Investment in Science and Technology

America has long led the world in innovation. But the Bush Administration's hostility to science has taken a toll. At a time when technology helps shape our future, we devote a smaller and smaller share of our national resources to research and development.

It is time again to lead. We took a critical step with the America Competes Act and we will start by implementing that Act —- then we will do more. We will make science, technology, engineering, and math education a national priority. We will double federal funding for basic research, invest in a strong and inspirational vision for space exploration, and make the Research and Development Tax Credit permanent. We will invest in the next generation of transformative energy technologies and health IT and we will renew the defense R&D system.

We will lift the current Administration's ban on using federal funding for embryonic stem cells -– cells that would have otherwise have been discarded and lost forever -– for research that could save lives. We will ensure that our patent laws protect legitimate rights while not stifling innovation and creativity. We will end the Bush Administration's war on science, restore scientific integrity, and return to evidence-based decision-making.

The Latest »

Science and the Campaign

September 8, 2008 

Read the latest perspective on Senator Barack Obama's efforts at reversing the Republican war on science.

Gov. Joe Manchin

August 26, 2008

Hello, I am Joe Manchin, governor of the great state of West Virginia and chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. It is an honor to stand before you today. Governors work across party lines to get things done. We’re held accountable each and every day for finding ways to solve our states’ most pressing problems. Twenty-eight states—including both red and blue states—currently have Democrats in the governor’s office. They are doing what hard-working families have to do, living within their means and keeping their budgets in balance.

Our goal is to simply keep our country strong and our economy vibrant, state by state. In West Virginia, state leadership has produced a record number of new jobs, low unemployment and fewer taxes. We’ve reduced the size of state government and tackled our debts. Now, the time has come for Washington to follow our example and bridge partisan divides to bring America the change it needs. The states of our union can’t afford any more of the same old gridlock that currently reigns in Washington.

What we need from Washington is a realistic energy policy, as well as healthcare for every working person. We need a commitment to fixing our roads and bridges and a renewed education system that prepares our workforce to compete globally. Together, we can turn the page on November 4th by voting for the one candidate who can bring us the change we need: Barack Obama.

Now, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I like to say that I am a child of privilege. My grandparents were Italian and Czechoslovakian immigrants whose search for a better life led them to the small West Virginia coal mining towns of Farmington and Rachel. They understood that life in America was a privilege. In exchange for that privilege, they believed they had a responsibility to give something back. They taught me the importance not only of hard work, but also of having compassion for all people. The example they set, along with the unconditional love of my family and the strong support of my community, enabled me to attend college, run a successful business and launch a career in public service.

I am very proud to represent the great state of West Virginia and, most importantly, its people. West Virginians value hard work, patriotism and faith in God. They have faced adversity with courage, and they help each other in challenging times. They do the heavy lifting in the economy. They mine the coal, make the steel, and work the assembly lines that make our industries tick. Their experience and knowledge has earned each of them a Ph.D. in life. They can shake your hand, look you in the eye, and touch your heart.

And let me tell you something: They can’t afford four more years like the last eight. They need, and deserve, better from Washington. They need a president who puts their best interests first. They need a president who will tackle the major issues, balance our nation’s budget, and help struggling middle class families regain their footing. They need a president who will re-establish our country’s reputation in the world community. They need a president who will restore the promise of economic opportunity that is every American’s birthright. They need change, and they need Barack Obama as president!

Together, we can move from recession to resurgence. Together, we can stop running from our domestic problems and start sprinting toward solutions. We can raise our expectations of Washington and demand that they tackle the tough challenges, just as our nation’s governors do every day.

My fellow Americans, we need a new leader for new times. Barack Obama is the only candidate in this race who has captured our nation’s hopes for the kind of change we so desperately need. Let’s do what’s right for America and elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

President Bush Vetoes Hope For Millions of Americans, Governor Dean Responds

June 20, 2007

Governor Dean released the following statement in reaction to Bush's veto of life saving stem cell funding.

“President Bush’s veto of life-saving stem cell research is just another example of how out of touch he is with the American people,” Dean said. “Bush once again put political posturing ahead of sound science, turning his back on the overwhelming majority of Americans who support stem cell research and the 100 million Americans suffering from debilitating diseases who could benefit from this life-saving science. Republicans should stand up to this President and instead stand with the American people by overriding his veto. We absolutely must elect a Democratic President in 2008 to provide the change in direction that the American people have demanded.”

It's important to remember that the Republican candidates for President aren't any better on providing funding for this life saving research. As recently as this week smooth talking Mitt Romney was flip-flopping yet again by coming out against stem cell funding.

Vetoing Hope

June 19, 2007

One day somebody is going to have to explain to me how blocking research that's potentially lifesaving encourages a "culture of life." Yet tomorrow, President Bush is schedule to once again veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would greatly increase the number of embryonic stem cell lines available to scientists looking to cure debilitating diseases.

If he vetoes, it's not all over. ScienceNow News reported a while back that Sen. Harkin "hints that he might put money in the 2008 budget for [National Institutes of Health] to support work using embryonic stem cells."

