October 29, 2007
Posted: October 29th, 2007 05:23 PM ET

Giuliani and wife Judith picked pumpkins in New Hampshire over the weekend.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani highlights his successful battle with prostate cancer in a new radio ad out Monday, and claims a "socialized" healthcare system would have significantly decreased his chances of survival.

“I had prostate cancer, five, six years ago,” the former New York City mayor says in the radio ad set to air in New Hampshire. “My chance of surviving prostate cancer, and thank God I was cured of it, in the United States, 82 percent. My chances of surviving prostate cancer in England, only 44 percent under socialized medicine."

“You and I should be making the decisions about what kind of health care we get with our doctors, not with a government bureaucrat," Giuliani continues in the ad. "What we need to do is to give people a $15,000 deduction for a family, a $7,500 deduction for an individual so they can go out and buy their own health insurance.”

All the leading Democratic presidential candidates have proposed universal healthcare plans, a policy approach Giuliani has often referred to as "socialist."

Giuliani dropped out of the New York Senate race in the spring of 2000 after announcing he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent successful surgery the following September.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Ads • New Hampshire • Rudy Giuliani


jon, chicago, il   November 30th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

anyone who thinks socialized medicine is a good idea shut up and go live in a country that does, it is not even an argument. for someone who cannot afford premiums, get a better job. If you can't get a better job. If you can't get a better job go to school. if you can't go to school because your stupid, why should i have to pay for your health care premiums via my tax dollar. I don't work for free, I work for myself and for my family. Taxes on most of my income are close to 40%, any higher and maybe i'll quit my business, quit providing jobs for others that puts food on their table, and collect welfare, and free health care. There needs to be incentive to work, wages and health care are a nice incentive.

MIKE ADKINS,CHARLOTTE,NC   October 31st, 2007 9:48 am ET

i'm happy for rudy that he recovered from prostate cancer but when are they going to do something about his brain tumor?

Jeff, Richmond, VA   October 31st, 2007 1:36 am ET

Giuliani IS cancer!

Unknown   October 30th, 2007 3:48 pm ET

All of you are such a bunch of know- it- alls. Think what you want, but you are way off course. You should never assume something you know nothing about.

Pat BGWA   October 30th, 2007 3:47 pm ET

Hey Ronnie Knoxville TN
Answer is not to your questions- -except the gas guzzler. Can't Afford
a new energy efficient car. How 'bout you trade with me? Since you know what all of these "LUXURIES" cost I'm sure you enjoy paying for them. Moron!

Moe, NY   October 30th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

Ronnie – Knoxvill, Tn...the answer to your blog is NO to all of your questions. Glad you are healthy and obviously have and can afford health insurance, but there are over 46 million people in this country who cannot. Stop thinking of yourself, find some compassion for other people. Step into the real America...open your eyes and see what is going on or not as the case may be!

Edw. J - Springfield Ma.   October 30th, 2007 12:04 pm ET

I think the government should work together with the private medical field to make it possible for giving the people the best of both worlds. I don't want some bureaucrat or govt employee making decisions about my health or making me wait in long lines.

Brandon, Tampa, FL   October 30th, 2007 11:28 am ET

What bizarro universe is Rudy Guiliani living in?

doremus jessup   October 30th, 2007 10:07 am ET

Rudy, if you were a regular person in America you would know insurance companies simply won't insure many people, the very ones that need it most.
A large "pool" of individuals, e.g. subscribers through a large company or institution benefit by reduced cost.
How is "indivudual insurance" going to help those that aren't included under these catagories? Of course the insurance companies and large corporations would love to have their insurance obligations reduced by eliminating the peole that need it most because they now get a "tax break." Give the American people a break from your polical rhetoric. Your plan is designed to pander to the ignorant, appeal to the greedy insurance and corporate hogs while doing nothing to promote real health care and well being. Go back to defending NYC from terrorists and mobsters. They're nastier and meaner than the sick and crippled individual you're attacking with your nutty, greedy, misinformed plan.

ronnie - knoxville, tn.   October 30th, 2007 9:55 am ET

to those who think they can't afford medical ins.

Do you buy coffee everyday? That's 900.00 per year.

