Obama and McCain offer their visions of a scientific America
The group Science Debate 2008 asked presidential candidates John McCain and 
Barack Obama to answer questions about science, technology, health and the 
environment. Here are some of their responses.
By Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
9:35 AM PDT, September 26, 2008

"Who will be the best president for America in a science-dominated world?"

That's the question posed by Science Debate 2008, a group of scientists, 
journalists and concerned citizens who wanted to engage Democrat Barack 
Obama and Republican John McCain on issues that aren't normally addressed on 
the campaign trail.

Both candidates submitted written responses to 14 questions about science, 
technology, health and the environment, and some of their answers are 
excerpted below. Their complete replies are online at 
www.sciencedebate2008.com.

What is your position on government regulation and funding of stem cell 
research?

McCain: While I support federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, I 
believe clear lines should be drawn that reflect a refusal to sacrifice 
moral values and ethical principles for the sake of scientific progress. 
Moreover, I believe that recent scientific breakthroughs raise the hope that 
one day this debate will be rendered academic.

I also support funding for other research programs, including amniotic fluid 
and adult stem cell research, which hold much scientific promise and do not 
involve the use of embryos.

Obama: As president, I will lift the current administration's ban on federal 
funding of research on embryonic stem cell lines created after Aug. 9, 2001, 
and I will ensure that all research on stem cells is conducted ethically and 
with rigorous oversight.

. . . Hundreds of thousands of embryos stored in the U.S. in in vitro 
fertilization clinics will not be used for reproductive purposes, and will 
eventually be destroyed. I believe that it is ethical to use these extra 
embryos for research that could save lives.

What steps, if any, should the United States take during your presidency to 
protect ocean health?

McCain: Ocean health and policy requires better management focus; however, 
we also need a better scientific understanding of the oceans. In no area is 
this truer than in obtaining a better understanding of the interaction of 
climate change and the oceans. . . . Ocean science and engineering is a 
field that deserves greater attention and focus.

Obama: The oceans are a global resource and a global responsibility for 
which the U.S. can and should take a more active role. I will work actively 
to ensure that the U.S. ratifies the Law of the Sea Convention -- an 
agreement supported by more than 150 countries that will protect our 
economic and security interests while providing an important international 
collaboration to protect the oceans and its resources.

How would you prioritize space in your administration?

McCain: Although the general view in the research community is that human 
exploration is not an efficient way to increase scientific discoveries given 
the expense and logistical limitations, the role of manned space flight goes 
well beyond the issue of scientific discovery and is [a] reflection of 
national power and pride.

. . . Current U.S. space operations policy commits the U.S. to completing 
the International Space Station (ISS) by 2010 and then terminating the space 
shuttle flights, with the completion of the ISS. I have called on the Bush 
administration to suspend its decommissioning of the shuttle until the next 
president is in office, and to retain the option of continuing shuttle 
flights to the ISS in the interim period until the Ares/Orion vehicle is in 
service.

Obama: Under my administration, NASA not only will inspire the world with 
both human and robotic space exploration, but also will again lead in 
confronting the challenges we face here on Earth, including global climate 
change, energy independence, and aeronautics research.

. . . Between 1958 and 1973, the National Aeronautics and Space Council 
oversaw the entire space arena for four presidents. I will re-establish this 
Council reporting to the president. It will solicit public participation, 
engage the international community, and work toward a 21st century vision of 
space that constantly pushes the envelope on new technologies as it pursues 
a balanced national portfolio that expands our reach into the heavens and 
improves life here on Earth.

Many government scientists report political interference in their job. Is it 
acceptable for elected officials to hold back or alter scientific reports if 
they conflict with their own views, and how will you balance scientific 
information with politics and personal beliefs in your decision-making?

McCain: We have invested huge amounts of public funds in scientific 
research. The public deserves to have the results of that research. . . . 
Denial of the facts will not solve any of these problems. Solutions can only 
come about as a result of a complete understanding of the problem. I believe 
policy should be based upon sound science.

I support having a science and technology advisor within the White House 
staff and restoring the credibility and role of OSTP (Office of Science & 
Technology Policy) as an office within the White House structure.

Obama: I will restore the basic principle that government decisions should 
be based on the best-available, scientifically valid evidence and not on the 
ideological predispositions of agency officials or political appointees.

Policies must be determined using a process that builds on the long 
tradition of open debate that has characterized progress in science, 
including review by individuals who might bring new information or 
contrasting views. I have already established an impressive team of science 
advisors, including several Nobel laureates, who are helping me to shape a 
robust science agenda for my administration.

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Rayilyn Brown
Director AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
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