Obama mocks McCain as computer illiterate in ad

Kinda like when Bush referred to the internet as "the internets." The guy had absolutely no idea what he was saying. For all of you who wish to simply see an informed, intelligent person in the White House, raise your hands. Is that really too much to ask for? My god, with 300 million people, I know we can do it. Obama is the man.

I'm in the navy right now and I do computer networking on guided missile destroyers. My boss (combat systems officer, and for that matter, the fire control officer too) knows jack @!$%# about what I do, he doesn't understand computers and he doesn't understand how the system works.

He does have strengths in planning and motivating, but it is a complete pain in the ass working for him. If and when he wants something explained to him, it takes forever, his requests often don't make sense (cold load the system; what? that was like two technical baselines ago, sir), and he can sometimes have unreasonable expectations (admittedly, that last one is often part of a military officer's job).

Maybe the relationship isn't completely analogous to working in a mechanized and highly technical military for a president that doesn't understand how it works, but I bet there are more than a few points of contact between the two. Whoever is going to be president needs to know something about this stuff, otherwise here's what happens:

We run the house. The networking techs pretty much do what they want. When they send down one of these absurd orders, we just do whatever has to be done to make the system work. If they say I can't drop the redundant proc to fix it so that there is an available failover, I can just do it anyway; no one will understand the difference between me doing it and a "problem with the system." The person in charge of the technical equipment begins taking responsibility for things that aren't their prerogative. It's a bad relationship with not very much communication, even though there is plenty of respect on both sides. ("You guys are doing great, whatever it is you do down here is working.")

I read Senator Obama's answers to a number of technical questions on Slashdot, and he's savvy. Things aren't going to go over his head ("Well, I wouldn't start with the bubblesort"), there aren't going to be these presentations specially developed to dumb everything down for the president. Well, let me step back and say there will at least be less.

Remember the McCain Golf Gear that McCain was trying to sell in his web-store? My cat is more interweb-tube savvy than the whole McCain staff.

Maybe his good friend, George W. Bush can teach him how to use "The Google."

Or maybe, Sarah Palin can have her good friend, Sen. Ted Stevens explain the Internet to John McCain.

You know, if I were on the McCain staff, I would counter this add with one of my own:

McCain sits down at his wireless laptop on the plane. He powers it up and sighs as the Windows Start tune plays. We then flash to his fingers on the keyboard and the screen shows Outlook open. He then clicks on the icon to create a new mail.

He selects the "To" box on the message and selects B. Obama from the list of contacts. He then starts typing his message.

"Dear Senator Obama,

"I don't know how to use e-mail, huh? Why don't you go f

At this point, the screen cuts back to the venerable senators face smiling and nodding as he continues typing. He then punches a single key and closes his laptop, still smiling and settles back with his eyes shut as if to catch up on some sleep during the flight.

Then, the screen goes black and the captions start rolling.

"Senator McCain can catch up on learning to use a computer....
... would you rather have the guy catching up on learning foreign policy?"

"Vote McCain / Palin in 2008"

Unfortunately, that last line probably would backfire on you since it's Palin who is getting the crash course in foreign policy.

and because Obama's degree focused on international relations.

"He admits he still doesn't know how to use a computer, can't send an e-mail, still doesn't understand the economy, and favors two hundred billion in new tax cuts for corporations, but almost nothing for the middle class," it says. It shows video of McCain getting out of a golf cart with former President George H.W. Bush and closes with a photo of him standing with the current President Bush at the White House. "After one president who was out of touch, we just can't afford more of the same."

Yes! It's about time you brought to light these matters, Obama!

Q. How do you know a presidential candidate has thin national-security credentials?

A. When he has to cite his undergraduate major as evidence of his experience.

Q: How do you know when an American citizen knows little about a candidate?
A: When they repeat an empty talking point.

Wow, you just dissed 99% of people on newsvine. Way to go.

Transformative Change
Wow, you just dissed 99% of people on newsvine. Way to go.

I believe it's pretty easy to guess that I just dissed every American citizen who voted for Bush 2 terms.