Do you have to go to first-run movies? That's 800.00 per year.

Do you eat meals out more than once per week? That's anywhere from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00 per year;

Do you buy one DVD per month? That's 300.00 to $500.00 per year.

Do you go through fast food places once or twice per week instead of making food yourself? That's from $700.00 to $1000.00 per year.

Do you drive a gas-guzzler? That's from $1200.00 to $3000.00 per year more than an energy efficient car.

Is there enough already taken out of your taxes on payday? Or should they take another ten per cent from your check for health care? Whether you cut back on the luxuries or they take more taxes, you're going to have to pay for health care. Wouldn't you rather not let the politicians decide who gets care and who is denied?

therealist   October 30th, 2007 9:10 am ET

So unless you are rich and white. -Jon

?? All the black people that I work with have the best healthcare in the world too. No, we're not rich. And no, we can not afford to fork over more tax dollars to a democrat nor do we want to fork over more tax dollars to a democrat for less healthcare service than we have right now. Period.

al, San Francisco, CA   October 30th, 2007 8:54 am ET

What is the use of the $7500 income deduction on the tax return if you cannot afford to pay the medical expenses in the first place? Besides, the govt only partially subsidize the medical payments based on the person's marginal tax rate.

Caution: Giuliani spins and is an idiot.

Mary V, OH   October 30th, 2007 4:42 am ET

Are you kidding, I've lived in Canada with their health care program and you can have it. Why do you think so many Canadians cross into the US for the care they need but can't get there in a timely manner. That's why we moved back to the states!!!

Pall Forloney, Riomaggiore, Italy   October 30th, 2007 4:32 am ET

A little something about socialized medicine, it is not what you people think it is. You can not walk into the doctors office and say I want to have my problem taken care of. It will take months of paper work and checking into and the after a year they will tell you when you can go to the hospital. You need other insurance to carry you as well as socialized medicine. The real problem is that the doctors and hospitals charge to much for everything. I am going in to have a 5 hour operation on my hand next month. I will stay in the hospital for 3 days and the cost is 1,454.34 Euro total. Now you tell me where are you going to get this done in the US for this price? By the way this is being paid for by my extra insurance that I carry.
So before you jump up for the govt. insurance, look be for you leep.

Ken, Tucson, AZ   October 30th, 2007 4:03 am ET

Those deductions that Rudy proposes assumes that everyone has a job that pays enough for those deductions to be used. If you have a family of four and earn less than $50,000 a year, the deductions are worthless.

Sam, IA   October 30th, 2007 3:56 am ET

I always love this dodge. The ole give em a tax deduction scam. They know that the people who they are targeting these deductions to don't make enough to have that much of a tax burden. The sad fact is that in america you are more likely to survive because less people are diagnosed. Many are never seen until the end game has set in and the cancer has spread thoughout thier system thus the diagnoses is not simply prostate cancer.
I don't see a large influx of Canandian migrant workers sneaking across the border to escape thier healthcare. Post your hate radio factoids, or should i say fictionoids.

Jim,Tarrytown,ny   October 30th, 2007 2:52 am ET

Rude Rudi does not know what he is talking about.Yes most Doctors and insurance companies agree whith morons like rudi-they are making the money.But most Americans are"dying" to see a better health system than the one we have now or the one suggested by the unethical Giuliani.

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   October 30th, 2007 2:21 am ET

Mr. Giuliani who are you trying to fool? A family of four earning $60,000 a year would only be eligible for a $5028 deduction. Nowhere near the cost of health insurance.
I believe that with health care costing $1000 a month a family of four would need an income around $90,000 a year.
So again another idea that sounds good but is not. So back to the drawing board for you.

Rick, Kansas City, MO   October 30th, 2007 1:34 am ET

Socialism only looks good on paper. Look how well it worked out for the USSR.

Eugene Debs is long gone; we don't need HRC to replace him.

Liberal Chic   October 30th, 2007 12:19 am ET

I am not saying we should have universal health care, though some form of it with basic coverage (not every type of experiemental drug or million dollar treatment) would probably be good for America. But I would like to hear Giuliani say he doesn't want universal health care if he didn't have insurance or made low wages. How is a single person going to afford a $7500 for insurance, even with deductions, if he only makes $20K a year? Or how about if you are unemployed and looking for a job? From where is that $7500 going to come?

