Mitt Romney's Take on Tech
Nov 1, 2007
We've written before about the growing role of social media in the 2008 elections -- whether it's YouTube debates, MySpace townhalls or Facebook friends' requests -- the presidential candidates from both major parties have been making the rounds online. And now, one of the techiest of all tech blogs, TechCrunch, is starting to interview candidates.
Editor Michael Arrington solicited questions from readers to help put together his Q&A with Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Here's a summary of responses from the Romney camp on key issues asked by the TechCrunch team (note: Arrington hopes to get a follow-up because there were topics he didn't get a chance to cover):
On advancing tech's growth in international markets: "We're going to have to fight to make sure that our products are protected and our technology is protected but also to not close down foreign markets, open them up, we can compete around the world."
On Congress' recent vote to extend the Internet tax moratorium: "I think it makes more sense to make it permanent."
On H1-B visas to allow more foreign born workers into the U.S.: "I would like to see us increase the number of people who receive an H1B visa and can provide skills and experience that we may not have. As to the exact number in my view that would follow a review of a number of things. Number 1: What's the overall economy doing? What's happening to the size of our workforce. Number 2: What's happening to our own capacity in the jobs that are being requested. Number 3: What are the demands from our employers? How many additional folks do they need? You'd have to do an assessment of that on a regular basis, but my overall view is we need more H1B visas, not less."
On promoting U.S. innovation in renewable and sustainable energy: "I would like to see the federal government substantially increase its investment in basic science and basic research related to energy efficiency, energy production, energy distribution, and I will substantially increase funding in those areas."
Arrington also couldn't resist asking if Romney has an iPod (he does), and whether or not he uses a Mac or PC. Romney's response: "I have a PC. My sons have a Mac and swear by it, but I have a couple PC's."
For more, check out TechCrunch where you can read the full transcript or listen to a podcast.
Tags:
2008 Elections, Mitt Romney, Republicans
