Science and technology

Newt Gingrich and space

The pros and cons of Moon Base Gingrich

Jan 31st 2012, 16:00 by The Economist online

AS VOTERS in space-mad Florida consider their options in the state's Republican primary they may wonder if Newt Gingrich’s idea for a moon base is a shameless appeal to their parochial interests. But they would be wrong to doubt his sincerity. For nearly three decades Mr Gingrich has been touting space colonisation; he co-founded the Congressional Aviation and Space Caucus and wrote a book that called for more space exploration. He is as space mad as the Floridians he hopes to win over. But that raises another question: how mad is this idea? Our sister blog Democracy in America weighs in on the matter.

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Connect The Dots Jan 31st 2012 17:06 GMT

Darth Vader's theme should be played at any Newt reception.
Wave a pastel-colored light saber at the candidate.
And Callista should fasten two cinnamon rolls on each side of her head.

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In this blog, our correspondents report on the intersections between science, technology, culture and policy. The blog takes its name from Charles Babbage, a Victorian mathematician and engineer who designed a mechanical computer.