This is one of those dumb, merit-less arguments Giuliani is going to make to attack Democrats. Why doesn't he and Judi enjoy the good life in the Hamptons and leave politics alone? None of us begrudge his speaking fees as a result of 9/11.

Owen Vander, Evansville, IN   October 30th, 2007 12:13 am ET

Do the people who need health insurance for their families pay at least $15,000 in income taxes??? How much help will this deduction be to families who can not currently afford health insurance and, for example, pay $1000 in income taxes? Please advise me Rudy??? All I see of your proposal is another handout to the well off....

JD, Birmingham, Ala   October 29th, 2007 11:02 pm ET

Why can't the newsmedia Google? Rudy's chances of survival were just as good in England. I wonder if his employer paid for his insurance? As a lifelong feaster at the public trough, I'm sure he accepted publicly financed health care.

Tim, El Cerrito Ca   October 29th, 2007 10:36 pm ET

This is typical Republican lies and distortions. When are the Republicans going to wake up and realize they are the ones without any credibility?

Andrew, Atlanta, GA   October 29th, 2007 10:06 pm ET

I know – this guy knows NOTHING about health care systems. It's unbelievable that he compares the U.S. to what is probably regarded as the worst known socialized medicine system – England. Really, that's desperate. The fact of the matter is that the U.S. has one of the worst overall mortality rates of all western countries. You can't pick out the success rate of treatment of ONE disease and then pretend it represents the effectiveness of the health care system in general. Really, if this man has this lack of intelligence about health care, where else is he lacking? It's either lack of intelligence or lack of morality – he purposely tries to deceive others by misrepresenting a entire health care system with one, limited example. You choose. Either way, it's not good.

xtina - chicago IL   October 29th, 2007 10:01 pm ET

This totally makes sense. Give us a tax deduction to buy our own health care instead of taking more taxes from our checks and letting the federal government run our health care choices. Either way, we pay for it, why give the power to the government?

harold   October 29th, 2007 9:44 pm ET

her health care is not socialist,i dont see where with your plan,that anyone can go out and get there own can't afford yours,she is right Universal health care for all americans once the system is in it will work.don't let these repbubs,quit spending there theory on war,and we wouldnt me in this mess.you follow bush to much

Virginia, Rock Island, IL   October 29th, 2007 9:42 pm ET

When I studied in Spain seven years ago, my host family had *private* insurance – in a country that has socialized medicine. Living there really drove home to me that it's not an either-or choice of private OR single-payer funded health care.

A government run health care system would more efficiently pay for the cases hospitals are currently forced to take on as charity cases – which they then bill the government for. Our tax dollars are already paying for this, but we can get better results for our same money.

People who currently have private insurance would largely continue to buy it, and this group would still receive the lower wait times and expanded treatment options that go with being willing to pay a premium for your care.

People who currently receive good health care would continue to do so. People who currently receive abysmal health care would upgrade to merely inferior. What's to object to about that?

anthony wade, vancouver, british columbia   October 29th, 2007 9:33 pm ET

yup – canada has a good health care system but we also have 50% tax for a manager of a McDonalds. I would take the USA healthcare any day – and the tax dollars back! Socialism sucks – I know cuz I live with it.

Peter, Wausau, WI   October 29th, 2007 9:27 pm ET

Very true! While I don't plan to vote for Rudy (instead, vote for Fred Thompson!), I respect his efforts to stand up against the socialist liberals.

linda, bella vista, ar   October 29th, 2007 9:21 pm ET

You don't seemed to be posting comments, but I am going to try on this one. Someone actually checked Rudy's figures on this one. The actual UK survival rate is 74.4%. The discussion is that the difference is that the US has promoted early detection to get men to 'discuss' associated difficulties with their doctors. The early detection is the difference in the survival rate, not the difference in treatment.

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   October 29th, 2007 8:21 pm ET

Figures lie and liars figure.
Enough said.

