I smile as I report happy news today (for HIV activists and Clinton supporters): Clinton met with HIV/AIDS activist Peter Staley today, who praised her as an HIV wonk. Before accusations that he’s a paid Clinton shill comes up—Staley had earlier (and rightly) criticized Clinton for her bizarre and inaccurate statements on Nancy Reagan’s stance on AIDS in March. I’m happy that she apologized quickly then. I was displeased that she delayed meeting with the activists (Bernie is also guilty of this, but that doesn’t make what she did right), but I’m pleased that she’s finally put her money where her mouth is.
Staley tweeted:
We started about an hour late, but she stayed well beyond our budgeted 45 minutes -- over an hour, in the end. A frank exchange. It was a first step in what we all agreed would be an ongoing process with her campaign. No surprise -- she's an HIV wonk.
Staley’s tone was not exactly exuberant, and it’s clear that work needs to be done on Hillary’s agenda regarding HIV. I hope that he, and other HIV/AIDS activists, can push her in the right direction.
Of the other candidates, Bernie delayed—and then cancelled without notice—his scheduled meeting with them. I can only speculate as to why. The common response from his supporters is that he’s simply too busy to meet with them these last couple of days. But if I may be frank, that’s a weak excuse—especially when he has the time to show up on the Colbert Show for a comedy skit, which also took place these last couple of days. I hope Bernie’s campaign can reschedule or at least explain their cancellation. Time and money spent booking plane tickets were wasted and these people deserve an explanation. And to save time from the comments that might probably come up otherwise: I’m aware that Bernie’s healthcare plan may help the lives of those afflicted with HIV or AIDS if implemented. That doesn’t really excuse or pertain to his actions here, though.
Donald Trump has “considered” meeting with the activists. We’ll see what comes of that, though I’m not holding my breath.