Talking Points Memo’s Pema Levy points out an exchange in an interview of Marco Rubio by GQ:
GQ: How old do you think the Earth is?
Marco Rubio: I’m not a scientist, man. I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that’s a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States. I think the age of the universe has zero to do with how our economy is going to grow. I’m not a scientist. I don’t think I’m qualified to answer a question like that. At the end of the day, I think there are multiple theories out there on how the universe was created and I think this is a country where people should have the opportunity to teach them all. I think parents should be able to teach their kids what their faith says, what science says. Whether the Earth was created in 7 days, or 7 actual eras, I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to answer that. It’s one of the great mysteries.
A few points here. First, we know how old the Earth is — at least, more or less. It’s not the big freakin’ hotly contested mystery Rubio wants us to believe it is.
Second, since when aren’t people able to “teach their kids what their faith says, what science says?”
Third, that whole thing about Republicans becoming chastened by their “unskewed polls” disaster and becoming more accepting of reality? I wouldn’t bet money on it.
Fourth, am I the only one who thought of this Stan Smith quote when they read that headline?: “Here we go — mac and cheese. ‘Boil water.’ What am I, a chemist?”
