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September 16, 2004 :: News

The Nature science journal posed fifteen science-related questions to presidential candidates Bush and Kerry, one of which had to do with the subject of missile defense. The two divided, with Bush stating the policy to deploy as soon as technologically feasible, and Kerry saying that he does not support rapid deployment.

NATURE: Some physicists have questioned the capability of missile defense systems being deployed in the United States. Would you increase or decrease spending on missile defense, and would you subject claims made on its behalf to independent scientific review?

BUSH: Early in my administration, I called for the examination of the full range of available technologies and basing modes for missile defenses that could protect the United States, our deployed forces, and our friends and allies. Our policy is to develop and deploy, at the earliest possible date, ballistic missile defenses drawing on the best technologies available. Later this year, the first components of America’s missile defense system will become operational. This will fulfill a pledge I made to the American people more than four years ago. We will develop and deploy the technologies necessary to protect our people.

KERRY: I am not for rapid deployment of missile defense. We should not waste money on deployment at this point. I favor additional research, development and testing. As to the issue of independent scientific review, we have to be careful because of the classified nature of much of the work in question. At the very minimum, we must work hard to restore the credibility of the internal review process. The truth is the Bush administration has shredded its own credibility on this, particularly in its rush to deploy missile defense. We need to restore the credibility of our own review process and we need to subject systems to realistic, operational testing to make sure that they really work.

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