Candidates on the issues: Space

AP ^ | 2-26-04

[jwalburg]

The Associated Press chooses an issue three times a week and asks the presidential candidates a question about it.

SPACE: Do you support the plan to return astronauts to the moon by 2020 in preparation for manned missions to Mars?

[jwalburg]

Perfect example of Democrats trying to be on both sides of the issue. They are for the space program, but against the cost of it. So, are they then against it? They won't say they are against it either.

[jmcclain19]

President Bush: No Response

He gave a huge speech on Space just weeks ago. Did the AP miss it?

Idiots.

[jmcclain19]

now that I have thought about it, I'm even more upset. Read the friggen question AP.

The proposed policy you're asking about, was PROPOSED BY THE PRESIDENT.

IDIOTS!

Yeah, there is ZERO bias in the media.

[Brett66]

I don't believe I ever remember such a question being asked to presidential candidates before. It's about time. Bush will definitely get my vote for his leadership in this area. It's such a tiny part of the budget, but it's disingenous of the dem candidates to claim we can't spend the money on this because it would take away from other social programs. I think we have the capacity to walk and chew gum at the same time.

[Miles Vorkosigan]

Democrats are opposed to space, since it gives people a place to go to get away from the endless Communist tyranny they plan on creating.

It also decreases the probability that homosexuals will continue to dominate the pop culture, since homosexuals are the kind of cowards who can't survive three minutes outside a metropolitan area, let alone years outside the atmosphere.

[LibKill]

1. Bush is in favor of a base on the moon, to use as a launching site for Mars (and maybe for things further out.)

2. Excluding the military, the ONLY part of my taxes that I don't hate go to space exploration.

3. Someone WILL explore space. Someone WILL exploit space.

4. Them or us?

[mhx]

That can't be right. Kucinich's response sounds rational.

[CasearianDaoist]

It is also possibly the most visionary plan since JFk's. I think it is a wonderful approach.

[meenie]

That is the reason it is so frightening. The rest of the candidates don't seem to realize that there are no votes up there to be pandered to.

[unibrowshift9b20]

maybe Kucinich's response wasn't rational.

If we don't ever go into space and stay there for a while, it won't matter that we were there at all in the long term. Kucinich's Zubrinesque thoughts are exactly the way a Mars mission will go the way of Apollo: several big missions, no reason to stay, lets go home and cut the funding.

Other than the fact that the ISS is like a big whole in the sky that swallows chunks of cash, I think its a good idea. Partner with Russia, learn about long term space flight. Its not like they could have built it in Geosyncronous orbit. It costs lots more to put stuff there, and you wouldn't get to see nearly as much of the earth. ISS is what we need right now.

We can't approach space like the Spanish approached North America. Remember: it was the English that won in the long haul.

[mhx]

maybe Kucinich's response wasn't rational.

I'm not saying that I agree with him -- just that he seemed to have a response that a reasonable person could have, which surprised me.

[anymouse]

Space policy ping

[KevinDavis]

Another reason why I'm voting for Bush and not voting for a rat.

Space Ping! This is the space ping list! Let me know if you want on or off this list!

[irv]

SPACE: Do you support the plan to return astronauts to the moon by 2020 in preparation for manned missions to Mars?

• Edwards: Um, maybe.
• Kerry: I do, but I don't.
• Kucinich: Yes. No.
• Sharpton: Is that near Jersey?
• Bush (mumbles: Weren't they listening?): Read My Lips ...

(Note: I know! The last one seemed like a cheap shot - but how could I pass up the line?)