CNBC Interview: Giuliani On Taxes, Health Care and Markets

Presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani laid out his vision for health care, taxes and the markets in a CNBC interview.

The former New York City mayor slammed Democratic proposals for a universal health coverage system as too reminiscent of European systems -- which, he claimed, have a higher failure rate vis-à-vis patient relapse and death.

"It's important to get that number [of uninsured Americans] down... but it may or may not be possible."

CNBC Washington correspondent John Harwood noted that Giuliani has avoided a direct stance on the children's health care controversy roiling the U.S. Capitol -- but seems in agreement with President George W. Bush, who has vowed to veto any Congressional bills that contain universal coverage provisions.

"If the analysis [of the Democratic proposals] is correct -- and we have to see the final version -- if it is going to move children away from private insurance to government-controlled health care, then you have to veto it," Giuliani stated.

As the Republican primary trail heats up, Giuliani, a partner in the law offices of Bracewell & Giuliani, addressed a GOP gathering Tuesday in Rochester, N.H. on his fiscal views.

Giuliani reiterated some ideas he shared with CNBC's Larry Kudlow: "There's a lot of strength in our economy, and a lot of weakness" -- but he maintained that it is possible to focus on the stronger segments and shore them against threats.

Harwood reported that the candidate's "broader strategic goal" is to buttress his support among economic conservatives who are "very prevalent" in the small New England state.

The ex-mayor believes that a key culprit of economic deterioration is the partisan "fight over taxes."

The debate between Republicans and Democrats over whether to raise taxes "is probably affecting the market. There's no stability here, you can't predict three or four years ahead."

However, Giuliani made it clear that he is for maintaining or even cutting taxes on several levels.

"The lower rate on capital gains has contributed a great deal to investment -- and it makes sense to me, from my own policies as mayor of New York."

He cited the city's return to economic health consequent to lowering income taxes "by 24, 25 percent." He added, "I'd say that capital gains tax was even more sensitive than income tax."

© 2008 CNBC.com