November 13, 2007
Posted: 07:45 AM ET

Giuliani said increasing trade with African nations will help those governments solve public health problems on their own.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) – When faced with several questions about AIDS in Africa during a recent campaign stop in South Carolina, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani offered few specifics on public health issues but said that increasing U.S. trade with Africa will help "the problems, the issues, everything" facing the continent.

After a brief speech to supporters at his South Carolina state headquarters last week, Giuliani was asked about AIDS, antiretroviral drugs and health care workers in Africa by three medical students in the audience.

Giuliani was questioned on whether he would renew PEPFAR, or the President's Plan for Emergency AIDS Relief, which is due to expire in 2008.

The $15 billion, five-year U.S.-led initiative provides drugs to combat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in developing nations, but has been criticized because of its stipulation that at least one third of the money spent on disease prevention should go to abstinence-until-marriage programs.

"I would continue that and if necessary expand it and am very open to it," Giuliani said. "I talked to the president about it a long time back. That is something I would very much support."

Asked when he would develop a global AIDS platform, Giuliani said: "Over the course of the campaign. You sort of develop it one piece at a time. But its something we are very committed to."

Giuliani was also asked if he would provide money to train more health care workers in Africa.

He replied that "my plan would be to continue what the president has done" and then said that negotiating free trade agreements with African governments will help countries build their economies and solve public health crises.

Giuliani cited the free trade pact with Peru, recently passed by the House of Representatives, as a possible model.

"I would try to increase dramatically trade with Africa," Giuliani said. "Because what we're really trying to do is help Africa get to the point where the African countries can take care of this problem themselves."

"There's nothing better than to help to make people self-sufficient, and aid helps them get through crisis, but then trade helps them to self-sufficiency."

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Rudy Giuliani • South Carolina


KENNETH PERRY S.F. CA.   November 14th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

why is everyone avoiding addressing giuliani: racist rule over new york communities of color?

Adam Syracuse NY   November 13th, 2007 5:19 pm ET

Make farming a viable way of life here in the United States. With all the wasteful spending in the government by BOTH sides, how can you honestly tell me that taking money away from farmers is the first place to cut the fat? And yes, I would rather the AMERICAN farmer have a job than the AFRICAN farmer if it actually came to that.

Posted By J Houston, TX : November 13, 2007 11:04 am

You do realize that the average farming family in this country recieves about $700 worth of subsidies. The government gives out subsidies to dead farmers! http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071137t.pdf
But its not like its the governments money, they just take it from those who earn it doing something productive for a living.

Gary, Detroit, Mich.   November 13th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

Are you guys censoring again? Didn't you like the remark about outsourcing CNN jobs if we get into just one more "free trade agreement" with a third world country?

ronnie - knoxville tn   November 13th, 2007 3:45 pm ET

Liberals say they don't want military action in Darfur/The Congo. So, why not look at economic solutions/ trade? What do they want in Africa?

Sean, Sant Barbara   November 13th, 2007 2:53 pm ET

In this post 9/11 world we have to protect Israel, because 9/11 taught us that 9/11 was…Israel gave me money.. 9/11 9/11 9/11.. Thank You.. oh yeah and 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11.. I wish I was Israeli.. 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11

DJ, Los Angeles, CA   November 13th, 2007 2:41 pm ET

Yeah I agree with George…America can't even get its own people fed and given proper healthcare, yet alone worry about other nations.

Gasoline prices have doubled since the 90's, healthcare and housing cost have also skyrocketed. The cost of living is getting so bad – that most Americans are barely getting by living paycheck to paycheck.

J Houston, TX   November 13th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House…honest to God just think about it. Scary times…

rob, austin   November 13th, 2007 2:19 pm ET

the problem with Africa is much greater than trade. it goes back to Europe colonizing the land. from that era on, the racial and religious peoples of the lands were supported by one European government or another. this helped to divide the land and the peoples. when Europe began to pull out, the people they were supporting were left in a vacuum and a power struggle began as the people who were oppressed fought back. this is a huge factor in the African problems of today. lets build roads so that the people who can produce goods to sell can get it to markets. start building their internal commerce and things may change.

also, what resource does the world value greatly and is not in abundance in Africa. OIL. hence Americas and the worlds great interest in the middle east.

Anonymous   November 13th, 2007 2:10 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani as President of the United States, "honest to God, just step back and think about it." But then again…the current administration has lowered the bar considerably.

John Weinbrecht
Portland, OR

Brian, Tampa, FL   November 13th, 2007 1:22 pm ET

Kathy, Wooster, OH

I understand your point. Rudy continuously dressing up in women's clothes is way past the point of humor.

Can you see him trying to stand up to Iran, Russia or China? They would have zero respect for him as a president.

Problem is, he is running as a republican and history shows they will vote for any idiot Fox News and Rush Limbaugh tells them to.

Christian, Tampa FL   November 13th, 2007 1:08 pm ET

Even more than trading, the United States and Europe need to be seriously investing in Africa for moral and political reasons.

