Debating Science?

A number of prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Council on Competitiveness, are asking the presidential candidates to participate in a science debate.

Their call is supported by members of Congress, Nobel Laureates, university presidents, business leaders, and labor leaders, among others. Combined, they claim to represent over 125 million American voters.

Topics considered fair game by the organizers include climate change, the health care crisis, pandemic diseases, stem cells, and the space program.

They have a location: The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

They have a date: April 18.

Now all they need are some candidates.

The debate organizers said they have invited Sens. John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. The invitation letter, sent to candidates before the March 4th primaries, says the debate will be held "even if only one candidate participates."

So far no one has accepted.

If and when they do, we'll let you know.

Valarie Basheda
Managing Editor, WebMD

Jarret Cassaniti contributed to this entry.