“Punting” on evolution: Presidential hopeful Scott Walker dodges science

Ars Technica » Scientific Method 2015-02-26

Given that February 12 would be Charles Darwin's 206th birthday, having people spare some thought for the theory of evolution doesn't seem outrageously out of place this week. But, for a US politician visiting London, a question on the matter was clearly unwelcome.

Scott Walker, governor of Wisconsin and possible presidential candidate, was obviously hoping for a chance to have a few experiences that would make him seem more credible on the foreign policy scene. But the host of a British TV show asked some questions that, for many in the US, touch on matters of personal belief and the ability to think critically: "Are you comfortable with the idea of evolution? Do you believe in it? Do you accept it?" (A video that includes these questions along with extensive commentary is available here.)

Walker, rather than oblige his host, literally answered that he was going to dodge the question, saying, "For me, I'm going to punt on that one as well. That's a question a politician shouldn't be involved in one way or another."

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