In November, 2007, a small group of individuals formed Science Debate calling for a presidential debate on science. More than 38,000 scientists, engineers, and other concerned Americans agreed. The list included the major American science organizations, Nobel laureates, elected officials, business leaders, and the presidents of over many major American universities. The list is here. It represented over 125 million people. Questions were submitted for the candidates for President to answer.
They refused. NOVA and NOW on PBS were going to broadcast the debate. They even secured a venue. Instead, we heard 'debates' about their religious faith in two nationally televised "faith forums."
Science issues are at the heart of most policy challenges for the country. Why did the candidates refuse?. The Science Debate team rephrased and organized the submitted questions into "The Top 14 Science Questions Facing America." A poll was conducted online by JZ Analytics (John Zogby, Senior Analyst) in partnership with Research!America and ScienceDebate.org. There were 1005 respondents for a margin of error of +/- 3.2%. A more thorough analysis of the poll results linked here breaks down the responses by categories of religion, faith, party, among others.
Both candidates agreed to respond to the questions. Teams for the candidates formulated answers. Barack Obama was the first president to go into office with a fully formed science policy. It helped form his agenda for science. Science affects all aspects of our lives. It is a crucial element in facing and meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Click the image below to be go directly to the site. Decide for yourself whether either candidate gives a satisfactory answer to each of the fourteen questions posed to them. What are your thoughts about these issues and their answers? I invite your reactions and comments below. I would still like to see a face-to-face televised debate on science and the role it should play in our policies for the future.