Still, today we all urge President Bush to sign this bill, despite the threats. And to get a better idea of what this debate is all about, this YouTube video explains:

First 100 Hours Over

January 18, 2007

Even haters can't help but admit that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are getting things done. The NY Times calls the first 100 hours "a qualified success."

A quick read of the article reveals the "qualified" related to just one thing, the pay-as-you-go rules. But on the whole, the article is pretty much exuberantly hopeful.

If the new bipartisanship takes root, the prospects for health care legislation and immigration reform sharply improve.

The following bills have passed the House, and will now go to the Senate and the White House on the path to becoming law:
Ethics reform,
An increase in the federal minimum wage for the first time in 10 years,
Enactment of the 9-11 commission's recommendations,
Expanded stem-cell research,
Government negotiation of prices with prescription drug companies,
Student loan interest rates cut in half,
The elimination of billions in subsidies for big oil companies.

Now if the Chicago Bears could just get to and win the Super Bowl, this year would be off to a fantastic start.

Stem Cell Research: Offering Hope and Promise

January 10, 2007

One of the items on the House's 100 Hours agenda, and one of the Senate's first 10 bills of the 110th Congress, is to increase funding for embryonic stem cell research, legislation that both chambers passed in 2006, but was then vetoed by the President.

The Bush Administration and their cronies continue to mislead the public about the truth behind this science, carving out a policy that is based on the influence of extreme religious right-wing conservative minority, rather than the facts.

Earlier this week, Tony Snow, the Administration's spokesperson claimed:

"The vast majority of breakthroughs right now, virtually all, have involved those other than embryonic stem cells.”

That is a dangerously false claim. A large majority of the American people support this research, and Democrats are committed to crafting public policy based on sound science, not extreme ideology during the 110th Congress.

ThinkProgress compiled a list of the medical breakthroughs that have been made recently as a result of life-saving embryonic stem cell research, breakthroughs with the potential to cure diseases that effect millions of Americans, from those suffering from AIDS to diabetes.

Rally in Columbus: Michael J. Fox and Sherrod Brown

October 30, 2006

When Claire McCaskill debuted her newest ad, featuring the familiar face of Michael J. Fox speaking plainly and honestly to the camera about the importance of electing McCaskill, a supporter of stem cell research, over her opponent, Senator Jim Talent, who had voted against expanding federal funding for the research, it made news.

When right-wing pundits seized on the ad to personally attack Michael J. Fox, who was visibly exhibiting the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, (one of the many diseases that stem cell research has the potential to cure) it was appalling, desperate and despicable. Fox, a vocal proponent of medical research became the target of ugly attacks. It was suggested that he should have waited until his symptoms abated to film the ad, or that he was exaggerating for dramatic effect.

Their attacks backfired. Michel J. Fox stood up to these bullies and he has continued to speak out about the critical need for this research. As election day approaches he has traveled around the country to campaign for candidates who support stem cell research. Today, he made his way to Columbus, Ohio where he was joined by Sherrod Brown and a packed room of Ohio Democrats, for a rally in support of Brown's Senate campaign.

The event was scheduled to start around 11 am - but as these things often do - it started at about 11:30. The Ohio State Law School Auditorium was packed - every seat was filled - and many students and supporters had to be crowded into the aisles to find a place to sit or stand.

On the stage Sherrod was joined by a number of supporters, including some very impressive children who were there with their parents to show their support for the issue. Sherrod got things started by welcoming everyone for coming out to show their support. After his opening remarks we got a brief primer on stem cell research from a doctor and professor from Case Western University. Although the crowd seemed was pretty well versed on the issue, the doctor's speech served as a reminder of just how critical this issue is to medical advancements - and how many people could be helped by this science. Millions of Americans - boys, girls, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas - suffer from diseases that could be cured by advances in stem cell research. This is why it is so unfathomable that President Bush used his first and only veto of his Presidency to block an expansion of federal funding for this life-saving science, standing in the way of hope for millions of Americans.

Sherrod:

Several years ago I was speaking with Dr. Copeland, Jeffrey Copeland, who ran the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta…he was outlining to me what he considers to be the milestones in public health...He said both the public health achievements and the medical health achievements that save lives don’t come easy. Getting from the problem to the solution is hard enough without any obstacles in the way, and that is why embryonic stem cell research is so important.

Stem cell research is obviously worth fighting for, and that is why what Michael J. Fox is doing is so very important – he has shown great courage and great passion...

Then Michal J. Fox took the stage. He had to wait a moment for the crowd to quiet down before beginning to speak, and he seemed almost embarrassed by the applause. He opened by thanking everyone for being there, including an earlier speaker, Tanner, a local six grade student, who shared his personal experience of living with juvenile diabetes. Fox emphasized how important it is to share stories of everyday survival, noting how even in his 40s he has to share his own experiences. He called Tanner an "inspiration".

Fox said being in Columbus was a homecoming of sorts. He reminded us that his popular character, Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties had called Columbus home, He joked that Keaton would be happy that Fox had worn a tie.

Then he got more serious - explaining his decision to campaign for Sherrod, and for other candidates like him, who were running against opponents who had voted against stem cell research.

