Hi All, These choices have little to do with whom either McCain or Obama would like to have dinner. Rather, they reflect political answers in the midst of an election. The selections reflect campaign themes.
The choices: Obama: Mandela - an international African leader who appeals to several parts of the electorate such as those who oppose the war and African-Americans. Moreover, a former President who is highly respected by most individuals from all racial backgrounds. Buffett - the name put forth by Obama during the debate as a possible Secretary of the Treasury. Not necessarily the best person but a name that people recognize in relation to money. He is a dinner pick designed simply in response to folks concerned about the economic crisis. Granny - going for that "I'm just like you and have family values" voter. McCain: Petraeus - this is to highlight McCain's push for the surge and McCain's perceived strength on national security. Whitman - same rationale as Obama's pick of Buffett. Whitman is a name floated by McCain for Secretary of Treasury during the debate. Moreover, McCain is taking aim at the women's vote. Suhato - not a clear reason but may be attempting to appeal to the younger crowd, sports enthusiasts, or perhaps, votes from individuals of various ethnic backgrounds. Perhaps a scientist would be at the top of McCain's or Obama's dinner list but such a pick would most likely not influence any votes. And that is a whole different discussion! Best, Linda (who, off the top of my head, would probably pick M. Albright, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and Mary Robinson or more likely, a few close friends.) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Katie Couric, the US television presenter, tonight asked Obama and > McCain to each name three people they'd like to have up for dinner. > > Obama named a politician (Nelson Mandela), a businessman (Warren Buffet), > and a relative (his granny). McCain named a soldier (David Petraeus), a > businesswoman (Meg Whitman, who founded e-Bay), and an athlete (Henry > Suhato, an Olympic wrestler). [see > http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/08/eveningnews/main4510826.shtml ] > > What's interesting is who's not on the list. Note the absence of a > scientist. > > Why no Richard Dawkins (well actually, that's a no-brainer, but it's a > shame), no E.O. Wilson, no Jared Diamond, Philip Zimbardo, Steven > Pinker, Vilayanur Ramachandran, or Oliver Sacks? > > Actually, if I had my druthers, it would be Richard Feynman, but he > wouldn't be able to make it. > > Does this non-invite of scientists by the USA's top politicians indicate > something about how politicians value the input of scientists? > > Stephen > > ----------------------------------------------------------------- > Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. > Professor of Psychology, Emeritus > Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > 2600 College St. > Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 > Canada > > Subscribe to discussion list (TIPS) for the teaching of > psychology at http://flightline.highline.edu/sfrantz/tips/ > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > > --- > To make changes to your subscription contact: > > Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) > > > -- Linda M. Woolf, Ph.D. Professor, Psychology and International Human Rights Past-President, Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, & Violence (Div. 48, APA) <http://www.peacepsych.org> Steering Committee, Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) <http://www.psysr.org> Secretary, Raphael Lemkin Award Committee, Institute for the Study of Genocide <http://www.instituteforthestudyofgenocide.org/> Webster University 470 East Lockwood St. Louis, MO 63119 Main Webpage: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/ <http://www.webster.edu/%7Ewoolflm/> [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's (and woman's) best friend. . . . Inside a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
