Vest is very disappointed in the current crop.

Question: Which presidential candidate is the most science-minded?

Vest: Well I’m sorry to say that, particularly at this point in the process, our presidential campaigns focus a lot more on the sideshows than they do on the main event. It’s quite disappointing. I do know that many of the candidates in both parties more quietly behind the scenes are beginning to consult with people who understand these issues to try to ultimately develop their policies. Senator Clinton gave a rather powerful speech and statement on . . . on science and research and its role. My disappointment is that in neither party did any other candidate sort of pick that up and say well, yes, this is really important. I don’t agree with you. We should do it this way. That’s the debate they have to get in. I’m always an optimist, so I’m hoping as we get a little further into the campaign and it becomes a little clearer who the ultimate . . . the ultimate candidates from the two parties will be, that maybe this will become more of the dialogue. Because it’s just critically important to our future. Recorded on: 12/5/07