To Blackburn’s surprise, Kass seemed eager for her to join the council and minimized any difficulties that might arise in nominating someone who was not a U.S. citizen. Only later would she learn that Kass had approached a number of scientists before he spoke with her, and “knowing his views, they had turned him down.” In their initial conversation, Kass assured Blackburn he wanted the panel to represent diverse opinions and would not force consensus.
