December 11, 2007
Posted: 01:00 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) Mike Huckabee said Tuesday he would be “very willing” to meet with the mother of AIDS victim Ryan White to discuss his 1992 comments on AIDS patients.

At an event this morning, Huckabee said, “I’d be very willing to meet with her. I would tell them that we’ve come a long way in research and treatment and I certainly never would want to say anything that would be hurtful to them or anybody else.”

He added that he would “have great regret and anxiety” if his comments added to any family’s pain “regardless of how they contracted AIDS.”

Earlier, activist groups the Human Rights Campaign and the AIDS Institute sent a letter to Huckabee asking him to personally meet with Jeanne White-Ginder. In the letter, the groups said that “this was not and is not an issue of political correctness. Rather, this is an issue of valuing science-based evidence over unfounded fear or prejudice.”

Earlier: Huckabee's 1992 AIDS comments under fire

– CNN’s Dana Bash, Evan Glass and Steve Brusk

Filed under: Mike Huckabee


Jeff, Houston, Texas   December 13th, 2007 5:18 pm ET

A sick, mentally challenged religous zealot that would do or say anything to get elected. Bush Redux.

Anonymous   December 13th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

I never inhaled !!!!!!! Read this !!!!!

Jill, MN   December 12th, 2007 4:09 pm ET

It isn't a big deal to me if Huckabee calls homosexuality a sin. He'd probably say pre-marital sex is a sin yet that is widely accepted by society, and abortion is a sin yet widely accepted. Ever overeat? Gluttony is a sin, as Huckabee says, "missing the mark." While these views may differ from your own it is overreaching to call them hateful.

The Bible (God's word) is what calls sin "sin". Do you think just because something is widely accepted by society it doesn't make it sin anymore? Don't believe it. That is exactly what has caused our society to go downhill. Very dangerous thinking. No wonder there is so much senseless and horrific crime.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   December 12th, 2007 1:31 pm ET

Jonah, Boston MA:
Jeez no, I had no clue what that bit of satire meant. I am now sitting here picking my toes and sucking on my corn cob pipe in awe of your brilliance! (You might want to look up the word sarcasm in the dictionary to understand the statement above.) You are obivously trying to come off as an intellectual when you really come across as a sophomoric dullard with an IQ that is equal to that of your hat size.
Speaking of not being able to grasp simple concepts how about these that describe you and your response: simple minded, overblown, windbag.

Casey, TX   December 12th, 2007 10:09 am ET

To Common Sense from Washington;

You have my respect and applause in the way you answered.

Bravissimo!

Michelle D. - Atlanta, GA   December 12th, 2007 9:19 am ET

What's sad is Huck's ignorance all those years ago. Seems this old dog hasn't learned any new tricks.

It's also quite sad that he had to be shamed into the meeting. He should have apologized a long time ago and then we wouldn't even be blogging about this today.

I am a Christian. I am a Democrat (living in Georgia) and I don't like it when people are so judgemental & hateful towards others.

"There, but for the grace of God, go I".

I wish these Politicians would stop and THINK about what they are saying before they open their mouths.

Stacy Walker. Charlotte, NC   December 12th, 2007 1:40 am ET

Mike Huckabee = Ann Coulter. Both Are Full Of Hate And Completely Insane!

Karen Houston TX   December 12th, 2007 1:28 am ET

Huchabee's intelligence is showing. That is not meant to be a slam. I just don't think that he is educated enough to hold the office he is running for.

I commend Ryan Whites mother for meeting with Huckabee. If I had watched my child suffer and die from such a horrible disease I don't know that I would be able to stand being near him. She is obviously a strong and courageous woman.

I question Mike Huckabee's compassion. It seems a little misplaced at times.

My heart goes out to Ryan's mother.
Take Care.

Jay, Kenosha, WI   December 11th, 2007 10:46 pm ET

It isn't a big deal to me if Huckabee calls homosexuality a sin. He'd probably say pre-marital sex is a sin yet that is widely accepted by society, and abortion is a sin yet widely accepted. Ever overeat? Gluttony is a sin, as Huckabee says, "missing the mark." While these views may differ from your own it is overreaching to call them hateful.

Gays should focus on acceptance without attacking religion because doing so will result in backlash from mainstream Christians (swing voters) who see the value of their religion and the many positive things done by people of faith.

