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Lennox interviews Carly Fiorina
By punch bowl | May 29, 2008
Dennis Lennox sat down for an exclusive interview with Carly Fiorina on the morning of May 29, 2008.
Carly Fiorina is the Victory ‘08 chairman for the Republican National Committee and a former CEO for Hewlett-Packard. She has extensive private sector experience and is one of John McCain’s top economic surrogates.
For the purposes of reading the interview, which is published in full below, “RM” is Mr. Lennox and “CF” is Ms. Fiorina.
RM: What makes you come here to Michigan to Mackinac Island of all places?
CF: This is an important economic conference - this is an important state. They asked me to come, and I delighted to accept.
RM: What will you speak about this evening?
CF: I’m going to be talking about what’s going in terms of globalization and technology and how that impacts the choices we make in this state and this country. The 21st Century is a different century than the previous one.
RM: In your mind, what stands out about Michigan and how we can improve the state’s economy?
CF: Michigan is last in the country with the worst economy. It’s about 47th or 48th in the country in terms of its tax policies. There’s a reason why new automobile plants are going up in Alabama and South Carolina, but not in Michigan. One of the reasons is tax structure. One of the reasons is there are programs in those states to train workers at community colleges. I don’t think Michigan is thinking about itself in a competitive context. We need to compete for every job. You compete for jobs by creating a business-friendly climate.
In Michigan, 8 percent of the people think the state is on the right track and 92 percent think it’s on the wrong track. Those are stunning numbers - Bulgaria has those kinds of numbers. That says people know fundamental change is necessary in Michigan.
RM: You were one of John McCain’s first prominent business supporters. What made you come out and support his campaign for president when he freely admits he isn’t the strongest on economic issues?
CF: I actually think he’s quite good on economics - his instincts are strong.
I first met him way back in 2000 when I was on Capitol Hill to talk about internet taxation. I remember talking to Senator McCain and really being impressed with the fact he understood the value of innovation. He understood that taxes can kill innovation. He understood why the technology was important, and that really stayed with me.
John McCain is a great and authentic leader. He understands that the role of government is to protect our nation and to unleash the ingenuity and creativity of the American people - not to tax them endlessly - and the role of government is not to solve all problems.
This election really matters. The Democrats will take us down a very different fork in the road towards more government, more taxes and more Washington-based solutions.
RM: What’s your role as chairman of the Republican National Committee’s Victory ‘08?
CF: I do a lot of advocacy work with multiple media formats from blogging to print to television and radio - speaking about why John McCain, why this election matters and why it’s important to get involved and vote.
RM: There’s a lot of talk you’re running for governor of California in 2010. Is that true?
CF: I don’t have any serious plans or considerations, but I get asked this question enough to think about it. Who knows what the future will hold.
RM: What will it take for you to run for governor?
CF: You know … when January comes, I will seriously consider what’s next. It’s May right now and we have a long five months to go until this election.
RM: What will John McCain do immediately as president for the economy?
CF: He would immediately give Americans a choice between filing taxes in the same old way or the choice between a simple, faired flat tax. He would immediately cut the taxes on businesses. We have the second highest tax rate on businesses in the world. There’s a whole series of things he would immediately do.
RM: Again, thank you for your time this morning and welcome to Mackinac Island.
CF: Thanks.
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