posted
Nature, a highly respected science journal, has chosen 15 questions about the future of the science field to ask Bush and Kerry. I haven't read through the article yet (it's long), but it should prove to be a fascinating read.
posted
Hm. It's kind of a shame that neither candidate was actually interviewed. There's a huge difference between reading a vetted policy statement and hearing what a candidate actually thinks/knows.
Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
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posted
I'm not sure that's a problem. Neither is a scientist, and even a minor mistake would be jumped on as proof of their unfitness for office. When they make science-related decisions they will have access to their aids.
posted
geeze, that's dorky. I bet you could ask ANY of our presidents those questions and all of them wouldn't know the answers to HALF of them.
Posts: 529 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Well, they should know the answer after talking to an aide, reading summaries, discussing it with experts.
I expect more from Presidents than to be diplomatic figureheads. If they get to veto legislation, they should be willing to put the effort into understanding the key factors involved.
Posts: 1261 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
Well, if it's a hot topic then I'd expect/hope they'd already be briefed. Like, wouldn't you expect them to have serious opinions about nuclear weapons research at this point?
But asking them about something a little obscure, I would agree a little research time would be appropriate.
Posts: 1261 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
"I bet you could ask ANY of our presidents those questions and all of them wouldn't know the answers to HALF of them."
That's a shame. I don't consider myself to be qualified for the presidency of this nation and I feel capable of answering any and all of those questions coherently, without preparation. I'm not exactly an exceptional person; why should the guy running our country be less exceptional than I am?
Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
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posted
You know, I don't doubt that Al Gore could have coherently answered all of those questions. If only people hadn't percieved him to be a wooden egghead. Posts: 1769 | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
Since policy issues like this are not things I want my President making off the cuff, I'm glad that they gave both candidates the time to answer thoughtfully. After all, in addition to asking their marketing folks, they probably also consulted the teams that would help make these decisions in a real administration. Thanks for sharing this. I think it provides an excellent side-by-side comparison.
Posts: 57 | Registered: Jun 2003
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