Science!
A new study shows that pretty much every American in the United States would like their publicly elected officials to have
some basic understanding of science.
An overwhelming majority of Americans (87%) say it is important that candidates for President and Congress have a basic understanding of the science informing public policy issues, including majorities across the political spectrum (92% of Democrats, 90% of Republicans and 79% of Independents). Americans also say the presidential candidates should participate in a debate to discuss key science-based challenges facing the United States, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, education, innovation and the economy, with 91% of Democrats, 88% of Republicans and 78% of Independents agreeing.
The public opinion poll of U.S. adults commissioned by Research!America and ScienceDebate.org, conducted by Zogby Analytics, found that less than half (45%) of Americans say they are well-informed about the positions of the current candidates for President about public policies and public funding for science and innovation (49% of Democrats, 48% of Republicans, and 37% of Independents), and 77% said that journalists should ask candidates about their views on scientific issues (82% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 72% of Independents).
[bold my emphasis]
I would love to see both parties discuss science. Oh, please please please.