December 1, 2008
Posted: 01:33 PM ET

From
 Obama met with Bush at the White House last month.
Obama met with Bush at the White House last month.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – President-Elect Barack Obama offered praise for at least one aspect of President Bush’s foreign policy Monday, during videotaped remarks to the Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health hosted by Pastor Rick Warren.

“I salute President Bush for his leadership in crafting a plan for AIDS relief in Africa and backing it up with funding dedicated to saving lives and preventing the spread of the disease,” Obama said. “…My administration will continue this critical work to address the crisis around the world.”

The taped message was part of a forum marking the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

Under the Bush administration, more than two million people suffering from HIV/AIDS – most living in Africa — have received life-saving antiretroviral treatment as part of PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief. In July, the President signed legislation reauthorizing the program and authorizing up to $48 billion to expand it.

Obama has long praised Bush for the program. "I actually think that the PEPFAR program is one of the success stories of his administration," Obama said in response to a question about the role of faith in fighting HIV/AIDS during an April forum at Messiah College in Pennsylvania. The faith forum, co-sponsored by CNN, was held shortly before the Pennsylvania primary. "My view is, is that we should use whatever the best approaches are, the scientifically sound approaches are, to reduce this devastating disease all across the world,” he said.

Obama’s nominee for Secretary of State, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, said at the same event she wanted to “commend” Bush for the program, which she called “bold” and “important.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • President Bush


Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   December 1st, 2008 6:29 pm ET

One aspect I respect about Obama is that he is willing to give credit where credit is due. I respect a generous soul rather than the shriveled up, hate filled people we saw in the past 8 years and in the campaign.

Arriane, FL   December 1st, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I praise anyone who helps Africa, even Geoge Bush.

Blue is my favourite colour   December 1st, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Well, I guess Bush felt he had to do something positive before he gets flushed out of the white house onto the dirt pile of Crawford.

Too little too late, and yes, as G.R.I.T.S. mentioned above, that money could have been put to better use by ailing Americans, or families below the poverty line who are struggling here in the U.S.

R Dub   December 1st, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I'm pretty sure people ill in the U.S. have far greater outlets for support and treatment compared to people in Africa. And if Bush tried to put that money to use in America to provide free drugs, you'd probably call it socialism or something equally foolish. $48 billion out of a trillion dollar budget isn't much in the long run, especially when it makes some part of the world better.

Ian   December 1st, 2008 5:34 pm ET

I'm sure the sick and dying in the U.S. are pleased as well.

Scott NYC Independent   December 1st, 2008 5:23 pm ET

President 44 I'm sure its hard to find something to be complimentary about regarding president 43 (notice the lower case) but maybe we could avoid discussing him for the next 30-40 days, at least in public

Geoff K   December 1st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

AIDS is the 4th leading cause of death around the entire world and it has hit the hardest in southern Africa. In some countries the life expected has plummeted into the 30s because of HIV/AIDS. In other words, in some African countries a child who is born today can expect to be dead by the time they are forty years old because of AIDS! This is not right.

Although there are a lot of things I don't like about George Bush this program has saved a LOT of lives. If this money was spent in the US it couldn't go as far as it has in Africa. Good on Obama for pledging to continue this!

Greed is not good   December 1st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

That's ALL Bush did favorably. Now he blames "bad intelligence" for Iraq? Please…

Cammi317   December 1st, 2008 5:02 pm ET

In that respect, Bush's action is typical of the Republicans in the past…more interested in foreign policy than domestic. Whereas Democrats has been more interested in domestic than foreign. We need to find an equal balance, which I believe that we will in Obama's administration. Bush can walk away knowing he made a positive difference in 1 place during his administration. The rest was a royal muck up.

G.R.I.T.S. - Girl Raised in the South   December 1st, 2008 4:43 pm ET

That's all fine and dandy, but last time I checked, Bush was the President of the United States, not Africa. I am pretty certain that critically ill people in the U.S., whether victims of AIDS, cancer, etc., could use $48 billion is a lot of money that could better be put to use here, in America.

Spencer/NY to VA   December 1st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

One thing GWB can be proud of.

Laverne   December 1st, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Obama is a smart man!

Gerda Edwards   December 1st, 2008 4:33 pm ET

This report must have come from The Onion. After all, I've learned from the hateful left that Bush has not done anything well.

Jessica Grimes   December 1st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

where are all the libs bashing President Bush here???

Idiots.

Regardless of the liberal talking heads… our President has done good things for our country and this world.

Time will show the true measure of his accomplishments.

Take Care!
Proud Republican Social Worker!

Tulsa   December 1st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

???????
What? No responses here? Don't know what to do when someone is respectful and honest?

Myabe we could all learn a thing or two from the next President.

Debbie   December 1st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Bush's AIDS relief is about the ONLY thing he did right in his administration.

Maybe this good deed just fell through the cracks.