On the moral side, we need to do something to boost Africa's economy and promote cooperation among its nations. A strengthened coalition, something like the European Union, would be a big step toward stabilizing and raising up that impoverished continent. There is a lot of potential there.

On the political side, China is spreading its influence in Africa, and the West should do something to counter that.

Kathy, Wooster, OH   November 13th, 2007 12:23 pm ET

take your pick:
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=Giuliani+drag&search=Search

Ryan Theriot, Chicago, IL   November 13th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

Everything Giuliani says and does is wrong. Pro-war, Pro-abortion, Pro-gay rights, Pro-illegal immigrants…do republicans even know what he stands for? We cannot take over the world simply because 16 guys took over 4 plains.

S Wills, Tampa, FL   November 13th, 2007 12:04 pm ET

Hey Rudy,

Everyone knows that Africa's problems stem from 'industrialized nations' refusal to do business with African countries. This is not news!

Every president dems and republicans say that during the campaign. But once in office they couldn't care less about really developing a strategy of investing or trading with African countries.

We can trade with the most corrupt and oppressive communist regimes on the planet but no one has ever nor will ever trade with these poor African countries.

They need trade and investments just like we do with India and China, (who will own us in a couple of decades by the way).

J Stein - IL   November 13th, 2007 11:59 am ET

Giuliani has no clue when it come to subjects beyond his narrow range of interests – particularly foreign policy issues. If it weren't for 9/11 he would never be considered a serious candidate.

Gary, Detroit, Mich.   November 13th, 2007 11:46 am ET

Just what we need. More so called 'free trade' with yet another third world economy. As if enough jobs haven't been shipped to India and China in the last 6 or 7 years. Now we can now send some to Africa. Maybe there's some jobs at CNN that can be outsourced!

dark side of the funny farm   November 13th, 2007 11:42 am ET

Or ensure that disease is spread worldwide and not contained.

Raymond, El Paso TX   November 13th, 2007 11:41 am ET

Terry, we need to sit down for a cup of coffee sometime.

Brad, the great state of Texas   November 13th, 2007 11:38 am ET

Wayne, I somehow get the feeling that you're going to bash Guliani (and all Republicans, as evidenced by your comments on the other blogs I've seen) regardless of what they say or do. But to paint him as a man trying to profit from the deaths of others is over the line–he made money speaking to audiences because his strength & resilience on Sept. 11 were nothing short of inspirational to a nation trying to come to terms with tragedy.

Regarding Africa and AIDS, I try hard to not be pessimistic about the USA helping to resolve their plight. When you consider the corruption plaguing African governments, along with the myths surrounding HIV (for example, the notion that having sex with a virgin can get rid of AIDS), I don't think we can make much progress eradicating HIV until Africans take charge of it. Stop waiting for America to take responsibility for all the world's troubles!

Suze   November 13th, 2007 11:31 am ET

Oh right. The U.S. can help other countries take care of themselves? We're not even doing a good job taking care of our own people.

Richard, St. Paul, MN   November 13th, 2007 11:30 am ET

Um, Rudy? Africa doesn't have anything worth trading for. The country is a cesspool and money pit, so your stupid idea of trading with them is another really dumb one. Give it up, you tool.

Hank, Fort Myers, Fl   November 13th, 2007 11:09 am ET

Trade–like with China? More double-speak, what he is really saying is: "cheap labor". It's really a hard stretch to expect us to believe that future economic exploitation will reduce HIV. Yes it will raise the overall standard of living to a subsistence level (mabye) or perhaps it will be the liberal health benefits U.S. corporations will offer the people of the African continent? If he means we need to get them on a paying basis and off of foreign aid–I'm all for it. But like most of his ideas–his proposals are too far-fetched and simplistic to be taken very seriously. But it does make a good sound bite–don't look for any meat.

Scott, Jupiter, Florida   November 13th, 2007 11:09 am ET

Africa!?….How about working on issues here in America first!! Africa????

J Houston, TX   November 13th, 2007 11:04 am ET

Does Giuliani propose getting rid of the agricultural subsidies that cost American taxpayers money and

Make farming a viable way of life here in the United States. With all the wasteful spending in the government by BOTH sides, how can you honestly tell me that taking money away from farmers is the first place to cut the fat? And yes, I would rather the AMERICAN farmer have a job than the AFRICAN farmer if it actually came to that.

Mike D, Oakland, CA   November 13th, 2007 10:54 am ET

And getting a clue will help Giuliani!

Bob, Roxboro, NC   November 13th, 2007 10:33 am ET

Will someone please tell these politicians that they work for Americans? We're in no position to continue to concern ourselves with the welfare of other nations. Our nation has sufficient unresolved problems. Besides, the help we give to foreign countries has not been of much value to either we Americans or the populations of the recipient nations.

Just keep borrowing money from China to subsidize the downfall of America!

