Science Debate 2008 - Obama Answers

danarhea · 09-05-08, 11:44 AM

While everyone's focus has been on the conventions and upcoming debates, there is yet another debate, one that is not widely known. Science Debate 2008, which was created by 6 citizens who care about America's leadership role in science, and has since been run by a consortium of various scientific organizations, has given 14 questions to both Obama and McCain. Obama has now answered, and McCain will also be submitting his answers soon, now that the GOP debates are over. While the media debates are going to be important, this scientific debate will be no less important, as it will show which direction our candidates plan to take America in its path to once again be the world's undisputed leader in science.

Right now, we can only discuss Obama's answers. However, once McCain has submitted his, I hope that this discussion will become a bit more balanced.

Article is here.

cascadian · 09-05-08, 12:41 PM

Don't have time to read this now, but it's nice to see discussion off the usual hot-button issues.

jfuh · 09-05-08, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danarhea

While everyone's focus has been on the conventions and upcoming debates, there is yet another debate, one that is not widely known. Science Debate 2008, which was created by 6 citizens who care about America's leadership role in science, and has since been run by a consortium of various scientific organizations, has given 14 questions to both Obama and McCain. Obama has now answered, and McCain will also be submitting his answers soon, now that the GOP debates are over. While the media debates are going to be important, this scientific debate will be no less important, as it will show which direction our candidates plan to take America in its path to once again be the world's undisputed leader in science.

Right now, we can only discuss Obama's answers. However, once McCain has submitted his, I hope that this discussion will become a bit more balanced.

Article is here.

From his responses it appears that either Obama himself has a firm grasp of many of these scientific questions and concerns or someone who works under him who has his ear does.
Most of his solutions are quite feasible and realistic. There is little question that an Obama administration would not put science on the back burner or question whether science is as valid as superstitious hyperbole.

I doubt the McCain campaign will be able to give any straight answers or practical solutions to any of these questions.
Energy? Drill for more
climate change - there needs to be more research
Pandemics and biodiversity? what's that?
Genetics research - just short of saying he's against it.
Stem cells - against it.
Just a guess.

John_Gault · 09-05-08, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfuh

From his responses it appears that either Obama himself has a firm grasp of many of these scientific questions and concerns or someone who works under him who has his ear does.
Most of his solutions are quite feasible and realistic. There is little question that an Obama administration would not put science on the back burner or question whether science is as valid as superstitious hyperbole.

I doubt the McCain campaign will be able to give any straight answers or practical solutions to any of these questions.
Energy? Drill for more
climate change - there needs to be more research
Pandemics and biodiversity? what's that?
Genetics research - just short of saying he's against it.
Stem cells - against it.
Just a guess.

McCain didn't get where he is without knowing when to get an expert on his team... I will almost bet you that neither candidates actually read the questions... they probably said, "oh science? Hey (insert geeky name here), we got some work for you" I think cabinet picks should be more important than the actual cadidates in matters along these lines.

I think Obama would really gain some ground if he named some of the people he would be having in his cabinet just prior to the election...

jfuh · 09-05-08, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_Gault

McCain didn't get where he is without knowing when to get an expert on his team... I will almost bet you that neither candidates actually read the questions... they probably said, "oh science? Hey (insert geeky name here), we got some work for you" I think cabinet picks should be more important than the actual cadidates in matters along these lines.

I think Obama would really gain some ground if he named some of the people he would be having in his cabinet just prior to the election...

That'd be too early.
Here's the thing with Obama, I've actually heard him speaking of some of these points before. So while I'm almost certain they got a geeky guy to respond, it's assuring to know that Obama shares the same perspective.
This vs McCain - who couldn't even field the question on evolution to me is quite telling of where he stands on scientific issues - how does it poll over is it factual.
This video demonstrate this "how does it poll"

YouTube - Republican Candidates Don't Believe in Evolution

danarhea · 09-05-08, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfuh

From his responses it appears that either Obama himself has a firm grasp of many of these scientific questions and concerns or someone who works under him who has his ear does.
Most of his solutions are quite feasible and realistic. There is little question that an Obama administration would not put science on the back burner or question whether science is as valid as superstitious hyperbole.

I doubt the McCain campaign will be able to give any straight answers or practical solutions to any of these questions.
Energy? Drill for more
climate change - there needs to be more research
Pandemics and biodiversity? what's that?
Genetics research - just short of saying he's against it.
Stem cells - against it.
Just a guess.

Don't be too hard on McCain. He is outspoken that man is the cause of global warming. He has also spoken of alternative and renewable energy, and what he says sounds good. My only concern about McCain is on the stem cell issue. On everything else, he and Obama are close.

jfuh · 09-05-08, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danarhea

Don't be too hard on McCain. He is outspoken that man is the cause of global warming. He has also spoken of alternative and renewable energy, and what he says sounds good. My only concern about McCain is on the stem cell issue. On everything else, he and Obama are close.

Climate change, certainly not what heartbeat away from president Palin thinks, but I will give him credit for having been consistent (as far as I know) that climate change is real and is one of the only issues that is a bag three issue together matter.
I support his stance on nuclear though I oppose his stance on drilling, on that I boo Obama for not addressing nuclear (as far as I know).

John_Gault · 09-06-08, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfuh

Climate change, certainly not what heartbeat away from president Palin thinks, but I will give him credit for having been consistent (as far as I know) that climate change is real and is one of the only issues that is a bag three issue together matter.
I support his stance on nuclear though I oppose his stance on drilling, on that I boo Obama for not addressing nuclear (as far as I know).

Why doesn't Obama get on the Nuclear thing? Energy should NOT be a partisan topic... I understand the two school of thoughts on the economy and "values" but come on... energy? The same goes for the environment... shouldn't be a Partisan topic, it's odd to me that the Conservationists aren't the outdoors-man type (the stereotypical conservative) I know I love all things outdoors and so I understand conservationist points of view...

The silenced majority · 09-06-08, 08:18 AM

Science debate:

sign this paper saying the world is flat....or else.

American · 09-06-08, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfuh

That'd be too early.
Here's the thing with Obama, I've actually heard him speaking of some of these points before. So while I'm almost certain they got a geeky guy to respond, it's assuring to know that Obama shares the same perspective.
This vs McCain - who couldn't even field the question on evolution to me is quite telling of where he stands on scientific issues - how does it poll over is it factual.
This video demonstrate this "how does it poll"

YouTube - Republican Candidates Don't Believe in Evolution

Stop trying to hijack the thread like a spoiled little brat. We're talking science now. Either keep it there or get out, okay? Take your McCain hate to another thread. JFUH, I'm sick of that crap. We're here to discuss their answers, not who hires the best geek or who took a science course in high school. Why do I have to do the moderator's job for them? Frustrating.