Grover Fairfield, Ohio   October 29th, 2007 8:20 pm ET

I cannot believe how the opponents of single payer government backed health care keep repeating the lies about universal health care. They exaggerate the negatives and down play the positives, and exaggerate the cost. I cannot believe how the opponents of single payer government backed health care keep repeating the lies about universal health care. They exaggerate the negatives and down play the positives, and exaggerate the cost. The US spends in many cases exponentially more than the rest of the countries in the 'advanced' world, and gets a far lesser result, and it is getting worse.

I read an article by a woman who had recently moved here from Australia.

Basically she said the only medical services that the people of Australia had to wait on were elective surgery. The cost was a 1.5% tax.

The cost is far less than what the opponents predict. In the case of Giuliani, where would have been little or no wait with a system like Australia, Canada, or England.

So Rudy, cut the BS.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 29th, 2007 8:19 pm ET

To Pat in Huntington ny: Thanks for replying for me because again Giuliani just opens his mouth without correct facts.

Brandi,ny   October 29th, 2007 7:56 pm ET

I am not talking about myself in case anybody thinks that, I am talking about a family member who lives in N.J. who I really don't care very much about. She just always talks kind of slow and forgets she told you things.

Brandi,ny   October 29th, 2007 7:30 pm ET

I am NOT being unkind, but maybe that is what is wrong with Rudy. If he had kemo-therapy they say that it affects your brain slightly.

jw, canadian,ok   October 29th, 2007 7:29 pm ET

Rudy can't remember how many years ago he had prostrate cancer, but he can quote 44% and 82% – that is much bs.

SD Smith, Seattle, WA   October 29th, 2007 6:59 pm ET

Let them eat health care Rudolph?

Rudy? Ever stop and ask yourself what the 40 million Americans without health care think about our system. Bet they would take a so-called "socialized" 44 percent survial rate, given their current odds of beating prostate cancer or other life threatening illness are likely much lower.

America's health care system is nice for those who can afford it (ie Rudolph) and a disaster for those who can't.

cristin, orlando FL   October 29th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

"Giuliani and wife Judith picked pumpkins in New Hampshire over the weekend." Really? In that suit?

Vance, Lansing, MI   October 29th, 2007 6:35 pm ET

And for those with cancer and no insurance, what does Rudy offer?
Nothing, nada. What a big phoney!

sheridan, los angeles, calif.   October 29th, 2007 6:28 pm ET

That makes no sense at all. If they did not have socialized medicine in England many people would have no health care at all and would surely die of prostate cancer if not treated. Is Rudy the only one who deserves to beat prostate cancer? What an ego.

Donna, Waco TX   October 29th, 2007 6:10 pm ET

That's just ducky, Rudy.

I was diagnosed with oral cancer last week, and I don't have health insurance and your tax deduction wouldn't do squat for me. So guess what the survival rate for cancer with no medical intervention is?

MR, Boston, MA   October 29th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

Too bad he didn't go to England.

josh   October 29th, 2007 5:55 pm ET

correction:
In 9 months she'd be dead. So she came the the USA, had the surgery and is NOW doing great

josh   October 29th, 2007 5:53 pm ET

Pat, You're talking like a donkey. Speaking as a health care provider, I vow to quit medicine the minute it becomes socialized, which, btw, is exactly what Hillary wants to do. I will not go through all the schooling I have gone through to be paid like a teacher. I'll open a land scaping, or t-shirt printing business before I do that.

So what does it matter if more people can afford health care if there is no one to deliver health care. Just ask all the Canadians who cross the border and pay cash for services they can not wait for in Canada.

I know a nice canadian lady who had a brain tumor that needed immediate surgery. The Canadian socialized system said: "no problem, just get in line... it will be 9 months". In 9 months she'd be dead. So she came the the USA, had the surgery and is not doing great.

Go American Medicine!

Once we socialize medicine, where will all the Canadians go?

CitizenJ   October 29th, 2007 5:53 pm ET

His chances are so high here because he has a great insurance plan. What about those who can't afford insurance or aren't covered as well as they think? What are their chances?

