Health and science in the elections

Stem cells, healthcare, campaign finance – see how the candidates compare on the most pressing health and science issues this year.

 

Hangover for Election Junkies?
November 5, 2008 – by Taunya English
A Temple University psychologist says the day after Election Day can leave some people floundering, feeling out of sorts, whether they are resigned to defeat today, or celebrating a victory.

Mental disability and voting access
November 4, 2008 – by Taunya English
People with varying degrees of cognitive disability from young adults with schizophrenia to seniors with dementia will be among the voters casting their ballots today. But often this group is under-represented at the polls, and two researchers from the University of Pennsylvania are pushing to give more people their turn in the voting booth.

Healthcare targets dems with dollars
October 31, 2008 – by Kerry Grens
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has nearly doubled the fund-raising and spending dollars of his republican counterpart, John McCain. Part of that is due to the health industry – for the first time in 16 years, democrats have surpassed republicans in campaign contributions from healthcare groups. From WHYY’s health and science desk, Kerry Grens reports on why this shift has happened.

Palin rallies for special needs funding
October 25, 2008 – by Taunya English
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was in Pennsylvania yesterday. At a special event for advocates and caregivers, she told parents of special needs children, she would be a friend in the White House.

Water on the ballot
October 24, 2008 – by Kerry Grens
On the November fourth ballot, Pennsylvania voters will have to make more decisions other than electing lawmakers and the next president. State officials are asking voters to approve a $400 million dollar spending measure to upgrade the state’s water and sewer systems.

A Sick System: Is American Health Care Ailing?
October 17, 2008
As you prepare to cast your vote in one of the most pivotal elections in our nation’s history, do you really understand how the presidential candidates’ proposed strategies to ensure adequate and affordable health care coverage for all Americans would impact the system?

Campaign ads snipe over stem cells
October 17, 2008 – by Taunya English
In the world of science, precision and accuracy win accolades, but political pundits say this election season, the debate over stem cells has perhaps been purposefully imprecise.

Clean coal challenge
October 20, 2008 – by Kerry Grens
Energy independence is a common goal between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. And while their plans differ on how to get there – both candidates agree that coal is going to be part of the equation.

Local group criticizes McCain health care tax
October 2, 2008 – by Tom MacDonald
A group says that a health care tax will put thousands of people out of the market and at risk. WHYY’s Tom MacDonald has more:

Senator Obama’s Healthcare Plan
October 1, 2008 – By Taunya English
http://whyy.org/blogs/healthscience/2008/10/01/senator-obamas-healthcare-plan/
Taunya English reports on Senator Barack Obama’s plan.

Senator McCain’s Healthcare Plan
September 30, 2008 – By Taunya English
Taunya English reports on Senator John McCain’s plan.

Learn more:

Barack Obama’s positions on healthcare and technology.

John McCain’s positions on healthcare and technology.

View a side-by-side comparison of the candidates’ views on other science and technology issues.