Group to Presidential Candidates: Say Yes to Science Debate

Supporters of a presidential debate on science are spearheading a public information campaign to urge the candidates to say yes to the event.

Science Debate 2008 organizers invited Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and Republicans John McCain and Mike Huckabee earlier this month, but have yet to receive a response from any of the contenders. So the group is now urging supporters to contact the presidential campaigns directly and urge the candidates to accept the debate invitation.

In an email sent out over the weekend, Science Debate 2008 said, "This is a unique moment in American history when you can truly influence the future direction of the nation and the world by helping us elevate science and technology in our national political dialogue."

In addition to asking supporters to contact each of the presidential candidates, Science Debate 2008 organizers are also encouraging people to write letters to the editor "urging the candidates to attend for the good of America."

The debate has been scheduled for Friday, April 18, at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The event would take place four days before the Pennsylvania primary election.

A grassroots initiative, Science Debate 2008 has garnered support from more than 100 U.S. universities and science organizations, as well as thousands of individuals, including Nobel Prize-winning scientists, corporate leaders and political figures. The group is co-sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Council on Competitiveness, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering. and the Institute of Medicine.

Among the many who have joined the call for a science debate is John Podesta, formerly chief of staff to President Bill Clinton and now CEO of the Center for American Progress.