This doesn't sound like the right way to go to me. Obama just insulted everyone who doesn't use the internet. People filter these messages as if the candidate is talking directly to them. They looked at Bush and said, "He's dumb like me! I'll vote for that guy- maybe we can have a beer together". Now those younger women voters look at Palin and are saying 'Girl Power!". With such obvious evidence that people vote for who they identify with, I don't think you want to insult people who don't know how to use the internet. Bad move. Stick to the issues and the "Enough is Enough" message on lipstick distractions and Rove politics. He does have to fight harder, but keep the message consistent.

Not all of us young woman think "girl power" when we look at Palin...

Q. How do you know a presidential candidate has thin national-security credentials? A. When he has to cite his undergraduate major as evidence of his experience.

He did not. That supporter simply used this as one example. He has also beeen on the foreign services committee. Has spoken out on foreign policy issues including Iraq invasion dating as far back as 2003, more troops for Afganistan 2007 (later joined by McCain and everyone else), timetable for Iraq (will be the policy no metter who wins) and we have seen him hold his own against foreign leaders - Olmert, Abbas, Merkel, Sarkoszy.

Meanwhile the likely next president if McCain/Palin is voted in (Paliin given McCains age and health history) just admitted yesterday on ABC interview that SHE HAS NEVER EVER MET A SINGLE FOREIGN LEADER.

Q. When do you know that soomeone has picked a wrong candidate based on the wrong motives?
A. When they cite only one (and the earliest) out of the experiences and qualifications as the all and deny or vaporize the rest as reason to not support the other candidate.

(like saying 3 year community organizer - the end of work experience, or Havard graduate with some focus on international relations - the end of foreign policy experience. Only by creating a virtual, false caricature of the other candidate can they justify their pick of a worse candidate based on REAL issues and POLICIES.).

@ Jay Keggerford

Seriously dude, all politics aside, that was frakkin' hilarious. Thanks for the Friday morning laugh! :)

Bush could see Mexico from Texas. Need we say more about Palin being about to take a peak at Russia and what that implies in terms of foreign policy prowess?

I believe it's pretty easy to guess that I just dissed every American citizen who voted for Bush 2 terms.

Acanebliss, you make a very good point about how the ones who were fooled into voting for Bush TWICE are desperately looking to be fooled a THIRD time want to to lump everyone is the same category as them so they don't they appear as gullible. And what's even more obvious this issue of being fooled by the GOP TWICE has become wedge issue within their party and some of their very own base of voters are refusing to be fooled a THIRD time.

DamianKD

@ Jay Keggerford

Seriously dude, all politics aside, that was frakkin' hilarious. Thanks for the Friday morning laugh! :)

1!#1.17 - Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:49 AM PDT

Glad to give the laugh. Honestly, politics, for all of its deadly seriousness, has to be the richest source of comedy we have. :)

Personally, I think with the choices of candidates we have on both sides.... What was that South Park episode with the election and the choice of a "giant douche" and a "crap sandwich"?

Have a great weekend!

Didn't Gore once say he invented the Internet, ha ha..

Didn't Gore once say he invented the Internet, ha ha..

actually he did not say that..

a little research would prevent you from looking like a fool who spouts what rush tells him to.

"Obama's degree focused on international relations"... so he took 3 to 6 hours of international relations courses and read a text book. I don't think this qualifies.

"Has spoken out on foreign policy issues including Iraq invasion dating as far back as 2003"... you mean when he was an Illinois State Senator voting present or voting yes on legislation to teach sex ed to 5 year olds? Or do you mean he was against the surge, but cannot come to admit that he was wrong on that issue? Or against funding our troops?

Do you mean he is for sending more troops to Afghanistan until it become unpopular?

"Hold his own against foreign leaders"- you mean the PR stunt in the middle east, Germany and France? Maybe the Republicans should send Palin on the same type of PR stunt, then she would have the same experience as Obama. I imagine a couple of one hour meetings with a couple of leaders talking about the issues between the parties and SHAAZAM, Plain would have the same experience. I always love how we are so focused on Palin's experience compared to Obama's. What a strategy... use some smoke and mirrors, so that no one will pay attention to the actual comparison we need to be making on experience which is McCain to Obama.

By the way, I agree, the rebuttal ad presented above was funny and I think it would work. The ad just show the pettiness the democrats have come to in an attempt to show that McCain is unfit. No where in the Constitution does it say, "One must be proficient in Outlook or some other form of electronic email communication" Ridiculous!! Quite frankly, I don't want my President messing around with email and wasting needless hours of his day like myself and everyone else on this forum.