Juan Perez, Leesburg, VA   October 29th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

The former Mayor's comments show just how disconnected from reality the Republicans are. Here are a few key points to ponder:

1) He is a millionaire and while money can't cure cancer, his access to the best doctors and his name gave him a "leg up" against this devastating illness.

2) The comment about health decision being between people and their doctor doesn't work when your only option to talk to a doctor is when you go the emergency room. Somewhere between 15 and 30 million Americans do not have access to a family practitioner or local clinic. If these Americans had access to the proper treatment at the proper time, we would reduce the burden for local governments and hospitals caused by last minute treatment visits to emergency rooms.

3) The lower-middle class is one severe illness away from having to go bankrupt. I don't have the specific data but since most insured Americans get their health care through their job (how crazy does that sound?), if the head of household loses his/her job or gets terminally ill, the entire family falls apart and that hurts the economy as well as destroy the progress made by hard working families.

It is incredible that we are to blind to realized that most politicians are saying what their campaign financiers want them to say.

Bush/Cheney – Oil and military complex get the real benefits of War.

Democrats – Healthcare and unions.

Both are equally guilty. Let's do something about it people.

Juan Perez
mojuan@gmail.com

Baba Cambridge MA   October 29th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

Alexander - I know you guys are supposed to report the news not analyze it. But Rudy's assertion is nothign short of false. Check the data. We uncover more people with prostate cancer and then attack it agressiviely. The Brits uncover many fewer cases and take a less surgical approach. Yet the mortality rates are about the same.

YOu guys need to dig into this more.

Chris, Middletown, CT   October 29th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

Sounds like someone has a case of the "My name is Pat and I'm backing someone who is hated by 63.4% of the US population"...can't wait for Giuliani to become president – he is a moderate...social liberal and fiscal conservative....wanna read more about Hillary....look up Saul Alinsky (her teacher...and mentor)

Brian, Athens, OH   October 29th, 2007 5:49 pm ET

What is the source for this statistic??? I briefly looked this up and certainly did not sees numbers like this being reported in journal articles... I am sick and tired of politicians just making up stats or selectively quoting others. I found numbers stating that the prostate survival rates between Europe and the US were pretty similar (and getting even closer).

Kate, Aurora CO   October 29th, 2007 5:44 pm ET

and I'm sure his being a millonaire had nothing to do with his medical bills. What Rudy fails to mention is state employess (which is what he was at the time) have excellent benefits. The average person does not have that kind of coverage. On the contrary we have exhorbant coinsurances, deductibles and copayments. After this spin I don't want to hear one more Republican slamming Ms. Edwards for discussing her cancer.

Frank Morris   October 29th, 2007 5:40 pm ET

And yet if you google "prostate cancer survival rates in England" you get an article that states, in a bar chart, percentages similar to those in the U.S. and a far cry from his stated 44%. Why is it reporters don't bother to fact check?

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/prostate/survival/

JB   October 29th, 2007 5:39 pm ET

well said Pat. "Let's see...I'll pick the country with the lowest survival rate and pretend that it applies to all contries with socialized medicine."
Is that how you run your office, Rudy?
Manipulate the facts to present a false conclusion.

Christian, Tampa FL   October 29th, 2007 5:38 pm ET

Why is he always exploiting tragedy for political ends? Can't he talk about something positive?

Kate M, Somerville, MA   October 29th, 2007 5:38 pm ET

And we'd have so much less crime if it weren't for socialized police forces.

Our students would be much more intelligent if it weren't for socialized K-12 education.

And let's not forget the socialized libraries, fire departments....

Mel, Missoula MT   October 29th, 2007 5:33 pm ET

make that "good" Reverend!

Mel Sundberg, Missoula MT   October 29th, 2007 5:31 pm ET

You know what else would have sigificantly decreased your chances of survival, Mr. Guiliani? IF you had been uninsured and of a lower socio-economic status. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King said "of all forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane." You and the rest of the GOP could certainly take a page from the goo Reverend's play book!

Max, Boston, MA   October 29th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

I remember when Rudy made public his prostate cancer troubles. It was in the same speech that he announced he was dropping out of the Senate race, and that he was divorcing his wife. I was amazed at how someone who just announced they have cancer could come across so sleazy.

