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Science and Technology in the 2008 Presidential Election

Issue Comparisons

This site provides comparisons of the candidates positions on various issues related to S&T, including summaries of the candidates answers to ScienceDebate2008's Questions to the Candidates.

Other comparisons of the candidates:

  • AAAS Side-by-Side Comparison table for more general S&T issues
  • Candidate positions on health policy from the New England Journal of Medicine:
  • Answers to the National Wildlife Federation's questions to the candidates about ecological issues
  • Candidate Views issue comparison tables from The Brookings Institution, covering a variety of topics
  • The SHARP Network, from Scientists and Engineers for America (SEA), which tracks the S&T positions of various elected officials and candidates. SHARP also has a comparison page of the candidates' positions.
  • Education policy comparison from Education Week
  • Answers to the "Your Candidates Your Health" survey to the candidates from Research!America:

ScienceDebate2008's Questions to the Candidates

This section provides summaries of the candidates' answers to the questions. Their complete answers can be viewed at the website of ScienceDebate2008.

  1. Innovation
  2. Climate Change
  3. Energy
  4. Education
  5. National Security
  6. Pandemics and Biosecurity
  7. Genetics Research
  8. Stem Cells
  9. Ocean Health
  10. Water
  11. Space
  12. Scientific Integrity
  13. Research
  14. Health

Question 1: Innovation. Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since WWII. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies will you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?

Obama McCain
  • “Ensuring that the U.S. continues to lead the world in science and technology will be a central priority for my administration.”
  • Double basic research funding for physical and life sciences, mathematics, and engineering over 10 years.
  • Increase research grants for early-career researchers, and increase support for high-risk, high-payoff research.  Specifically notes importance of energy challenges and defense programs.
  • Guarantee student access to “strong science curriculum” at all grades.  Promote hands-on science and IT-enhanced education. 
  • Create Service Scholarships for students in teacher education programs that commit to work in high-need schools.
  • Teacher Residency Program to train science and math teachers in high-need schools. 
  • Increase NSF graduate fellowships. 
  • Create incentives for business and will make R&D tax credit permanent.
  • Overall vision is to “provide pools of capital, low taxes and incentives for research in America, a commitment to a skilled and educated workforce, and a dedication to opening markets around the globe. 
  • Innovation is essential to solve problems such as alternative fuels, climate change, and costs of healthcare delivery.
  • Appoint a Science and Technology Advisor within the White House.
  • Fund basic and applied research in new & emerging areas (e.g, nanotechnology, biotechnology).  But also must eliminate earmarks. 
  • Promote space exploration
  • Reform math and science education
  • Encourage and facilitate commercialization
  • Encourage citizen-government “dialogs”
  • Although not in this response, McCain has stated he favors making R&D tax credit permanent.

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Question 2: Climate Change. The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards and research? Are there other policies you would support?

Obama McCain
  • Establish a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 with an intermediate goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. All credits will be auctioned.
  • Restore U.S. leadership in strategies for combating climate by re-engaging with the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • Create a Global Energy Forum—based on the G8+5 —focused exclusively on global energy and environmental issues.
  • Create a Technology Transfer Program dedicated to exporting climate-friendly technologies to developing countries to help them combat climate change.
  • Institute a cap-and-trade that will reduce carbon emissions 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 with an intermediate goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
  • Strengthen the penalties for violating CAFE standards, and make certain they are effectively enforced.
  • Establish a permanent research and development tax credit equal to ten percent of wages spent on R&D.
  • Invest two billion dollars every year for the next 15 years in clean coal technologies
  • Provide up to a $5,000 tax credit to each customer who buys a zero-emission vehicle.
  • Establish a $300 million prize for the development of a battery package that has the size, capacity, cost and power to leapfrog the commercially available plug-in hybrids or electric cars.
  • Continue to support the U.S. Global Change Research Program and ensure that the program’s activities support the Nation’s needs for climate related information to help it prepare for the future.

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Question 3: Energy. Many policymakers and scientists say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?

