Comments on: Should the Next President Be Scientifically Literate?

By: Dan Ciruli

Dan Ciruli — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

Again, without degenerating into an irrational debate: how about just a basic understanding of "What is the scientific method?"

By: Derek Scruggs

Derek Scruggs — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

@Robert – Clinton would pass those tests too, especially the second. Hillary was immensely popular in Japan back in the day.

@Dan – more precisely, can they define "theory?"

By: scodottt

scodottt — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

Sorry, link should be:

http://www.sco.tt/scott_yates/2007/12/bridge-to-t...
(Trying OpenID, too, and finding it a hassle!)

By: Scott Yates

Scott Yates — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

Understanding science is important, but the job of president is to set priorities. One issue I've seen very little coverage of is how willing each candidate is to fund NASA. The only one I've seen who has said anything is Barack Obama, and he gave the wrong answer.

By: jim_pollock555

jim_pollock555 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

Let's start small then pick the fight. How about all presidential candidates should have a 3-digit IQ. That would be a nice start. I personally and lobbying for Martin Sheen to legally change his name to Jed Bartlett. I'd vote for Dr. Bartlett in a heartbeat. A PhD Economist isn't a bad start.

Jim

By: Robert Hacker

Robert Hacker — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

Excellent idea but the only former Presidents who I feel confident would pass are Eisenhower and Carter. I would like to also add a geography test (50% of Americans think Tokyo is in China) to qualify candidates. On that test the number who pass increases to four-Eisenhower, Nixon, Carter and Father Bush

By: ross2308

ross2308 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

I think I'd take your test another angle, how about "why did you vote for this candidate" – and you can't say "he's not the other guy" or "he wears boxers" but rather a real reason why you think this candidate is the right person to lead our country. I don't have to agree with someones opinion but knowing they can form a real opinion based on their beliefs is enough for me.

By: A. Rational Human

A. Rational Human — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

We the People pick people who are the most like We the People. They pick the familiar, the comfortable, and the emotionally warm and fuzzy. If by accident, the picks are also competent in th subject matter most needed at the time, we luck out. More often, they are disasters or at best near disasters.

The remarkable thing is that we have survived over 200 years of this "selection" process. With luck, we can survive a while longer..

My guess is that we will soon be SOL big time. I hope I am wrong but I see nothing that makes me believe that we have more of a chance than that famous snowball.
.

By: stormy3695

stormy3695 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000

And only 42% of Americans believe in Darwin! http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKN...
I think in today's technology led world, the president has to be familiar with latest technology and science. They should have their own email address, know what a blog is, and be familiar with all the latest science and technology updates.

By: Stormy

Stormy — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:49 +0000