Finally, both presidential candidates have answered questions about the hot science policy issues from the Science Debate 2008. As the NYT reports. As far as bioethics topics are concerned the two don’t differ all that much in regard: they both support embryonic stem cell research, think genetic advances present opportunities and ethical challenges (McCain fears the GMOs, Obama genetic discrimination), and promote greater scientific integrity in practice and in policy advice.
But I agree with Janet Raloff of ScienceNews who says that it’s too bad that these answers don’t really constitute real debate. Having policy advisors write well-polished answers is hardly forcing the candidates to delve into the heart of difficult, but important science policy questions.
So don’t take these pithy, slick answers from the candidates on their face. There’s more to science policy than easy to remember one-liners or pre-written responses. One of these men will have to face tough science and technology policy questions during his presidency–it would be a shame to think we’d let them off the hook with a few canned answers trying to pass for real debate.
Summer Johnson, PhD