Rudy should also stop lying when it comes to statistics. He claims the UK has a 44% survival rate, but that hasn't been true since the 1970s.

From 1999 to 2003, the survival rate of prostate cancer in the UK was 74.4%.

From 1996 to 2002, the five-year survival rate in the US was 66%.

Sources: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=861
http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/site/c.itIWK2OSG/b.2427761/k.3815/Cancer_Deaths_Declining_in_US.htm

I think Mayor Giuliani is trying to mix stats for the benefit of his argument.

Susie, Ellijay Ga   October 29th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

I heard the statement made by Giuliani that he had survived cancer and said that if he had to wait on the state or any government program that he would be dead. I waould like to comment that there is lots of people that have no choice in healthcare. So what he is saying is the poor people might as well go ahead and die! And only the rich shall live! thank you and we enjoy each hour of your program every night.

A. Thomas, New York, NY   October 29th, 2007 5:23 pm ET

As a mayor of new york, giuliani had a cadillac health insurance coverage of the city, and treatments by doctors for his prostate cancer in 2000.

For many american working poor, they cannnot afford the expensive insurance premiums, and thus not covered.

The $7,500 deduction on tax return is nothing if you cannot afford to pay for the doctor during the year. Besides, the taxapyer can only get back a portion of the medical expenses from the IRS based on his/her marginal tax rate. For the working poor, that amount from the IRS may be none or very little, while the rich at the 50% tax bracket get back $3,750 maximum.

bukky, Baltimore, MD   October 29th, 2007 5:23 pm ET

HE CAN AFFORD TO SURVIVE. Its the millions that can't afford the simplest meds that this philandering idiot what to leave to there death beds. People like Gulliani will NEVER need help with health care. yet the figure that since they can afford there meds everybody else must be able to do the same.

Blind and Dumb

Wayne, Greenville TX   October 29th, 2007 5:18 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani IS a cancer – a cancer on the political scene. And the best cure for that cancer is to VOTE DEMOCRATIC!!!!

Allen, Boston   October 29th, 2007 5:16 pm ET

So I have to wait until the end of the year to get this so called "tax break" just so I can buy insurance? Oh wait, somehow I've got to buy it through the year and then get the tax break! With what, Mr Presidential Candidate? Exactly how do I buy something I can't afford? You've got no more answers than the democrats have on this and it is just more of the same ol BS.

Tony, Woodbridge, VA   October 29th, 2007 5:11 pm ET

You wanna talk about socialized medicine? Look at Walter Reed. They have a more impressive medical history than most private hospitals and is provided by our Government. If anyone believes that the Government of the United States would provide it's citizens with poor healthcare is ludicrous and doesn't deserve to be in the White House.

Alan   October 29th, 2007 5:08 pm ET

nice to see Guiliani is still making sweeping generalizations and bogus cause/effect arguments on a minute piece of information. Can't people see through this guy? Giving people a deduction does nothing to reduce costs to make healthcare affordable and available to all. This guy is a Vision-less leader.

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   October 29th, 2007 5:06 pm ET

Maybe we could give Hillary a $15,000 deduction if she just shuts up? I'd rather have the option of making my own choice than Hillary making my decisions for me about anything. Does she still want to make laws regulating how much people are allowed to eat? After all, I wouldn't tell her what to do with her uterus(code for abortion rights), let her stay out of my life!

Moe, NY   October 29th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

Mr. Giuliani I am very happy that you survived prostate cancer. What I am not happy about is your putting down socialized medicine. I wish you politicans would stop lying to American citizens regarding socialized medicine. England, France, and Canada have very successful programs...more so than America's current system. Yes, America has wonderful medications, medical equipment, etc...BUT...normal every day people cannot afford to pay for medical treatment nor, can they afford insurance coverage in this country. If I had been in your shoes, so to speak, I most likely would have died as I cannot afford medical insurance and, obviously, have none. Before I hear the stop buying CD's, Laptops, DVD's, Big Screen TV's, etc. comments...I do not buy any of the above. I am 60 years old and working..surviving paycheck to paycheck..if I am lucky! I for one am voting for Hillary in the next election and have high expectations regarding her health care reform. A deduction, as you propose would not cut it in the medical field, I think you are pandering to the insurance companies. If universal health care is "socialist"...I don't care...bring it on!

