Bill Clinton was the star of the show today, although he had to handle the spotlight without his buddy, Bill Gates. The Toronto media called them “Double Bill” in the morning papers.

It’s always interesting to watch former politicians, like Clinton, talk about HIV/AIDS once they are out of office. Clinton’s history with AIDS is a bit of a mixed back. Yes, infection rates fell while he was in office, and the U.S. significantly contributed to global AIDS funding. But he also refused federal funding for needle exchange programs (a proven way to lower infections among intravenous drug users) and didn’t talk much about the virus publicly.

Melinda Gates put it well in her keynote address when she said, “HIV is transmitted through activities that society finds difficult to discuss.” Maybe that extends to world leaders as well.

For more on Clinton’s history with HIV/AIDS check out my story in Wednesday’s Tampa Tribune.

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