LQ ROCHESTER MN   December 11th, 2007 9:36 pm ET

BRAD FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS: He made those comments in 1992. In 1992 it was WELL KNOWN that HIV/AIDS could not be transmitted casually. We knew for a fact how it was transmitted. If he had said it in 1982, I'd give him a break, but 1992 we KNEW how it was transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or blood transfusions (although by 1992 the blood supply was tested and was much safer than earlier). In 1992 most people who were saying things like he had said (at least this was my experience as a nurse) were blaming gay men for the disease and just wanted them out of the way.
Shame on Huckabee for not apologizing for this statement. Those comments make me sick.

Reality Check   December 11th, 2007 5:20 pm ET

Brad and other Huck defenders:

Why should Huck get a pass for ignorance? Who cares if he made the statement 15 years ago? All these "old" reports show what kind of a leader Huck would be. He honestly thought it was a good idea to ship AIDS people away to isolate the problem? NO EXCUSE (not even bad info) justifies the mentality that it is okay to treat human beings like that.

Huck, a preacher, should be the first to know this. I am sure Jesus didn't send the cripples and lepers away - he comforted and consoled them. Just goes to show what a hypocrite Huck is.

Inga, Des Moines, IA   December 11th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

…judging by your final comment ("preachers are almost always articulate"), that your REAL issue with Huckabee is his faith. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm a Christian conservative; my father's a preacher and I know many, many of his pastor brethren. It's a fact that preachers tend to be more articulate and evocative than the general public.

However, I can say that none of them are supporting Huckabee for many reasons, not the least of which is this issue. The doubts surrounding the idea of "compassionate conservatives" like Huckabee are only rising due to these stories making the news here in Iowa.

Common Sense, Washington, DC   December 11th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

"anyone else getting annoyed by all the Huckabee bots? Its like every single Huckabee post gets swarmed by dozens of those religious nut jobs, preaching their message of hate(agreeing with the huckster) and foaming at the mouth because the liberal media is unfairly attacking their candidate by reporting on his insanities"

Jamie, reading the threads, I see more hatred coming out from people who are against Huckabee, and I will use yours as a reference. If you really think your assessment is correct, why are you stooping down to their level, rather than taking the higher road?

Common Sense, Washington, DC   December 11th, 2007 4:59 pm ET

"Anyone who wants to just lock them away and pretend they aren't there until they're dead doesn't deserve to be an American president, and that's exactly what Huckabee wanted to do."

Inga (and everyone else who seem to be "adding" to what is being reported as Huckabee saying 15 years ago), no where in the statement being quoted by Huckabee said that he wants to lock people up and ignore them until they are dead. We isolate people today for various illnesses, some not as deadly as AIDS was back then, yet it doesn't seem to be an issue. I would recommend that you and others become a bit more versed on the topic and his statement before taking things out of context.

Jonah, Boston MA   December 11th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

AJ, in response to your comment:

"Are you kidding with this? I think you need to change your sign on name to dimwit!"

While I agree with the sentiments of your post, are you kidding me with this comment? Do you not realize that he was already referencing the word "dimwit" in an attempt to make fun of Democrats? What, did you think his name was actually "Demwit" and you were making a really clever pun?

I hate to participate in a Liberal-on-Liberal assault, but if you can't grasp the very simple, mildly clever satire that is "demwit" you need to be called out on it. When you try to wittily one-up someone with an already-made joke that wasn't that clever in the first place, you look like an idiot.

Jack Niesel, Minneapolis, MN   December 11th, 2007 4:40 pm ET

anyone else getting annoyed by all the Huckabee bots? Its like every single Huckabee post gets swarmed by dozens of those religious nut jobs, preaching their message of hate(agreeing with the huckster)

Many of those 'Huckabots' have been downright rude, while the Ron Paul supporters seem to be getting their act together. Strange times.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   December 11th, 2007 4:24 pm ET

demwit posted: "What does CNN have in common with Matthew Murray?

They both want all the Christians dead.."

Are you kidding with this? I think you need to change your sign on name to dimwit! Thats about the most ignorant post I have ever read. Because there are those of us who dont care to have Christianity jammed down our throats does not make us out to be homicidal. Wow - you are really out there!