Matt, Albany, GA   November 13th, 2007 10:12 am ET

Everyone complains about jobs going overseas, but when it comes to farm subsidies…

George Marcin, Allentown, PA   November 13th, 2007 9:58 am ET

This election is about the USA President, NOT Africa's! We really need to worry about OUR problems this time as we are really falling apart as a nation. I am a Middle age, Middle CLASS family man who I thought had it pretty good back in the 90's… Man, how it has gone downhill since then. It is really hard making ends meet now. We need to do something to help the middle class or we are in real trouble! (Gas Prices, Oil Prices, war funding, College costs, food costs, taxes, the list goes on and on…)

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 13th, 2007 9:56 am ET

Giuliani has no understanding of world affairs and Americans don't have time for him to play catch up. Disasters are unfolding all around us in the world everyday, listen carefully to Giuliani's answers. American doesn't need the old bandage approach or someone to nurse broken policies while we're still wounded.

Marco, New York, NY   November 13th, 2007 9:54 am ET

"Giuliani cited the free trade pact with Peru"

Excuse me Rudy, but U.S. free trade agreements expand brand-name drug companies' monopolies.

The WTO TRIPS agreement, although very problematic, did guarantee that countries can prioritize public health and take measures to guarantee access to medicines for all.

The new data exclusivity rules (contained in US bilateral free trade agreements) are a gigantic
gift to Big Pharma. Data exclusivity — rules preventing generics from relying on clinical test data from brand-name companies — is Big Pharma's top agenda item for trade deals, and a major impediment to generic competition.

Terry, El Paso, TX   November 13th, 2007 9:53 am ET

George H. W. Bush had the perfect phrase for this kind of gobbledygook: VOODOO ECONOMICS. It means that no matter what the problem is, if you lower taxes on the wealthy, increase deficit spending, and remove barriers to trade, the problem will be solved. It doesn't matter whether it's autism in children or lead paint on toys.

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 13th, 2007 9:26 am ET

How about we trade you to Africa. You can go over there and help them.

Wayne, Greenville TX   November 13th, 2007 9:15 am ET

Somehow, I get the feeling that somewhere within the process, there's something about trade with Africa that would benefit Rudy personally and financially.

After all look how much money he's made over the dead bodies of the 9/11 victims…..

Mark, Shreveport, La   November 13th, 2007 9:13 am ET

"'I would try to increase dramatically trade with Africa," Giuliani said. "Because what we're really trying to do is help Africa get to the point where the African countries can take care of this problem themselves."

"There's nothing better than to help to make people self-sufficient, and aid helps them get through crisis, but then trade helps them to self-sufficiency.'"

That has to be the most intelligent answer to this problem I've heard from a candidate.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 13th, 2007 9:13 am ET

I believe that Giuliani is wrong on this. Increacing trade can help some things, but health may only get a small boost. If Giuliani wants to continue the policies of this president, then he hasn't been paying attention. The abstinence only programs don't work well enough. These programs need to be open and honest with people.

Many African countries are so embroiled with internal conflicts that they can't maintain trade with other countries effectively. There is often not enough in the way of roads to get things to where they need to go. That needs to be addressed as well if this "More trade with solve the health crisis" bull. Many things are interconnected and sometimes the candidates don't know or realize that.

Vancouver, BC   November 13th, 2007 8:59 am ET

Surely Americans aren't serious about electing this man who has absolutely no understanding of the world as their next president and who sees the world ignorantly as black and white. Then again, you did reelect Bush!

Terry, El Paso, TX   November 13th, 2007 8:50 am ET

Rudy has an excellent point. We all know from our own experiences that health care in the US has become cheaper and more readily available since NAFTA and all of the other 'Free' trade agreements.

The only reason there are any problems at all in the US is becuase of the excessively high minimum wage. If we could only lower that to maybe two bucks an hour, many more people would be able to afford health care.

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR   November 13th, 2007 6:06 am ET

I'm not a Giuliani fan, but he is right on this one. Problem is, try getting permission to export to Africa. Good Luck.

JD Rugby ND   November 13th, 2007 5:33 am ET

Guiliani is a war-monger who has no intention of ending Bush's war of terror in Iraq. In fact, he has plans to expand the terror campaign to Iran. This guy is a danger to the United States. He has no presidential qualities about him. No Rudy!

Robert, Durham, NH   November 13th, 2007 1:42 am ET

Does Giuliani propose getting rid of the agricultural subsidies that cost American taxpayers money and prevent African farmers from being able to export their goods to the US? Does he support lowering the tariffs and quotas that prevent the manufactured goods from being produced in Africa and sold in the U.S.? If so, then he's onto something–these measures would create tens of thousands of jobs on the continent. If not, his response was empty rhetoric used to skirt a question on HIV/AIDS, one of the greatest crises of our time. AIDS is preventable and treatable, and deserves a much greater commitment from the U.S.; if Giuliani wants to add to this by proving that the U.S. is truly open to trade, then all the better for global health and prosperity.

Dave, Atlanta, GA   November 12th, 2007 11:43 pm ET

Yeah sounds like the stock answer from a republican candidate when addressing global poverty. Trade will save the underdeveloped world. So does this mean Giuliani will stop spending taxpayer money on subsidies that both hinder trade with developing countries, and drive up prices for Americans at home? That's what I thought.

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