# A Call for a Presidential Candidate Debate on Science

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-call-for-a-presidential-candidate-debate-on-science/439359>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [February 27, 2008, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-call-for-a-presidential-candidate-debate-on-science/439359 "2008-02-27T11:22:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2008, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-call-for-a-presidential-candidate-debate-on-science/439359/1 "2008-02-27T11:22:34Z")

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[It has some big league sponsors, too.](http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php)

> [@](#):
>
> A concerned citizens initiative now cosponsored by the AAAS, the Council on Competitiveness, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine, and signed by over 100 leading American universities and other organizations.
> 
> A Call for a Presidential Debate on Science and Technology
> 
> Given the many urgent scientific and technological challenges facing America and the rest of the world, the increasing need for accurate scientific information in political decision making, and the vital role scientific innovation plays in spurring economic growth and competitiveness, we call for a public debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of The Environment, Health and Medicine, and Science and Technology Policy.

I think it’s a great idea. The current administration has been pretty weak in it’s support of the sciences, so making it part of the campaign can only help, IMHO.

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**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2008, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-call-for-a-presidential-candidate-debate-on-science/439359/2 "2008-02-27T13:47:39Z")

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I support this.

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**Author:** ![Shot\_Clock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Shot\_Clock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_Clock)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2008, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-call-for-a-presidential-candidate-debate-on-science/439359/3 "2008-02-27T14:10:05Z")

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[QUOTE=Tuckerfan]  
The current administration has been pretty weak in it’s support of the sciences…  
[/QUOTE]

Whaddya mean by ‘weak on science’? They’ve proven that earth was created in 6 calendar days and that global warming is a myth. Everything beyond that is gravy.

I like the idea of the science debate, but I can also see the potential for a huge and embarrassing train wreck for all involved if they get closer to the technical aspects than to the policy implications and initiatives. I’d be satisfied to know the names and credentials of the folks they’ll have around to advise them on such matters. If someone’s resume says something like “B.S., Biology, Oral Roberts University”, then I would know all I need to know about that candidate’s judgement in these matters.

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**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2008, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-call-for-a-presidential-candidate-debate-on-science/439359/4 "2008-02-27T15:24:32Z")

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I somehow misread this thread as “A Call for a Presidential Candidate Debate in Space.” I can support either version of this debate; many thing can be improved by adding “…in SPAAAACE!!!” to the end.

I don’t think this debate would be nearly as interesting if it was only the three major candidates, who will probably agree more than disagree. If they invite Huckabee, now that would be entertainment.