Brad, from the great state of Texas   December 11th, 2007 4:14 pm ET

Folks, Huckabee made the comment during the 90's, before the scientific community was in agreement that HIV could not be passed through casual means. Remember how afraid athletes were after Magic Johnson made his HIV admission?

Inga, Huckabee's "non-retraction" that you refer to does not mean he still feels the same about it 15 years later. It just means that he won't apologize just for the sake of apologizing, which is more than all those Democrats who are apologizing for backing Bush in '03 can say.

Huckabee is not obligated to meet Jeanne White-Ginder, but he is showing some compassion and humility by doing so. I have a feeling Inga, judging by your final comment ("preachers are almost always articulate"), that your REAL issue with Huckabee is his faith. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Tim, Minneapolis>MN   December 11th, 2007 4:14 pm ET

I hope he goes to meet the parents of those 2 girls that were killed by the criminal he stood up for and released.

Jonah, Boston MA   December 11th, 2007 4:08 pm ET

Andrew,

To answer your question:
1.) If they are not receiving medical treatment, they are not "patients."
2.) If they live with AIDS, they are still afflicted by the disease, so they are not "survivors."
3.) If they are not dead, they are not "casualities."

"Victims" is an appropriately broad term.

On another note, it is beyond me why CNN filtered this out the first time I posted it.

Reality Check   December 11th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

Huckabee is a joke, really living up the class clown vibe he gives off.

Who cares if Huck is "willing to meet with" Ryan Whites mother? Is that going to change his opinion, what he said and what he does? No, it will all be a public show.

I am glad Huck has taken a surge in latest polls. Now the media can focus on him and dig up some nice dirt on him. Hopefully this "star" will fade as quickly as Thompson.

If Huck is the GOP nom, I will seriously consider voting Dem.

Steven in Charleston, SC   December 11th, 2007 3:42 pm ET

To Demwit:

CNN doesn't want christians dead, and neither do I.

I would not, however, mind too terribly if all the people who use a selective interpretation of the Bible as an excuse for perpetuating hate and ignorance, who wish to impose their personal beliefs onto everyone else, and who insist on making the Devine Architect as petty and small-minded as they are, took a long run off of a short pier.

Dana, Fountain Hills, AZ   December 11th, 2007 3:05 pm ET

Both Jeanne White-Ginder and Huckabee are class acts.

Jamie, NH   December 11th, 2007 3:03 pm ET

anyone else getting annoyed by all the Huckabee bots? Its like every single Huckabee post gets swarmed by dozens of those religious nut jobs, preaching their message of hate(agreeing with the huckster) and foaming at the mouth because the liberal media is unfairly attacking their candidate by reporting on his insanities

Brian, Sandy, UT   December 11th, 2007 2:41 pm ET

A political show!

demwit   December 11th, 2007 2:18 pm ET

What does CNN have in common with Matthew Murray?

They both want all the Christians dead..

Matthew, Philadelphia, PA   December 11th, 2007 2:15 pm ET

Wearing protective gloves and a face mask I presume?

J Williamson Buffalo, NY   December 11th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

Haven't we enough of candidates for public office who appeal to the worst of human nature - namely fear and ignornace. This was 1992 - the facts of what AIDS did or did not do were well-known by then. (We're taking Center for Disease Control reports here!) To demonize gay people and talk of "sending" AIDS patients "someplace" is just over the top. Do we really want or need another divider? I think not.

Dan, Chicago, IL   December 11th, 2007 2:09 pm ET

Andrew, they're not victims when AIDS is contracted through a transfusion? Or through birth? Please, think before you submit comments on websites.

Andrew Harker, Redwood City, California   December 11th, 2007 1:45 pm ET

Why don't reporters get it that people with AIDS are "patients" or "survivors" or "casualties"; they are not "victims".

Inga, Des Moines, IA   December 11th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

This is about 15 years too late.

If Huckabee had his way back then (and according to Sunday's non-retraction, perhaps even today) he would have put Ryan White into isolation just like the rest without thinking of how this would destroy American families from coast-to-coast.

Nor would it have done anything to stave off the AIDS epidemic: education does.

Anyone who wants to just lock them away and pretend they aren't there until they're dead doesn't deserve to be an American president, and that's exactly what Huckabee wanted to do.

No, I don't believe his smooth-talking excuses about 'great regret and anxiety' one bit; preachers are almost always articulate.

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