HispanicBusiness

In an exclusive interview with HispanicBusiness Magazine, Carly Fiorina recently talked about topics ranging from health care and Hispanic issues to immigration and the possibility of becoming Sen. John McCain's running mate.

It was a relatively rare interview for Ms. Fiorina, who was the first female CEO to head a Fortune 20 company, and was once named "The Most Powerful Woman in Business" by Fortune. Mr. McCain's campaign recently announced that the former Hewlett-Packard CEO was named the Republican National Committee's victory chair. Ms. Fiorina, who campaigned for Mr. McCain in the primaries, will travel the country touting his economic agenda.

Ms. Fiorina first gained nationwide notice in 1999 when she was named HP's CEO. In early 2005, she again made headlines when she was abruptly fired from the company. She told reporters that she was blindsided by the firing, and elaborated on it a year later, in her memoir, Tough Choices. Today, she advises businesses, nonprofits, and governmental agencies, including the CIA and U.S. Departments of State and Defense.

Ms. Fiorina, who has been mentioned as a possible GOP candidate for California governor in 2010, was first asked about her connection with Mr. McCain.



Q. Did Mr. McCain approach you about working for his campaign?

A. I first got to know John McCain in 2000. I was talking to him about some issues in technology and Internet taxation issues. I was very impressed by him. Then about a year ago we were reintroduced by mutual friends. He asked me to endorse him and work as a volunteer.

Q. So politics, as well as business, has your interest. Why is playing a role in the political world important to you?

A. Because I think this election really matters. Because I think the choices between the Democrats and Republican parties are substantial, and because I think John McCain is a leader of courage, integrity, experience, authenticity and wisdom.

Q. You know our readership is interested in this next question -- what is Mr. McCain doing to reach out to the Hispanic voter?

A. We are very focused on outreach to the Hispanic community and I will be doing a great deal of that. As you know, outreach costs money and we're prepared to spend money. John McCain knows this community very well. So many of his policies matter to the Hispanic community, from his leadership on immigration to his support of free trade.

Q. You have been a supporter of H-1B visas. Do you think the U.S. should encourage more foreign workers?

A. First, I think as a nation we should always seek to attract smart, hard-working people who want to come to this country to build a better life for themselves and their families. That is what has made this such a great nation. Secondly, when we have a chance to bring in very smart, hard working people, it's in our best interest. John McCain has been a supporter of that program as well. He also believes that we should focus on retaining workers and revitalizing their ability to compete.

Q. As the former CEO of a major company, you undoubtedly dealt with health care issues from an employer's stance. Is the current healthcare model economically viable?

A. Absolutely not. The health care system needs massive change. It's too expensive for many people and not accessible to many people. John McCain believes that we must make health care affordable and accessible to everyone, but that you put money, power and choice in the hands of the people. The Democrats believe that you put money, power and choice in the hands of government through a federally mandated program. Having spent a fair amount of time working with big government, I know that government will not solve the health care problem.

Q. You're being touted as a potential running mate; is that something you would consider?

A. Ultimately, that will be up to John.


(For a perspective on what Sen. McCain must do to win over Hispanic voters, please see 'Work Ahead for Sen. McCain in Gaining Hispanic Vote')