Obama McCain
  • Increase federal investment in clean energy research, development, and deployment to $150 billion over ten years. Research will cover:  
    • Basic research to develop alternative fuels and chemicals; reduce energy use in residential and commercial buildings;
    • new vehicle technologies; advanced energy storage and transmission;
    • technologies for capturing and sequestering greenhouse gases produced by coal plants;
    • and nuclear electric technologies that address cost, safety, waste disposal, and proliferation risks.
  • Introduce a digital smart grid that can optimize the overall efficiency of the nation's electric utility system.
  • Speed introduction of innovative products and provide a strong incentive for private R&D investment in energy technologies:
    • Increase new building efficiency by 50% and existing building efficiency by 25% over the next decade;
    • increase fuel economy standards 4% per year and provide loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers to build new fuel-efficient cars domestically;
    • extend the Production Tax Credit five years and create a federal Renewable Portfolio Standard that will require 10% of American electricity be derived from renewable sources by 2012, and 25% by 2025.
  • Build 45 new reactors by 2030.
  • In the progress of other alternative energy sources -- such as wind, solar, geothermal, tide, and hydroelectric --government must be an ally but not an arbiter. I will also commit the federal government to a prosperous clean technology agenda and to becoming the world leader in green technologies.
  • Not in his response, but he has stated he would launch a Lexington Project to address energy issues.  Includes oil/gas drilling; $300 million prize for clean car technologies; investments in alternative energy; and enforcement of CAFÉ standards.

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Question 4: Education. A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?

Obama McCain
  • STEM education is more than just for those interested in pursuing STEM careers.  It should “enable all citizens to solve problems, collaborate, weigh evidence, and communicate.”
  • Supports research to understand “strategies and mechanisms that bring lasting improvements to STEM education.” 
  • Create better instructional materials and work with educators “to ensure that assessments measure the range of knowledge and skills needed for the 21st Century.”
  • Notes past efforts, such as bill to improve coordination of STEM programs among federal agencies. 
  • Proposes to work with states and local communities to improve recruitment of math and science teachers (see programs listed under Innovation question).
  • Create a comprehensive plan to address at-risk children.  He proposes a “zero to five” program to ensure that children are ready to learn when they enter school. 
  • Create a $4,000 America Opportunity Tax Credit to improve access to affordable higher education.
  • He acknowledges threat of diminishing number of STEM graduates to U.S. economy and innovation.
  • Elementary school students should use hands-on resources (eg., experiements, science fairs, and competitions).
  • Higher Education focus not only on graduating new students but re-training displaced workers to adapt to evolving economy.
  • Supports grants for digital and wireless technologies for educational instruction targeted to minorities and low-income students. 
  • Bring private-sector into the process to leverage their experience.
  • Focus on professional development of STEM teachers.  He specifically proposes to spend 35% of Title II to fund school needs and 60% of Title II to fund incentive bonuses for high-performing teachers to locate to “challenging settings,” for science and math teachers, and for those who demonstrate student improvements. 
  • Proposes $250 million in competitive grants to states to expand online educational opportunities. 
  • Supports STEM programs at NSF, DOE, NASA, NOAA.

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Question 5: National Security. Science and technology are at the core of national security like never before. What is your view of how science and technology can best be used to ensure national security and where should we put our focus?

Obama McCain
  • Revitalize our defense, homeland security, and intelligence research activities in order to develop the most advanced technology for national defense purposes.
  • Double funding for basic research and assure strong funding for applied research at the Department of Defense, including renewing DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
  • Build a strong and more productive research program in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that will include critical work on cyber and biosecurity.
  • Include development of alternative energy technologies as part of the national security R&D agenda.
  • “We are benefiting today from technology that was invented for military use a quarter of a century ago (e.g. the Internet, email, GPS, Teflon).  And today, the American military has some of the most advanced technologies in the world to support them as they defend America’s interest.  We need to ensure that America retains the edge in the most strategic areas and I will continue to encourage this with advanced R&D research funding.”

