[daeken]

Do you honestly believe that the majority of people (hell, even 10% of people) could explain it to even the level he did? It's still a layman's level -- his response is clearly over-simplified and I doubt he could show the math behind any of it -- but it's far and above what the average person could tell you about the subject.

[fragsworth]

> Do you honestly believe that the majority of people (hell, even 10% of people) could explain it to even the level he did?

No, and what I said came across wrong. I was surprised, and I think that is sad, because things would be a lot better if most of our politicians understood science and technology.

The surprise should only be when they really, deeply understand something like this.

[TheOsiris]

yes, in fact I believe that everyone who is giving a speech at an institution like that to know everything he talked about if not not more.

he didn't mention anything that you can't find on the first page of a cliffs notes on quantum physics

[sospep]

> he didn't mention anything that you can't find on the first page of a cliffs notes on quantum physics

ummm, i think the idea was to give a "cliff's notes/ELI5" explanation of the subject

If you watched the video[0], a reporter asked a question about a political issue but prefaced his question with a sarcastic question along the lines of "I was going to ask you to explain quantum computing < chuckle, chuckle > When do think Canada's ISIS mission will ...."

When Trudeau answered the question, I think many were somewhat surprised.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmv4uD2RQ4

[Reedx]

Right. In fact I'd bet that 10% is a very generous estimate. I'd be surprised if it's even 1%.

[mchahn]

Yes, but almost half of americans understand completely how we were created intelligently.