"Top American Science Questions" Shawn Lawrence Otto on Atheists Talk #192, Sunday, November 4, 2012

Nov 9, 2012

We've heard the major-party candidates for president debate on the economy, on their philosophies of government, on foreign policy. What you won't hear in televised debates is much attention given to scientific issues. However, these issues make a difference to our lives and to our country's future. This is why 14 science and technology questions were presented to both campaigns. Each was given a chance to answer such questions as: What policies will best ensure that America remains a world leader in innovation? What is your position on cap-and-trade, carbon taxes, and other policies proposed to address global climate change—and what steps can we take to improve our ability to tackle challenges like climate change that cross national boundaries? Given that the next Congress will face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in research in your upcoming budgets? In an era of constant and rapid international travel, what steps should the United States take to protect our population from emerging diseases, global pandemics and/or deliberate biological attacks? And many more. Their answers were published in early September. This Sunday, Shawn Lawrence Otto, one of the founders of the organization than ensures that science questions are asked and answered, joins us to compare the candidates' answers to these important questions. Even if you already know where your vote will be going, listen to find out what your candidate's science priorities are.