Fox:

It's not secret I am a vocal advocate for medical research - but I am not alone - the majority of the House of Representatives, the United States Senate and over 70 percent of Americans support stem cell research - but Senator DeWine stood with the President and voted against stem cell research...

As you may know, I had a run-in with a less than compassionate conservative. I guess I'm not supposed to speak with you until my symptoms go away, or maybe I'm supposed to go away, but I'm not going to go away and neither are the millions of Americans and their families who live with these diseases...

The stem cell policy of President Bush that was supported by Senator DeWine is a rejection of the future of medical research. Well, forgive me for this, but it's time we get back to our future...a vote for Sherrod Brown for Senate is a vote for hope and for a better quality of life for millions of Americans...

I'm asking you as an advocate, and a husband and a father to all get active and to stand up for what is right -- what is right for the future of hundreds of millions of Americans who have or are touched by debilitating diseases.

After the brief speeches the event morphed into a meet and greet. On stage, Michael J. Fox talked to the children and their parents who had come out. Sherrod and his wife, Connie, talked with the supporters who swarmed the stage.

All in all, it was a short, yet inspiring event. It was amazing to see the variety of people who have banded together to campaign on this issue - from sixth-grade student Tanner, to a mother who brought along a hand-written sign that said, "My Dad has Parkinson's - Support Stem Cell Research", to the medical students in the audience who were clad in scrubs. Then there are people like me. People who just believe that this potentially life-saving medical research should be supported to the fullest extent possible by our government. People who believe millions of Americans should live everyday with hope for a cure, and who believe that our country should be leading the way forward in this fight.

Sound Science, Stem Cell Research and 2006

October 24, 2006

It still boggles my mind that anyone can oppose the life-saving possibilities that stem cell research offers. Ideology standing in the way of public policy. Religion in the way of science. It's outrageous.

Michael J. Fox has been a tireless advocate for the cause - putting a very public and well-recognized face on the issue. The American people overwhelmingly support expanding federal funding of stem cell research, and yet, the Republicans in Washington, bowing to the pressure from their extreme right-wing base, have prevented the passage of this legislation. Their actions have consequences for the millions of Americans living with diseases that scientists believe can treated or cured based on stem cell research. They are standing in the way of discovering cures for some of the worst ailments. And it has got to stop.

Democrats support this life saving research. And, this year Americans have a choice between those who believe in crafting public policy based on extreme idealogical beliefs, and those who believe in making decisions based on the best evidence available and the advice of experts.

Voters in Maryland can elect Ben Cardin over Michael Steele. Voters in Missouri can elect Claire McCaskill over Jim Talent.

Michael J. Fox explains how that decision, while it may seem like a local issue, is a decision that will effect every American, in a powerful new ad. His message is really a message from the millions of Americans who suffer from diseases that could be cured by this research. And he's right - sometimes, politics isn't local.

MO-Sen: Claire McCaskill Debates

October 9, 2006

Missouri Senate candidates, GOP incumbent, Jim Talent, and Democratic nominee, Claire McCaskill, took a spin on Sunday's Meet the Press for a colorful debate:

On Talents close tie to Bush:

Tim Russert, who moderated the debate on NBC's "Meet the Press," noted that Talent sided with Bush on almost every major issue and counted four times that the president had visited Missouri on Talent's behalf.(Washington Post, 10/9/2006)

McCaskill on the Iraq and the War on Terror:

"This is Harry Truman's Senate seat. When he was in the Senate, during the war, a war that was over the fight of our civilization, the fight for freedom, he asked questions about war profiteering and he was called brave," McCaskill said. "In this climate right now, they would question whether or not he was a coward. We need to be asking the questions, we need to have a plan, we need to have accountability." (Release 10/8)

"I believe there are two issues here. One is the war in Iraq, a failed policy where we're mired in a civil war, where we are losing lives every day and innocent Iraqi lives; and then our effort worldwide to begin to be effective against terror. Terrorist cells are popping up. We are creating more terrorists around the world with this failed policy in Iraq. ... But to mix the two is confusing the American public, trying to confuse the American public, and trying to roll all this in into an election year effort to make Democrats, who want our country to be safe, look weak. And we're not weak." (National Journal, Sunday Snapshot)

Talent On Stem Cell Research:

Missouri voters will consider a proposed constitutional amendment on Nov. 7 to safeguard early stage stem cell research.

The initiative is supported by prominent moderate Republicans such as former senator John Danforth, along with Gov. Matt Blunt. Supporters believe the measure could be a boon to biomedical research, by making Missouri the first state to formally recognize a right for scientists to conduct the research and for patients to receive treatment.

Talent opposes the measure because he said it could lead to human cloning. (Washington Post, 10/9/2006)

McCaskill On Stem Cell Research:

"Our country has never turned its back on medical research and we shouldn't in Missouri. This provision strictly prohibits human cloning and provides a framework of ethical conduct and laws that are going to restrict the kinds of things that no one wants. I respect people who disagree with me on this issue on principle, I understand there are differences. I come down on the side of hope, hope for cures and supporting science." (National Journal, Sunday Snapshot)