Mad scientists

Science | Bush’s pro–Intelligent Design comments spark debate, rancor | Mark Bergin

President George W. Bush initially played coy when asked Aug. 1 whether Intelligent Design (ID) should accompany evolution in public-school science curriculums. "Very interesting question," he told reporters, treading cautiously before unleashing a sound-bite circus. "You're asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, and the answer is yes."

That general endorsement of academic freedom tripped an onslaught of condescension from secular scientists and launched a media frenzy. But more importantly, the president's comments moved ID more squarely into the mainstream, further debunking efforts from committed Darwinists to marginalize the theory as extremist pseudo-science.