempted to frame the encounter in a similar way Tuesday, warning that the handshake between Obama and the Castro should not be misunderstood.