Sophie, Baton Rouge, Louisiana   October 29th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

Maybe we should consider doing as Ron Paul suggested in the Republican Debate a few nights ago. Why don't we stop rewarding these corporate pharmaceutical who are overcharging everyone for medicines we need. It's sad that men and women in this country are dying everyday because of the cost of medicine. If we can work with these companies on lowering the costs of important meds maybe there will be 100% survival rates.

GM, OH   October 29th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

If Giuliani has so much confidence in a Government Bureaucrat, I am not sure why he wants to lead the Government.

bill new york, ny   October 29th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

Rudy says that with "socialized" medicine he may not have survived. That is just another Rudyism that he is becoming famous for. He was the Mayor of NY at the time and had access to top medical care all paid by the taxpayers of the city. He is incredibly wealthy and would have no trouble paying premiums for healthcare. The bills proposed for healthecare are designed to help those less fortunate that Mr. Guiliani. His tax credit is a farce, his whole platform is a farce.
This man will say anything do anything to get elected

Tim, El Cerrito CA   October 29th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

What a big yawn....this is what we have come to expect from Republicans – more distortians and lies. I don't think they are even capable of telling the truth. There was a time when I would consider voting for a Republican. Not anymore. They lack any kind of scruples and will do anything to gain and retain power.

Henry, VA   October 29th, 2007 4:51 pm ET

What do you people think is so bad about socialism anyway? It's no different than the collection plate at church every Sunday morning. Except now, EVERY AMERICAN gets some of it. Ever wanted to do something to make every American's life better? Yeah. That's socialism.

Mark Lodes, St. Louis, MO   October 29th, 2007 4:49 pm ET

Where do you get your statistics Mr. Giuliani? 44% Survival rate in England? Hah! I'm certain you won't respond to this question given that you don't advocate, nor do you allow free speech on your YouTube page. Typical Republican behavior these days. What a sad state of affairs.

Steve, Portland, OR   October 29th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

More pandering for the sympathy vote? Last week it was the mob contract on you and now discussion about your prostrate cancer. Seems if you want to have an honest discussion about the costs of medical coverage in this country you could start by talking about how the insurance companies and pharmaceudical companies are ripping everyone off by charging for the possible high costs they "may" encounter. Your an attorney, weren't the limits placed on supposed "frivolous lawsuits" supposed to help with some of these cost increases. My medical coverage sure doesn't seem to ever go down in costs.Granted most of us feel the government screws up whatever it's involved in, butI'm all for trying something other than just handing my money over to the insurance industry and drug manufacturers.You don't seem to understand Americans are fed up with business as usual.

lar, boston   October 29th, 2007 4:47 pm ET

What a surprise, no mention of 9/11 healthcare issues? A kinder, gentler, more vulnerable Giuliani. Don't think so.

Rob, Minneapolis, MN   October 29th, 2007 4:45 pm ET

As the above poster mentioned, the problem has never been the quality of health care but the cost.

Tom, ALBUQUERQUE, NM   October 29th, 2007 4:44 pm ET

What a creepy couple. These two monstrosities strike fear in the hearts of millions sane Americans. I would rather have Chuckie in the oval office than this creep so close to the life and death fate of millions of people.

jim signorelli, champlin, mn   October 29th, 2007 4:41 pm ET

Do you guys fact-check candidates' claims at all? This just can't be true. Please do your readers the courtesy of providing a reality-based column.

Shawn, Boise ID   October 29th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

If Giuliani can't even earn the respect of his own children what the heck makes him think he can earn the respect of the international community.

Scott, Madison, WI   October 29th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

While I wish him no harm ... really!Chances for surviving Rudi and his gang until the next election .... less than 0%.

Dalton Detroit, MI   October 29th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

Does Rudy the racist mention that he was MAYOR OF FREAKIN NEW YORK at the time!?! I am sure as the leader of one of America biggest cities he had excellent health care coverage. Maybe if Rudy was working a minimum wage job at the time he was diagnosed he wouldn't be so opposed to giving people a chance to live.

