Scientific American Endorses Kamala Harris for President
On Monday, Scientific American (SA) endorsed Kamala Harris for President. This is only the second time in its 179-year history that America’s respected science magazine has endorsed a presidential candidate. The first was Joe Biden in 2020.
Why the Change?
Why has SA recently started endorsing presidential candidates? For context, when the magazine’s first edition was published in 1845, James Polk was President, there were 27 states, and about 20 million Americans.
What caused SA to drop its neutrality after 43 presidential elections and take a stand, first with Joe Biden and now with Kamala Harris? (Hint: although it did not officially endorse Hillary Clinton in 2016, it spoke favorably of her — what do these three elections have in common?)
Clear Message
Unlike this writer, SA did not waste time getting to the point. The title says it all:
“Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment”
Just in case that wasn’t clear, SA’s editors added:
“Kamala Harris has plans to improve health, boost the economy and mitigate climate change. Donald Trump has threats and a dangerous record.”
The Two Futures
SA contrasts Harris’s willingness to base her beneficial political decisions on evidence, facts, and intellectual flexibility — while she acknowledges the existential threat of climate change.
“In the November election, the U.S. faces two futures. In one, the new president offers the country better prospects, relying on science, solid evidence and the willingness to learn from experience. She pushes policies that boost good jobs nationwide by embracing technology and clean energy. She supports education, public health and reproductive rights. She treats the climate crisis as the emergency it is and seeks to mitigate its catastrophic storms, fires and droughts.”
They contrast that approach with Trump’s embrace of junk science and conspiracies, his harmful policies and personality, and his reliance on unqualified individuals.
“In the other future, the new president endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies. He ignores the climate crisis in favor of more pollution. He requires that federal officials show personal loyalty to him rather than upholding U.S. laws. He fills positions in federal science and other agencies with unqualified ideologues. He goads people into hate and division, and he inspires extremists at state and local levels to pass laws that disrupt education and make it harder to earn a living.”
Health Care
Harris: The Biden-Harris administration shored up the popular Affordable Care Act (ACA), giving more people access to health insurance through subsidies. Harris aims to expand it further.
Trump: When in office, Trump proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. He also pushed for a work requirement for Medicaid eligibility, making it harder for people to qualify. He pledged to repeal the ACA without a clear replacement plan.
COVID
Harris: As vice president, Harris helped boost widespread distribution of COVID vaccines and created a program for free mail-order COVID tests.
Trump: Trump encouraged resistance to basic public health measures, spread misinformation about treatments, and suggested injections of bleach could cure the disease.
Reproductive Rights
Harris: Harris is a staunch supporter of reproductive rights. She wants to reinstate “the protections of Roe v. Wade” and improve access to abortion.
Trump: Trump appointed conservative Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He spreads misinformation about abortion, falsely claiming some states support “execution after birth.”
Gun Safety
Harris: The Biden-Harris administration closed the gun-show loophole and supports removing guns from people deemed dangerous by a court.
Trump: Trump promised the NRA he would get rid of all Biden-Harris gun measures. His running mate, J.D. Vance, said school shootings are an unhappy “fact of life” and called for stronger school security instead of gun control.
Environment and Climate
Harris: Harris acknowledges that climate change is real and would continue Biden’s substantial climate actions.
Trump: Trump has called climate change a hoax and pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement. He abandoned over 100 environmental policies and rules.
Technology
Harris: The Biden-Harris administration’s 2023 Executive Order on AI ensures AI-based products are safe. The CHIPS and Science Act boosts the chipmaking industry and semiconductor research.
Trump: A new Trump administration would undo this work. Under Project 2025, technology safeguards on AI would be overturned, affecting criminal justice, labor, and health-care systems.
Closing Argument
SA’s editors warn that it’s not just Trump. The rest of MAGA is also damaging America’s knowledge base.
The 2024 U.S. ballots are also about Congress and local officials who make decisions affecting our communities and families. Extremist state legislators have passed measures disrupting education and public health.
Kamala’s science-based thinking is good for the economy, profits, and jobs. Renewable-energy projects she supports will create new jobs in rural America. Her platform also increases tax deductions for new small businesses, making it easier for them to turn a profit.
Trump’s Dark Path
Trump, a convicted felon found liable of sexual abuse in a civil trial, offers a return to dark fantasies and demagoguery, denying the reality of climate change and the confirmed 2020 election results.
Final Thoughts
One of two futures will materialize according to our choices in this election. Only one is a vote for reality and integrity. We urge you to vote for Kamala Harris.
#vote #science
FAQs
1. Who did Scientific American endorse in the 2024 election?
Scientific American endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
2. Why did Scientific American endorse Kamala Harris?
Scientific American endorsed Kamala Harris due to her commitment to science-based policies and her stance on climate change, healthcare, and education.
3. What did Scientific American criticize about Donald Trump?
Scientific American criticized Donald Trump for his handling of science and his disregard for scientific evidence, particularly in the context of climate change and public health.
4. How many times has Scientific American endorsed a candidate?
This is only the second time Scientific American has endorsed a candidate, with the first endorsement being for Joe Biden in 2020.
5. What is the significance of Scientific American’s endorsement?
The endorsement by Scientific American carries significant weight as it reflects the organization’s stance on critical issues like climate change, healthcare, and education.
6. What are some key issues that Kamala Harris has addressed?
Kamala Harris has focused on issues such as climate change, expanding access to healthcare, improving education, and promoting scientific research.
7. How did Donald Trump respond to Scientific American’s criticism?
There is no specific mention of Donald Trump’s response in the article provided, but it is likely that he would defend his actions and policies.
8. What role does science play in Kamala Harris’s campaign?
Kamala Harris emphasizes the importance of science in her campaign, promising to make evidence-based decisions and support scientific research.
9. How does Scientific American’s endorsement impact the election?
The endorsement by Scientific American can influence voters who value science-based policies and may sway undecided voters who prioritize these issues.
10. What does this endorsement mean for the future of science policy in the US?
This endorsement highlights the growing importance of science policy in U.S. elections and underscores the need for leaders who prioritize evidence-based decision-making.