Vy, California   December 1st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Sure, becaue they took AIDS to Africa in the first place

Phil-Little Rock   December 1st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

That's about the only thing he did in 8 years that showed he had some semblance of a heart.

chuck   December 1st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

How could George Bush spend so much on Africa for Aids and so little help for the HURRICANE VICTIMS in his own back yard?He watched so many old people die during Hurricane Katrina although he was fore warned by the Hurricane centre about the strength of the storm and the weakness of the levees. This was just a show to the outer world but this guy has no praise to get because he watched Americans suffer while his rich friends prosper for eight long years. No Thanks to George Bush,No Praise for Bush.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   December 1st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!

Peter (CA)   December 1st, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Spoke just like a President should.
Hate all you want right wingers but an Obama presidency will reclaim the good will Bush thre away with his arrogance.

silver bells   December 1st, 2008 3:42 pm ET

thank you president obama, give credit where it is due, i agree with you.

Don   December 1st, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Does it still forbid those participating in the program from discussing birth control and sex education with their patients? If so, then there is an immediate improvement that can be made to the program once Bush is gone.

Giving money is fine. Putting ideological restrictions that continue the spread of the disease and allow for children to be born with it is abominable.

Houston   December 1st, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Wait a second…did the media really report something positive about President Bush?

What's going on?

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 1st, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Too bad Reagan would never even mention the words "HIV" or "AIDS" in public for fear of angering the "Christians" who propped him up – we could have controlled this horrible disease years earlier!!!

kay   December 1st, 2008 3:28 pm ET

out of 8years in power at list Bush did somthing thatthe world can say thank you too
thank you president W.Bush

Mickie   December 1st, 2008 3:27 pm ET

That's the only thing he could think of to praise because he hasn't backed up any programs for his own country with funds except for the rich.

Noah   December 1st, 2008 3:27 pm ET

This is the only time you will hear a Democrat give Bush any credit for anything. Obama will get all of the credit for Iraq when he pulls our soliders out of their in 16 months. The disgustingly partisan media will make sure Bush does not get the credit he so richly deserves.

PC from DC   December 1st, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Let's hear it for Bush!! HOORAY!!

Janice Illinois   December 1st, 2008 3:19 pm ET

That's all there is my friends, Let's keep dancing, let's bring out the booze and then!!!!

Mercy   December 1st, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Give him a "D" for his efforts.

chico from Virginia   December 1st, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Yes, that's all peaches and cream. But, I'm an American. I live in the CommonWealth of Virginia. What about HIV/AIDS here in MY country. The government, and I do not care who is running it, needs to do more. This issue is not going away, in fact it's growing. With all due respect to those suffering out in Africa, what about us?
America First. America Foremost. I mean, it is OUR government right? It should work for us with all of the issues properly addressed before it even thinks about going out to help other people in other countries.
Do I sound selfish? Do I sound a bit centrist? NO bud, I just love the country that I was birthed in and raised in. Let's take care of our own first. OUR own.

Michelle, PA   December 1st, 2008 3:11 pm ET

File this under "Even a stopped clock is right twice a day". Can't stand Bush, but I agree you gotta give credit where credit is due.

down with the GOP.   December 1st, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Let's see Obama overturn the Global Gag Rule and then I'll believe that he's going to do good work in Africa.

Jackie in Dallas   December 1st, 2008 3:09 pm ET

It's just too bad Bush's AIDS policy had little "easter eggs" such as restrictions on birth control tied in with it…

Texas Teacher   December 1st, 2008 3:06 pm ET

…and Bush… all I can see is the images of the Christian Satan on his countenance…. no one is all bad… .not even the Lucifer…. the fallen Angel of God…. Interesting tales… yes? Food for thought…. :)

Dan, TX   December 1st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

It will be interesting to see how people manage to criticize Obama or Bush on this one.

David S.   December 1st, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Where does all this money come from considering we are broke??

Texas Teacher   December 1st, 2008 3:03 pm ET

If you believe in reincarnation as I and most Indigenous peoples do, look at Barack Obama in this picture. Tell me you cannot see the reflection of Pres. Abraham Lincoln in this man's countenance and eyes? I suspect that both he and JFK were and are from that same soul group. :)

Chelsea   December 1st, 2008 3:00 pm ET

It never ceases to amaze me how cordial Obama is despite his differences with people. He seems to have this ability to find something positive….even in those that are the most despicable people. I absolutely adore Obama..and can barely wait for him to take the wheel already..Come quick January 20th!!!

Texas Teacher   December 1st, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Yes, graciously and well said, PE! I agree…. for once there is something for which we can praise Bush! Not easy reviewing the last eight years….

Meltdown   December 1st, 2008 2:56 pm ET

This definitely puts Obama supporters in a quandary…

:-)

Franky   December 1st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

To be fair, he actually has been very consistent with this, even through the campaign and afterwards. Of course not a lot of praise overall but I recall him praising our President for this.

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