Q: There is a major debate underway in Washington over prescription drug coverage in the Medicare program. Would you support a legislative proposal that provided for all medically necessary prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries with serious health conditions, like HIV disease?
Gore: Our public health insurance programs need to work to meet the needs of the HIV/AIDS patients who rely on them for medical coverage. The most effective treatments we have developed to extend and improve quality of life for HIV/AIDS patients are in the form of medicine, and we must ensure that these individuals have access to (these treatments) prescription drugs. President Clinton and I have increased drug assistance for people with HIV/AIDS by 450 percent. And one of my first priorities as president will be to make sure that we add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, to help HIV/AIDS patients it covers take advantage of these drugs. In addition, I will work to ensure that patients have access to cutting edge treatments by passing legislation that...requires all health plans to allow patients to participate in clinical trials...this will also speed the development of new treatments and a cure.
Bush: I believe Medicare should give patients the right to choose from comprehensive health plans that include basic coverage such as prescription on drugs. I should ensure prescription drug coverage is available for low-income patients who otherwise cannot afford it. Many Medicare beneficiaries already have prescription drug coverage; any changes to Medicare must not jeopardize such coverage. All proposals I make will be within the framework of a balanced budget.
Q: How do you assess the current government investment in, and support of, the search for an AIDS vaccine?
Bush: I support government investment to help find a cure for AIDS. I support pharmaceutical companies currently conducting research and development on drugs to combat AIDS through my support of a permanent extension of the R&D tax credit. I also support the National Institutes of Health in continuing their AIDS research programs and the Ryan White CARE Act, so that states and cities can adequately respond to those with AIDS.
Gore: We must invest in research to improve our ability to treat, prevent and cure this disease. Under the leadership of the Clinton-Gore Administration, we have already increased HIV/AIDS research at the National Institutes of Health by 50 percent. Our federal investments and the efforts of dedicated members of our nation's medical and research communities have already generated treatments that extend and improve the quality of life for individuals with AIDS and HIV. As Vice President, I have fought to support this administration's increases in AIDS and HIV related research. But we must do more. As president, I will continue fighting until we have a vaccine-and a cure.
Q: Do you think persons with HIV, regardless of whether they have visible symptoms, should be protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act?
Gore: Yes. I supported the efforts of the U.S. Solicitor General, who filed an amicus curiae brief in support of this position in the landmark case Bragdon v. Abbott, and I applaud the Supreme Court's decision to that effect. I am firmly committed to protecting...those living with HIV and AIDS, from discrimination, and ensuring that each of us can benefit from all America has to offer.
Bush: I support the Americans with Disabilities Act. Like all other Americans, I believe people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to work and to know the satisfaction of an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. I am committed to looking for ways to remove barriers that force many Americans with disabilities to choose between working and surviving.
Q: A presidential candidate recently announced a plan to provide significantly increased funding to southern Africa to improve their ability to combat HIV. What are your feelings regarding AIDS in Africa?
Bush: Before we spend money, I would want to make sure that the people we're trying to help receive the help necessary. I believe we must be careful that corrupt governments do not squander the money.
Gore: AIDS has already taken a tremendous...toll on the countries of the region, and threatens much worse. This past January, I chaired the first m eeting of the United Nations Security Council on the disease?at which I announced our Administration's proposal to invest $150 million to assist efforts to combat the international AIDS pandemic. And this is only the first step. I am committed to a comprehensive plan for action to fight the disease worldwide.
Q: What is your view on the legalization of marijuana for legitimate medical conditions with a doctor's prescription?
Gore: I am opposed to anything that would open the door to the legalization of marijuana. I believe that if the research validates it, under very limited, highly regulated circumstances, when a doctor has decided that this is the only available therapy, we may have to consider the possibility that marijuana may be prescribed for pain management with strict supervision.
Bush: I oppose legalizing Marijuana for medical purposes. However, I believe this decision is best left to each state to determine.
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