Science Debate 2008
There probably won't be a science debate between McCain and Obama.
Shawn Otto, CEO of Science Debate 2008, writes
Part of the problem, from our perspective, is a perception in the media, particularly the political editors, that this is a niche debate. We have saturated coverage in the science community, but have had a very difficult time getting the mainstream national media to cover this effort at all, despite numerous and frequent attempts; they believe that issues like religion loom far larger in this election and science simply doesn't sell papers. Science has also been somewhat nonvocal and under political attack over the last several years, and this has helped to create the inaccurate perception of an uninfluential minority.
Science Debate 2008 commissioned Research America to poll American attitudes towards a science debate. The results?
85% of Americans Want a Presidential Debate on Science!!!
Ask Obama and McCain to debate science issues today.
I sent an email to each.
Given that the past 8 years have been disastrous from a science policy perspective, I'm very concerned as to where the next president stands on important science issues such as climate change, habitat protection and stem cell biology. Why won't Mr. ___ agree to participate in the Science Debate 2008?
Full list of results here.
Posts
As a Green party activist and voter, as well as a scientist,
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that this great debate has been closed to other candidates who have actually RSVP'd that they want to participate but have been rudely rebuffed!
It's abundantly clear that the so-called major party candidates are not only uninterested, they can't even find a gracious excuse to use that would still acknowledge some understanding of the importance of science and the scientific community!!
I forecast more business as usual from whoever is next to plop their buttocks behind the desk in the Oval Office. I just wish scientists would be more openminded in their support for candidates & parties other than those who have proven themselves poor stewards and beholden to interests other than those that would give science the position it deserves in our decision-making processes in D.C. and nationwide.
I agree that both presidential candidates should debate on science, especially with global warming, stem cells, evolution, and other issues.
ReplyDeletewithout this debate, we may not fully grasp their goals when our next president is elected.