In a brief press conference, I just heard a reporter from the Houston Chronicle ask the president if, in light of the report coming out of the Gehman Commission next Tuesday, if he supported the manned space program, thought it should be restructured, thought it needed more money, etc. The president punted, saying that he'd get back after seeing the report, but something to the effect that it was important for a nation that wanted to stay on the technological edge had to have a space program.

Gee, is that the only reason? There are lots of ways to "maintain a technological edge" without having a space program.

Frustrating, because I don't know necessarily what either the reporter or the president meant by a "space program." And sadly, I'm not sure that they do either. Such broad questions are pointless until one gets down to goals and specifics. I hope that we can have a debate that will do so in the wake of the report, but I've no reason to expect it, based on history.

Shows that he is being nudged by his PR coaches to not spend to much time on anything space. Don't want to seem like he is in his office thinking about flying off to the Moon while things like terrorism and bad economies are all around us here on Earth. Especially since many TV shows often portray that his head is already in the clouds.

It wouldn't be prudent... at least he's got pro rather than con tendencies. Space is a real political hot potato(e) ;) So much so that even if he wanted to saddle up a rocket and lead the charge he'd probably have to be vague about it.

Actually, I think this jet jock actually would like to sink his spurs into a rocket (strange the way we love our rockets...) I glad he's focussing on the continuing war with terror groups.