Over the last 2 days there has been a stream of coverage on the views toward space of the remaining Democratic Presidential candidates. Overall, they seem to be interested in continuing the current path that NASA is on, but worry (like many Americans) about the costs associated.
+ AP Article
+ Posts on Space Politics (Jeff Foust's weblog)
+ Post on MSNBC Cosmic Log (Alan Boyle)
+ Article on John Kerry with space quote
Also, John Glenn has endorsed Sen. John Kerry (Cleveland Plain Dealer Article)
Posted by jburk at February 27, 2026 10:35 AM | TrackBackIt seems that most candidates are only willing to say yea or Ney with little more. To say if doing so creates good paying jobs then lets do it. But what they are forgetting is that NASA employee head count is already way to large for what it is tasked to do. Just look at the shuttle; all of its people are still there still doing there usual work for to lose such highly skilled workers would put NASA in a bind later on. As of recent the news on the OSP projects sent shock waves though that organization with regards to employment as well as the very states that they operate within.
The candidates do not want to turn away possible voters by taking anymore than a loc warm stance.
That makes for just as poor of a leader IMO for the office of the President.
IMHO all the candidates running (both Democratic, Republic, Nader) are a bunch of wet fish. Can't trust any of the lot.
Posted by: Daniel at February 27, 2026 01:33 PMIn my honest opinion, if Kerry or Edwards get elected, then NASA will become more of a governmental black hole. Clinton was so bored with NASA that he didn't even bother filling it with one of his own people. Goldin spent eight years running the equivalent of a spatial post office. Bush 2 wants to redo programs, hence this web site.
If all candidates are wet fish, then the Demos have been been laying in the sun longer.
Posted by: Rod at February 27, 2026 04:29 PMFor Bush's sake, I hope the thing he is remembered for is re-invigorating the space programme.
Posted by: Daniel at February 27, 2026 05:20 PMI would want to know why Kuncinich thinks the ISS is such a great platform for Mars Exploration. The moon offers a place to test technologies vital for mars exploration such as how to not contaminate the soil around you etc.... Not to mention its outside the protection of the Van Allen Belts so we will finnaly be forced to understand the effects of and how to limit, solar and cosmic rays on astronauts. Yet another important skill if you truly wish to send people to mars.
Posted by: Gus at February 27, 2026 11:44 PMJust shows you his complete ignorance (or the lack of research by his staffers) on this matter. Due to the inclination of the ISS orbit it won't be able to serve as a platform for the SEI. One of the Lagrange points would probably be best if you're looking at the "Earth Rendevouz" option. The ISS should serve as a zero-g biological labratory.
Posted by: Daniel at February 28, 2026 07:24 AM