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by audi100quattro 3267 days ago
I can name one engineer who was president, Jimmy Carter. How many politicians in general are engineers or scientists? How many are in positions Sam mentions? My guess would be < 10%. I'm probably overestimating. Engineers are probably one of the most if not the most under represented in the field of politics. I can name a few doctors who are candidates or successful politicians.

Engineers can be politicians, would be the name of my non-profit. This new yorker piece is also a good read: http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/two-nasa-engineers-tr...
1 comments
troyastorino 3267 days ago
Herbert Hoover was also an engineer.

I don't think it was coincidental that both presidents who were engineers were disastrous for the economy (efforts to engineer the macro economy typically fail).

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audi100quattro 3267 days ago
And yet, engineering/scientific knowledge is exactly that more politicians need and vice versa, the political skill (civic engagement) is what engineers/scientists need if they're going to run.

Carter was an evangelical, which might have had a lot to do with his one term in office. Hoover did what he could before Keynesian economics, it wasn't all wrong. I'm not sure what you mean by "engineer the macro economy." what would you say the federal reserve does?

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