Science and technology have become integral parts of the American political agenda. The president and Congress alike deal daily with issues like global climate change, surging demands for affordable energy, biomedical research — including the use of embryonic stem cells — and a continuing need to sustain national competitiveness in science, engineering, and medicine. C²ST hosted Dr. Alan Leshner, Chief Executive Officer of AAAS to set the stage for the 2009 AAAS Annual meeting in Chicago. Dr. Leshner addressed the role science and technology plays in driving America’s economy and international competitiveness as vital in the age of globalization, and how it is never more relevant than in the presidential election year.