Week of August 2nd, 2004 edition
Talking Business With John Kerry
The Democratic nominee-to-be lays out why he's the better bet for U.S. companies
Wary CEOs, take note: John Kerry wants you to know that business has nothing to fear from his Administration. On July 16, the Democratic standard-bearer sat down with BusinessWeek Editor-in-Chief Stephen B. Shepard, Washington Bureau Chief Lee Walczak, and Washington Outlook Editor Richard S. Dunham for a detailed discussion of his economic philosophy.
(B = Businessweek, K = Kerry)
B: Who would be better for business -- John Kerry or George Bush?
K: I am going to be better for business.
...
K: In 1993, I did a targeted capital-gains reduction. I supported critical technologies, worked on reducing paperwork and improving [small business' (-BW editor)] access to credit. In 1985, I was one of the first Democrats to push for the deficit-reduction effort. It was considered heresy in Massachusetts.... I am going to bring Corporate America to the table -- not to lecture but to say: How do we make you more competitive? How do we get out of your way? Research-and- development tax credits? I'd make them permanent and larger. Manufacturing tax credits?
...
B: But haven't you antagonized business with attacks on "Benedict Arnold CEOs"?
K: Unfortunately, in primaries and the heat of politics, things get misinterpreted. I am 100% in favor of companies going abroad to do business -- I'd be an idiot not to understand that.
...
B: Still, on the trade front, you suggested that you will reopen the World Trade Organization and NAFTA pacts to strengthen labor and environmental protections.
K: What I said was that I will appoint a commission. I would want my Treasury Secretary on it -- and my model is somebody like Bob Rubin.
...
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