Science Debate 2008 has just announced that both major presidential candidates have now responded to a series of questions regarding major scientific issues.  Barack Obama responded two weeks ago; John McCain's response was announced today. 

ScienceDebate2008.com is a citizens’ initiative whose signers now include nearly every major American science organization, the presidents of nearly every major American university, and dozens of Nobel laureates and top American CEOs.

While neither of the candidates agreed to participate in a public debate about science and technology, their willingness to answer question in detail is likely a reflection of their awareness of strong public support for having policy decisions based on science.  On a June, 2008, poll respondents said they were more likely to vote for a candidate who suppports scientific research, invests in energy research, will tackle climate change, and will invest in science education. 

The 14 top questions answered by the candidates address energy policy, national security, economics in a science-driven global economy, climate change, education, health care, ocean health, biosecurity, clean water, space, stem cells, scientific integrity, genetics, and research.  They were chosen from over 3,400 questions submitted by over 38,000 signers of the ScienceDebate2008 initiative, which is pressing for a face-to-face candidate debate about science and technology policy.

A quick look through the list indicates that, not unexpectedly, McCain's repolies emphasize market-based solutions and are somewhat nonspecific about government actions.  Obama's, on other hand, lean toward greater specificity about government agencies and actions, with notable emphasis on oversight and legislation.  Both promise to put more money into science and technology, without indicating where that money will come from.

Here are a few specifics from my perspective:

* Obama is better on global warming. However, both candidates appear friendly toward coal-based and nuclear energy solutions (which I am not), McCain more so than Obama.

* Obama is more specific about energy security and sustainability.  In particular, Obama emphasizes energy efficiency and seems to recognize the value of government investment in energy innovation, in addition to market forces. By contrast, McCain appears to trust that the market will solve the problems, except those of nuclear energy.

* With regard to oceans, both have good suggestions.  McCain correctly emphasizes that many of the ocean problems have their genesis in human "landside" activities.  Obama recognizes the effects of global warming on the oceans and emphasizes the need for international collaboration in dealing with oceanic concerns.

* On the matter of scientific integrity, Obama addresses not only integrity, but also objectivity and transparency, which have been major problems under the current administration. McCain's brief response mentions the need for complete understanding of problems and avoiding denial.

* The only response I consider completely inadequate was McCain's, on health. Obama lays out specific about his health care plan, while McCain says the high cost and quality problems of our healthcare system can be dealt with by "promoting research and development of new treatment models, promoting wellness, investing in technology and empowering Americans with better information on quality."  In other words, it's your health, it's your problem.

* For what it's worth, just looking at the lengths of their answers, national security, stem cells, health, and scientific integrity are the topics on which Obama has a lot more to say than McCain, while innovation and particularly space policy were topics about which McCain waxed eloquent. 

The candidates’ full responses to 14 the questions are here.