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Question 6: Pandemics and Biosecurity. Some estimates suggest that if H5N1 Avian Flu becomes a pandemic it could kill more than 300 million people. In an era of constant and rapid international travel, what steps should the United States take to protect our population from global pandemics or deliberate biological attacks?

Obama McCain
  • Would launch a $5-billion initiative to create an international intelligence and law enforcement infrastructure to take down terrorist networks.
  • Would seek to strengthen U.S. intelligence collection overseas to head off biological attacks.
  • Would invest in vaccines and technology to detect and trace attacks.
  • Pledges $10 billion for each of the next 5 years to encourage the adoption of health information technology systems.
  • Would push for federal/state/local partnerships.
  • Pledges a focus on containment and response with respect to a pandemic, and prevention and early detection with respect to biological attacks.
  • Would encourage development of modern automated detectors that could analyze, sample, and provide real-time information on biological agents.
  • Supports funding of R&D for medicines and vaccines to combat pandemics and biological attacks
  • Would seek to ensure adequate stockpiles of countermeasures.

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Question 7: Genetics Research. The field of genetics has the potential to improve human health and nutrition, but many people are concerned about the effects of genetic modification both in humans and in agriculture. What is the right policy balance between the benefits of genetic advances and their potential risks?

Obama McCain
  • Supported the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which prevents employers and insurers from discriminating on the basis of an individual’s genetic information.
  • Introduced the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2007, which aims to ensure the safety and accuracy of genetic testing.
  • Believes in safe genetic modification of plants as a way to benefit American farmers.
  • Supports the activities and recommendations of the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee.
  • Supported the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which prevents employers and insurers from discriminating on the basis of an individual’s genetic information.
  • Will “actively seek out the wise counsel of experts” to ensure that there is a balance between maintaining the promise of genetic research and addressing ethical concerns associated with it.
  • Increase R&D that will foster a new “Green Revolution” in the world’s poorest regions to help maximize food production and delivery.

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Question 8: Stem Cells. Stem cell research advocates say it may successfully lead to treatment for many chronic diseases and injuries, saving lives, but opponents argue that using embryos as a source for stem cells destroys human life. What is your position on government regulation and funding of stem cell research?

Obama McCain
  • Voted for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, to expand federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research while laying out strict ethical guidelines.
  • Strongly supports expanding federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research—with “responsible” oversight—and would overturn the stem cell policy laid out by President Bush.
  • Voted for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, to expand federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research while laying out strict ethical guidelines.
  • Currently supports federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, but does not specify whether he would seek to expand it as President.
  • Supports non-embryonic stem cell research.
  • Opposes the creation of embryos for research.

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Question 9: Ocean Health. Scientists estimate that some 75 percent of the world’s fisheries are in serious decline and habitats around the world like coral reefs are seriously threatened. What steps, if any, should the United States take during your presidency to protect ocean health?

Obama McCain
  • Enhance our understanding of the effect of climate change on oceans and the effect of acidification on marine life through expanded research programs at NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
  • Ratify the Law of the Sea Convention. Strengthen regional and bilateral research and oceans preservation efforts with other coastal nations.
  • Reauthorize the Coastal Zone Management Act in ways that strengthen the collaboration between federal agencies and state and local organizations.
  • Strengthen and reauthorize the National Marine Sanctuaries and the Oceans and Human Health Acts.
  • The environmental health of the oceans and the Great Lakes requires effective coastal zone and watershed management, both point and non-point water pollution management, and more effective fisheries management. It requires coordination and action by local, state and federal government agencies, by addressing issues like invasive aquatic species to agricultural runoff.
  • Ocean health and policy requires better management focus; however, we also need a better scientific understanding of the oceans. In no area is this more important 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.

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Question 10: Water. Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?

