S&T in the 2008 Presidential Election Newsletter

August 2008

The latest science-related news on the presidential election from the
AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Congress

ELECTION UPDATES

McCain Details Positions on Education, Technology and Innovation
In two separate August 14th press releases, the McCain campaign released additional details on his positions on higher education and internet security. His campaign also posted an updated summary of his plan to improve American innovation and competitiveness. In summary, he would seek to encourage private investment in innovation by making the R&D tax credit permanent and reducing taxes on businesses and capital gains and would encourage expansion of online business by providing greater high-speed internet access and avoiding regulations such as net-neutrality. His plan to improve government support of technological development includes reducing the use of earmarks in order to free up money for research grants, bringing more scientists and engineers into the federal government, and providing additional resources to the U.S. Patent Office.

Obama Announces New Energy Plan
In a speech in Lansing, MI on August 4, Democratic candidate Barack Obama announced his new plan for addressing the country's energy future, dubbed the "New Energy for America" plan. Obama's strategy, in comparison with opponent John McCain's recently introduced "Lexington Plan", also focuses on reducing American dependence on foreign oil, although it proposes to do so more through direct involvement from the federal government in supporting energy efficiency and the development of alternative energy sources. Measures in his plan include tighter fuel economy standards, new mandates for renewable energy use, and federal assistance for home weatherization. McCain recently touted his plan, which focuses more on private enterprise to take the lead in innovation and technology deployment, in an August 12 speech at a GE plant in Erie, PA.

REPORTS

The Center for the Study of the Presidency has released a report from its Study Group on Presidential Science and Technology Personnel and Advisory Assets that evaluates the need for presidential leadership in ensuring the science and technology needs of the nation. The report, which includes a memorandum addressed to the candidates, highlights the group's recommendations for raising the level of scientific expertise in the White House in order to more effectively address the science and technology policy challenges of the 21st century.

Brookings Institution revised its matrix chart that highlights the candidate’s views on energy and climate change-related issues.

Congressional Research Service issued a report on "Presidential Appointments to Full-time Positions in Executive Departments During the 109th Congress, 2005-2006." The report is also linked on AAAS's election resource page, which includes other resources for the transition to a new administration.

RESOURCES

Research!America Submits Party Platform Statement on Health.  The public opinion and advocacy group, Research!America, submitted a statement to both the Democratic and Republican Party’s Platform Drafting Committees in late July that argued for investing in health-related research.  For further information go to: http://capwiz.com/ram/utr/1/AYLMJATVIX/GKJFJAZCSA/2252878666

Candidates Views on Health Research.  The two presumptive presidential candidates also responded to a series of questions submitted by Research!America on issues surrounding health research, drug-development and health care.   
McCain: http://www.yourcandidatesyourhealth.org/profile.php?c_id=ODk5OTM3
Obama: http://www.yourcandidatesyourhealth.org/profile.php?c_id=MjU1MjQx

POLLS AND SURVEYS

USA Today ran an article, “Are we science-savvy enough to make informed decisions?” that included the results of a Harris Interactive Survey showing that only 26 percent believe that they themselves have a good understanding of science.  More importantly, 70 percent believe that the United States is no longer the leader in science achievement.

NEWS

National Public Radio has been running a series of stories on “All Things Considered” that highlight differences between the candidates on a range of science and technology issues. The most recent piece discussed the subject of science and politics and included interviews with Douglas Holtz-Eakin from McCain’s campaign and Melody Barnes from Obama’s campaign. Past stories include discussions on technology and climate change.

Other News:

"Science in the Seat of Power," Neal Lane, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, July/Aug 2008
"Poll: Voters want candidate with energy answers," Jill Lawrence, USA Today, 4 Aug 2008

PRESS COVERAGE

AAAS's Science and Technology in the 2008 Presidential Election has been featured in publications including The Baltimore Sun, Wired Science, Greenwire and Inside Higher Ed. Science readers can also view a write-up in the journal's January 25 issue.

MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

The Center's election project will maintain a listserv for individuals interested in receiving updates on new information related to science, technology and the election. To subscribe, send your name and e-mail address to congress_center@aaas.org with the Subject line "Election".