Brad, Omaha NE   October 29th, 2007 4:36 pm ET

pat... don't you mean JOHN EDWARDS healthcare plan? or are you also one of my fellow dems who has decided to let guliani tell you who he's gonna be battling in 08?

lets not let anyone else from the bush/clinton regime into office

Carmen, Miami FL   October 29th, 2007 4:30 pm ET

Republicans love to throw around the term "socialist" so much that I wonder whether they know what it really means (credit to Princess Bride)...

Of course, it doesn't really matter, now that conservatives have embraced it as an all-purpose word to villify any democrat's health plan, while not providing any alternative or plan of their own.

Jim Tucson, AZ   October 29th, 2007 4:29 pm ET

How did he get rid of his cancer? Did he divorce it too?

TheInsider   October 29th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

He's the best!

After dumping wife and kids #2 in a PRESS CONFERENCE(!) he used his illness as an excuse to punk out on his race with Hillary, who would have CRUSHED him, and also as an excuse for why, even though he was meeting Judi (Future wife #3) at a midtown hotel, his cancer meant he wasn't able to cheat!
He is a cancer...soon to be excised.

Jane G., Jacksonville, FL   October 29th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

Giuliani said, "“You and I should be making the decisions about what kind of health care we get,,," Yeh, well what if we can't afford private health insurance, like 47,000,000 plus Americans can't? Then what–beg, borrow or steal? What's wrong with providing citizens with the "right to life..." as in the US Constitution? If that's socialism is, so what? It ain't the bogeyman come to snatch you away in the middle of the night.

Bob, Seattle, WA   October 29th, 2007 4:23 pm ET

Right on. 'Healthy Care' under socialized medicine will only go the the wealthiest as they will be the only ones who could afford to 'buy' healthcare AROUND the system. They would not partake within the system as they would have to wait far too long for the care they needed which would sink to such low standards that when their 'appointment' to see the doctor did come around, the skills of those doctors remaining within the system would be at the lowest end of the spectrum. The highly skilled doctors would only practice outside of the system where the wealthy could afford their services. 'Healthy Care' for the masses would be non-existent. Only 'Health Care' in name but not quality or timeliness. Myself, I would choose just to live with my ailment and go when GOD calls me. Eternity with HIM looks so much better than the direction of that life on earth is headed. There is an eternity. Heaven or Hell. "I am the life,the way, and the truth. No one comes to the Father except thru me" – Jesus. Whether you like it or not. Whether you believe it or not. GOD is in control of all. You will end up in one place or the other for eternity. Only 'faith' in Jesus will earn your salvation. Nothing else. Period. Your choice. This IS the land of the free.

Andrew, London, U,K   October 29th, 2007 4:20 pm ET

Hmm lets see, latest statistics for the NHS in England point survival at 71%. I think Mr Gulliani can't tell the difference between metatastic rates and single cases in which case the U.S survival rate in comparison is also around the 40%. Poor stats amounts to lying not what you want in a President

CB Seattle WA   October 29th, 2007 4:16 pm ET

The United States trails Canada and Great Britian (and many others) in life expectancy and has higher infant mortality rates than both. Rudy, why is that?

Chris, Madison, WI   October 29th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

That's very nice for him and I'm glad he's fine, but what about all the American who don't have any health insurance? What are their chances?

Connie, Tn.   October 29th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

I think being a middle-class American would have significantly lowered his chances of survival since he wouldn't have been able to pay his medical bills. What does he think MEDICARE and MEDICAID are if not socialized medicine??

Jon, Toledo, OH   October 29th, 2007 3:47 pm ET

American medicine is the greatest, if you can afford it. So unless you are rich and white like Guiliani, or you are a child on SCHIP... Oh, wait a second... Bush just vetoed SCHIP, didn't he? I guess you just have to be rich and white now.

pat huntington ny   October 29th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

And despite Canada's so called socialist medicine, prostate cancer survival rates are higher there than here! Rudy, before you go off in a prostate rage, Hillary's medical program is the least bit socialist...rather, it's better than anything you can suggest. And while we have quality medicine here, the problem is not enough can afford it!

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