In a nationally televised presidential science debate, who will be the best moderator?
Both Obama and McCain attended the Saddleback faith forum because, some say, it was an honor to be associated with Pastor Rick Warren among the mainstream grassroots faith communities.
In a nationally televised presidential science debate, who will be the best moderator? A scientist? A journalist? A team? Male? Female? This person doesn’t have to be a scientist, but does have to be science literate and keyed into the national policy dialogue – and someone both candidates will accept. It’s a tall order. Your thoughts?
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468 votes
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Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is an outstanding communicator of science. He knows how to communicate with scientists and the lay public alike. He has a great sense of humor and connects well with people. He would be perfect!
123 votes -
Alan Alda
Not only is he well known, to many he is also known for his outstanding work on Scientific American Frontiers.
80 votes -
Charlie Rose
Charlie Rose is a highly respected journalist who can speak the language of science from a lay person's perspective. He would bring more objectivity and credibility than any of the other people I have seen suggested as the moderator.
61 votes -
Bill Moyers
Bill delves into both the scientific and the spiritual/metaphysical with ease.
58 votes -
52 votes
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Bill Gates
I think Bill Gates would be a moderator whose invitation both likely candidates would find it difficult to turn down.
30 votes -
24 votes
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Gwen Ifil teamed with Neil DeGrasse Tyson
A team of an excellent, experienced high level not afraid of famous people journalist on one hand (Gwen has done these debates before) and a no-holds-barred very serious well known and well spoken scientist, gender balanced, may be the way to go.
23 votes -
Tom Brokow
Very interested in science, clued into policy, and high levels of trust in American public.
23 votes -
Lawrence Krauss
Articulate and passionate about science and society.
20 votes -
19 votes
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Phil Plait aka the Bad Astronomer
He's charming, intelligent, has been debunking anti-science BS for years.
19 votes -
Sanjay Gupta
He is a medical doctor, widely conversant in many aspects of science and technology. He is camera savvy and well known.
17 votes -
17 votes
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16 votes
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14 votes
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14 votes
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Dean Kamen
As a private-sector inventor, he would have fewer ties to organizations of which the right is critical. As someone who invests his time in STEM education activities, like FIRST robotics, he clearly has the national interest at heart. He is also well known and articulate
13 votes -
Morgan Freeman
A non-controversial celebrity with an interest in science and has a big ticket factor
13 votes
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