ScienceDebate 2008 Update

A couple of months back, I wrote about an effort to get a debate about science policy scheduled.

There’s been some progress on the idea. A date and location has been officially announced. Now all it needs are the candidates to show up and amaze us with their handle on science policy.

More below.

The details:
April 18 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Note that this would take place four days before the Pennsylvania primary.

The invitation to attend was sent to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Mike Huckabee. The short form:

“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.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Since Huckleberry ‘majored in miracles’ and not in math, why in the world would he be invited. Well thankfully others in this nation still think science and math are worthy of study. As such, they’ve done some calculating and have determined that he’s still technically viable. Besides, would you really pass up the chance to hear Huckabee on stage with McCain and the two Democratic candidates debating science policies? I forsee soundbites for weeks by Stewart, Colbert and others.

On a more serious note, I am encouraged that this has been set up. Science policy is one of the stragglers in this campaign season. I remember reading a statistic that out of thousands of questions asked to all the candidates so far, only four have dealt with global warming. Only four! Granted, a science debate wouldn’t greatly increase that number, but the focus on this issue at such a critical time would do wonders to improve its visibility.

If this debate occurs, I fully expect more of this. And this. And many more just like them dealing with stem cell research, cloning, influenza pandemics, space policy, nanotechnology and too many more to list. But we’ll be better off with the issues on the table. Thanks to everybody who took notice and helped!