President Obama is boasting that he has “nerd credibility’ in the latest issue of Popular Science magazine, in which he cited his administration’s efforts to focus on science and technology.
He said the fact that White House staff seriously considered a petition that the U.S. build a real-life Death Star means that he probably has “at least a little nerd credibility built up.”
Obama went on to say that young people no longer consider the “nerd” moniker a pejorative one.
“What’s remarkable is the way ‘nerd’ is such a badge of honor now,” he told the magazine. “Growing up, I’m sure I wasn’t the only kid who read Spider-Man comics and learned how to do the Vulcan salute, but it wasn’t like it is today. I get the sense that today’s young people are proud to be smart and curious, to design new things, and tackle big problems in unexpected ways. I think America’s a nerdier country than it was when I was a kid — and that’s a good thing!”
Obama said he set out to make his administration very pro-science.
“In my first inaugural address, I promised that my administration would restore science to its rightful place; and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” he said. “Being pro-science is the only way we make sure that America continues to lead the world. Our policies reflect that.”
Obama said he established a White House Science Fair, Demo Day and Maker Faire to highlight technology, research and innovation.
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say I’m the first president to welcome a 17-foot-tall robotic giraffe onto his lawn,” he said, referring to one of Demo Day’s featured projects.
“We ought to celebrate science fair winners at least as much as Super Bowl winners,” he said. “And when young people are excited about science, technology, engineering and math, that’s not just good for them; that’s good for America.”
A good chunk of the interview focused on climate change.
Obama repeated his claim that the debate regarding whether the planet is warming dangerously because of man-made pollution is over.
“Fifteen of the planet’s 16 warmest years have come in the first 16 years of the 21st Century,” he said. “The warmest year yet was 2015. The Pentagon is warning us that climate change will threaten our national security by fostering instability overseas. Here at home, we’re seeing longer and more dangerous wildfire seasons, coupled with devastating droughts. Last year I visited Alaska, where towns are literally being swallowed up by rising sea levels. Miami now routinely floods at high tide.”
“So this debate is over,” he continued. “The question now is: What we do about climate change?” he asked. “And I think that regardless of their party, if candidates for elected office want to resign your children and grandchildren to a world that’s broken beyond repair, then there’s simply no way they deserve your vote.”
