Obama, the Houston Chronicle, and Space

As you probably know, Senator Obama was endorsed by the Houston Chronicle.  

However, in their endorsement, the Chronicle responded to a statement from Obama, and added a caveat to their endorsement.

What was the comment, and what was the subsequent caveat?  Come over the fold, and see

First, the comment, as reported by the Houston Chronicle

But, he said, the next president needs to have "a practical sense of what investments deliver the most scientific and technological spinoffs — and not just assume that human space exploration, actually sending bodies into space, is always the best investment.""

And now, the caveat

On several issues vital to Houstonians, Obama's positions need elaboration. He recognizes the need to maintain U.S. pre-eminence in space but said he wanted to study the costs and benefits of human space exploration — an exercise that should convince him of the space program's long history of indispensable contributions.

I have, in the past, talked about Obama pulling funding from Constellation.  I have mentioned that it has the potential to cost him votes.  And of course, I've talked the space policy piece that spaceref.com posted at the end of January.  I review this history for a reason - there has been substantial concern about Obama's position on space, in the space community, espcailly after he announced he was pulling funding from Constellation for education.

Well, after his comment to the Houston Chronicle, and their caveat, the online space community has started responding.  From Clark Lindsey's comment about Obama really not likely manned spaceflight (something that I feel isn't entirely accurate) and all the people who commented there, to the comments and discussion at space politics, it really hasn't been pretty.  And while Matt Yglesias seems to think its a good idea Chris Bowers, over at OpenLeft.com, has come down against it, commenting on why manned spaceflight is important.  Actually, from some of the things said in the comments section (as well as a few of the comments in the piece), this shows why having a Netroots Nation panel on spaceflight would be very worthwhile.  However, as Bill reported over the weekend, as of right now, the panels aren't happening.  

Now, if I might take a moment, and directly address the Senator - You've said that you want to study the costs and benefits of human space exploration - well, in the coming days and weeks, let myself, and others show you why its important.  Groups like the Space Policy Advisory Group have many people, who can help explain its importance.  I know you have some specific announcements coming out within the next month, but you need to listen to everyone.

Please watch for a series of posts next week - Open letters to Senator Obama - the importance of manned spaceflight.

Update
Bill White has posted a diary wondering how much you think Nasa's budget is.  I am curious to - go and vote, please.