Obama McCain
  • Believes the problem requires “close collaboration between federal, state, and local governments and the people and businesses affected.”
  • Policy must: create incentives to maximize efficient use of water and avoid waste; provide information, training, and, economic assistance to farms and businesses in adopting water-efficient practices, and involve a focused program of research, development, and testing of water use reduction technologies.
  • Supports efforts among the states and the water users that are respectful of existing compacts and agreements.
  • Seeks to ensure cooperation in achieving implementation of water agreements that incorporate potential technological developments that could reduce water demands in certain areas.

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Question 11: Space. The study of the Earth from space can yield important information about climate change; focus on the cosmos can advance our understanding of the universe; and manned space travel can help us inspire new generations of youth to go into science. Can we afford all of them? How would your prioritize space in your administration?

Obama McCain
  • Establish a robust and balanced civilian space program.
  • Ensure NASA can maintain focus on human and robotic space exploration and Earth-based study, including global climate change, energy independence, and aeronautics research.
  • Seek international partners and to engage the private sector to enhance NASA’s capabilities and expand its areas of activity.
  • Re-establish [National Aeronautics and Space Council] reporting to the president to oversee and coordinate civilian, military, commercial, and national security space activities. This includes soliciting public participation and working with the international space exploration community.
  • Ensure that U.S. remains a global leader in space exploration.
  • Commit to funding the NASA Constellation program.
  • Seek to minimize the gap between the termination of the Shuttle and the availability of its replacement vehicle.
  • Ensure the national space workforce is maintained and fully utilized.
  • Complete construction of the International Space Station National Laboratory.
  • Seek to maximize the research capability and commercialization possibilities of the ISS National Laboratory.
  • Maintain infrastructure investments in Earth-monitoring satellites and support systems.
  • Seek to maintain the nation's space infrastructure.
  • Ensure adequate investments in aeronautics research.

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Question 12: Scientific Integrity. Many government scientists report political interference in their jobs. 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?

Obama McCain
  • Scientific and technological information is critical to many issues and must be “expert and uncolored by ideology.”  Will restore basic principle that government decisions be made on the “best available, scientifically-valid evidence.” 
  • Work to create a transparent and connected democracy by using technologies that promote participation of citizens.
  • Appoint individuals with strong S&T backgrounds to senior management positions.  Positions will be filled “promptly”. 
  • Create new position of Chief Technology Officer.
  • Issue an Executive Order to establish guidelines for the “review and release of government publications” to ensure timeliness and to protect against ideological distortion.  Strengthen protection for whistleblowers.
  • Scientific research has identified critical problems that face our nation and elected officials must develop policies in response to those results.
  • Denial of the facts will not solve any of these problems.  “I believe policy should be based upon sound science.” 
  • Appoint a Science and Technology Advisor and fill position early.  Also supports “restoring the credibility and role of OSTP.”

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Question 13: Research. For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?

Obama McCain
  • Basic research has had an important role in generating new knowledge that has “fueled important developments. 
  • Continue investment in fundamental research. Federal support for physical sciences and engineering has declined as a fraction of GDP, and the NIH budget has steadily lost buying power. Double the NIH budget.
  • Vision is 1). Expand frontiers of knowledge, 2). Support high-risk, high-return research, and 3). Harness S&T to address grand challenges: energy, health, food and water, national security, information technology and manufacturing capacity.
  • Basic research is a critical investment for the future and is the foundation for new discoveries.  Notes his past support to increase NSF, DOE and NIH and “will continue to do so” while also ensuring that “funding is properly managed.” 
  • “We must ensure that basic research money is allocated to the best science based on quality and peer review, not politics and earmarks.”
  • “I also called for a plan developed by our top scientists on how the funding should be utilized.” 

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Question 14: Health. Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality and availability of health care. How do you see science, research and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?

Obama McCain
  • Create a health care plan that would, among other things, require insurance companies to cover preventive care, patients with pre-existing conditions, and children.
  • Increase funding for the National Institutes of Health.
  • Make health care more cost-efficient.
  • The benefits of health-related research and development are not only in improving medical care but also increasing access to it and making it more cost-efficient.

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