The ad just show the pettiness the democrats have come to in an attempt to show that McCain is unfit.

One might think it petty to use talking points that were already refuted.

Ahh really, do prey tell, which "talking point" do you refer? Because... Obama was in the Illinois State Senate in 2003, so him saying anything about the war in Iraq had no consequence because he was not standing on the US Senate floor when the vote to go into Iraq was cast. Here is the list of who actually did, "* Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), * Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) , * Barbara Boxer (D-California) * Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia) * Lincoln Chaffee (R-Rhode Island) * Kent Conrad (D-North Dakota) * Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) * Mark Dayton (D-Minnesota) * Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) * Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) * Bob Graham (D-Florida) * Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) * Jim Jeffords (I-Vermont) * Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) * Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) * Carl Levin (D-Michigan) * Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) * Patty Murray (D-Washington) * Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) * Paul Sarbanes (D-Maryland) * Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) * The late Paul Wellstone (D-Minnesota) * Ron Wyden (D-Oregon)" Funny, I did not see Barack's name in there As for voting present, he is the link to the Illinois State Senate, if you would like to go through and find them all. www.ilga.gov. I am certainly not going to do that for you, but they are there. Why vote present? I have my opinions and assume that he would never want to enter into a position to offend anyone. Here is were there is a problem when tough decision need to be made. As for sex ed, here is a quote from Barack himself, "OBAMA: I remember him, uh, using this in his campaign against me, saying, "Barack Obama supports teaching sex education to kindergartners." (laughter) And, you know, which -- I didn't know what to tell him. But it's the right thing to do." Its the right thing to do, huh. The bill authorized level one ed, which encompasses many things a 5 years does not needs to know. Surge- See O'reilly interview, wherein Obama could not swallow his pride and admit, I was wrong. The rest is my opinion, which I think is clear.

TRex 1.22 Get a life

@Jay -

Please send that to the McCain campaign! We need to see more humor on the campaign trail - everything has become so vitriolic.

"Life is too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde

All I want is a president that will be fiscally responsible, understands war (since we are bloody deep in one) and who votes for what he believes is right - even if it goes against his party.

John votes down all pork barrel spending bills, attended the National War college - specifically to learn strategy, war history and treaties, and he tells it like it is while voting accordingly. Incredibly, he is even planning to put a couple of Dems on his cabinet. I haven't heard anything that bipartisan from the Obama interviews or at the DNC.

The fact that his running mate reflects this attitude is icing on the cake. Her small town to governor, take-no-prisoners attitude is very refreshing and sadly lacking in the Whitehouse.

I didn't hear any of this at the DNC. Just alot of references to old cowboy politics that the current administration has proven wrong. Also, something about how Obama wants to make America "cool" again. I was not impressed.

McCain/Palin 2008

@ Miss Dev,

I'll drink to that! Maybe we can couple up a good ol' boy comedian with a NY liberal one for our ticket in 2012....

Ron White / Lewis Black in 2012!

Well call it the Black and White ticket. ;)

I tend to prefer a president that will lead the country based on vision, integrity and moral strength of conviction rather than one that would lead based on facebook and wikipedia.

And further...

Oh Ouch!!! Obama is getting much tougher in his attacks on McCain/Palin. Gee, Lets see if we can alienate the older crowd while pandering to the young folks that are already enamoured with him. Nice use of campaign funds. Highly effective.

Step up Obama tell us how you are going to make it a better world by making "government cool again".

@Jay -

Their theme song could be Ebony and Ivory - or is that going too far?

This doesn't sound like the right way to go to me. Obama just insulted everyone who doesn't use the internet.

You're probably right, but this line of attack isn't going to go anywhere anyway.

First of all, for all of you that are heehawing about McCains computer illiteracy, do you really doubt that were he to be elected, he could have gone through his four years, the same computer illiterate he is today, and NO ONE IN THE COUNTRY WOULD EVEN KNOW IT, if it wasn't exposed in an ad like this. Simply put, using a computer is not part of the job description of the President Of The United States.

Again we have the same situation where the only people who will be impressed by the ad are the people who would never vote for McCain anyway.

This doesn't sound like the right way to go to me. Obama just insulted everyone who doesn't use the internet.

