87 percent of Americans say candidates should have basic understanding of science informing public policy

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/r-8oa100715.php

Public Release: 8-Oct-2015
87 percent of Americans say candidates should have basic understanding of science informing public policy
New poll reveals Americans across political spectrum support presidential debate on science
Research!America

An overwhelming majority of Americans (87%) say it is important that candidates for President and Congress have a basic understanding of the science informing public policy issues, including majorities across the political spectrum (92% of Democrats, 90% of Republicans and 79% of Independents). Americans also say the presidential candidates should participate in a debate to discuss key science-based challenges facing the United States, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, education, innovation and the economy, with 91% of Democrats, 88% of Republicans and 78% of Independents agreeing.

The public opinion poll of U.S. adults commissioned by Research!America and ScienceDebate.org, conducted by Zogby Analytics, found that less than half (45%) of Americans say they are well-informed about the positions of the current candidates for President about public policies and public funding for science and innovation (49% of Democrats, 48% of Republicans, and 37% of Independents), and 77% said that journalists should ask candidates about their views on scientific issues (82% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 72% of Independents).

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