Bush and Kerry Clash on Science

By J.R. Pegg

WASHINGTON, DC, September 20, 2004 (ENS) - The presidential campaign has briefly touched on issues of science, with President George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry answering questionnaires compiled by the journals "Nature" and "Science."

The candidates' responses show that on some issues there is little to choose between the two, but on others - climate change, stem-cell research and new nuclear weapons - the differences are clear.

Both questionnaires were published Thursday.

Bush defended his restrictions on stem-cell research, his focus on more research of climate change and his support for research of new nuclear weapons.

On climate change, Bush acknowledged in his "Nature" response that it is "a serious long-term issue" but defended his focus on more research and voluntary U.S. greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

The President noted there is "considerable uncertainty" about the impacts of natural climate fluctuations and the future impacts climate change will have on the Earth.

In his response, Kerry criticized Bush for rejecting the Kyoto Protocol and "stubbornly walking away from the negotiating table altogether," instead of sending to the Senate for ratification the international treaty limiting the emission of six greenhouse gases, which the United States signed during the Clinton administration.

President Bush's refusal to support ratification has jeopardized the effectiveness of the protocol, which now may not enter into force unless it is ratified by Russia.

The candidates' policies on science are worlds apart on a slew of issues. (Photo courtesy the NASA)

Bush declined to respond to a question from "Science" on whether he would support a cap and trade program for greenhouse gas emissions. Kerry indicated he supports the concept.

Kerry blasted the President's position on stem-cell research - one of the few scientific issues that have gained some traction during the campaign.

The President has limited federal funding to research on stem cell lines that were created prior to August 9, 2001.

Kerry called that policy "ideologically driven" and pledged to overturn it.

The President defended this policy primarily on moral terms and said in his "Nature" response that it reflects his commitment to "pursuing stem-cell research without crossing a fundamental moral line."

But Bush cautioned the science of stem-cell research is still in its infancy and said "we should not overstate the state of the science, or politicize these issues, because it gives false hope to individuals and families suffering through terrible illnesses."

Kerry's responses in both journals echoed his frequent charge that Bush with putting ideology over science, a complaint that has drawn the support of more than 4,000 U.S. scientists.

In response to a specific question on the concern posed by "Nature," Kerry said "my administration would never utilize biased scientific standards in decision-making."

President George W. Bush says he remains committed to science. (Photo courtesy White House)

On nuclear weapons, Bush's answer did not openly address his support for research into new weapons, in particular low-yield and "bunker buster" nukes. Critics contend the move undermines U.S. efforts to slow the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Bush noted a 2002 report that found the U.S. nuclear infrastructure "had atrophied since the end of the cold war and that the evolving security environment requires a flexible and responsive weapons-complex infrastructure."

Kerry said he would "end the pursuit of a new generation of nuclear weapons."

Bush told "Science" his top three priorities in science and technology are: ensuring every American has access to affordable broadband by 2007; next-generation hydrogen research; and recruiting science and technology to fight terrorism.

Kerry outlined three broad priorities - restoring "preeminence of American science and technology;" expanding scientific education; and ensuring that his decisions are informed by the "best possible science and technology advice."

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has tried to make science a key issue for voters this November. (Photo by Sharon Farmer courtesy Kerry Campaign)

On space exploration, the President is keen to move forward with his plan to send astronauts back to the Moon by 2020 and use the mission as a foundation for human missions "beyond the Moon."

Kerry did not directly support or oppose Bush's plan, but questioned "lofty goals" that are not supported with "realistic funding."

With regards to the Endangered Species Act, Bush reiterated his desire to "modernize" the law, which he says has been undermined by excessive litigation.

Voluntary partnerships and private conservation agreements "provide far greater conservation benefits while avoiding unnecessary regulatory, economic and social burdens," Bush said.

The Bush administration's Endangered Species Act policies have infuriated many environmentalists, but Kerry did not openly criticize the President on this issue.

A wetland in Wisconsin restored under the the Wetlands Reserve Program, a voluntary program to restore and protect wetlands on private property. Landowners receive financial incentives to restore wetlands that have been drained for agriculture. (Photo courtesy NRCS)

In response to a question on biotech crops, Bush expressed satisfaction with current regulation and added "it is important that the regulatory framework keeps pace with the science."

Kerry did not mention specific concerns, but said he would work internationally and domestically to "make sure biotechnology is safe for human consumption and for the environment."

The President touted his controversial "Clear Skies" air pollution plan in response to a question on energy by "Science" and said he is committed to investing more than $2 billion over 10 years in clean coal technology.

Kerry echoed Bush's support for clean coal and said he would invest more in renewable technologies.

"Nature" selected 15 questions for the questionnaire from about 50 submitted by its editorial staff.

The President and his main challenger were each asked to keep their responses to 1,500 words - Bush's answers were "some 30 percent over length" and were edited by the journal.

Kerry's answers fit the requested limits and were not trimmed.

"Science" asked the candidates 20 questions on a dozen issues and published their answers unedited.

The "Nature" questionnaire can be found here and the "Science" survey is available here.