Science Debate 2008

Greg Ross in American Scientist:

StoryWith the U.S. presidential election less than a year away, the candidates have participated in literally scores of debates across the country and online. But science and technology—so central to modern public policy—have been addressed only in passing and for the most part in brief, 90-second responses.

“Right now we have a confluence of issues facing candidates: embryonic stem cell research, global warming, science and technology education, biotechnology and energy policy—it’s just becoming an avalanche,” Case Western physicist Lawrence Krauss told Wired magazine. “I think at some level, you have to get some insight into what the candidates know, or what they’re willing to learn.”

Krauss, science journalist Chris Mooney and other concerned citizens hope to do just that with Science Debate 2008, a grassroots movement that proposes a dedicated presidential debate in which the candidates discuss in detail their ideas about health and medicine, science and technology policy, and the environment.

More here.