So I guess that means that if you don't know how to read, you don't value people who do?

he bill authorized level one ed, which encompasses many things a 5 years does not needs to know.

I didn't know it was a negative thing to teach kids about not getting sexually molested. I personally don't want children to get molested. But hey, I'm just a wacky liberal.

I'm sure they (McCain's camp) gave her a lot more freedom before the Gibson interview. Even Charlie said he got lost in a sea of all her "words".

Bush should show McCain how to use the Internet's ,, :D

Not as bad as the Dems token selection Barry/Barrack/Soretoro/Dunham/Obama/?

you forgot Hussain

she is nothing more then a token selection ...

exactly.

No matter what way you spin it, this is not something insignificant that can be overcome with tech servants.

I want a president that can at least do anything a 9 year old can. My 9 year old has known how to send an email for quite some time now.

There's no excuse for that. It's either mental incompetence, laziness, or willful ignorance. None of those are traits this country needs in a president.

Right on biggerthebetter. It is not so much that he cannot send an e-mail - It is that a man in his position chooses not to learn how to do it. What is wrong with him?

My 83 year old grandmother just learned how to use a computer so that she could share e-mails and pictures with the family. McCain can't be bothered to learn about computers who help him in his job.

It is really not that big of a deal but it certainly does indicate something about McCain.

My guess is that many in politics choose not to use email because emails within government agencies are usually not confidential and they leave a paper trail for everything you do. I think McCain possesses the intelligence to type something and then click 'send' (not so sure about Bush, but that's another issue). I think that's just the reality of it. I could be wrong...

His own claims would seem to indicate that yes, you are wrong. But I'm just going from what he's said. He could be lying to sound more relateable.

netprophet:

Even the interns in Congress usually have blackberries for purposes of instant access to email and text messages. A great deal of legislative work is done via these mechanisms, to the point that the House's administrative officer made this statement regarding them:

"Not only do members and staff depend on the BlackBerry service for daily communications and business operations, the House relies on the device for notifications and communications in emergency situations," wrote Eagan, noting that the House has issued 3,000 BlackBerrys and invested $6 million in the technology. An injunction on BlackBerry service, he wrote, would create "a serious risk to the House's critical communications and could jeopardize the public interest."
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1042568717339

If McCain is really relying on others to do this aspect of his job for him, one might wonder what other aspects of it he is similarly outsourcing and who it is that is really doing the work we credit him with as a senator. And who will be doing what aspects of his job if we give him the office of President.

No matter what way you spin it, this is not something insignificant that can be overcome with tech servants.

This whole thread is insignificant.

Why John?

This whole thread is insignificant.

Actually, you are insignificant.

Why John?

John McCain using or not using email or personally using a computer, will have zero impact on his Presidency. The people who say it does do not want John McCain to be President, and place emphasis on all sorts of insignificant objections. The President doesn't go on line and look up "location of Iranian oil fields", he has someone print out and bring him the pertinent information. He's the boss, he gets to do that sort of thing.

But doesn't that extra step add something in the process? A delayed reaction to things, overhead in regards to employment of aides? Information travels fast, and for everything to be printed would delay the usefulness of that information.

I think it would save THE PRESIDENT'S time, for him to not be sitting at the computer.

So you'd be okay with a president who didn't "waste his own time" reading newspapers or books...oh wait...do you support Bush?

Sorry, I want a president who is comfortable with the technology our country has to offer. That includes telephones (can McCain use those for heavens sake? or are those also "not secure, bla bla).

Communication is one of the most important facets of the job of president. He has admitted he cannot utilize all of the communications tools available and necessary for the job.

Next applicant, please?

JohnRussel has no idea what he's talking about. All he can do put lipstick on a pig. LOL!

Being able to use email is akin to using a telephone. I wouldn't have thought to vote for a man who admitted to not knowing how to use a phone, and who seemed proud he didn't know or care...

Thats a good point big. I hadn't thought of that comparison before.

Exactly. For McCain, when he doesn't understand something, he lets one of his numerous lobbyists make the decision for him. With regards to net neutrality, the corporate lobbyists are on the opposite side of we the people (as they are with most things, really).

McCain has actually spoken out against net neutrality, and favors a large crackdown on piracy. His technology policy is pretty horrible. I actually work in US Govt IT, and this guy's policy scares the hell outta me. McCain on net neutrality

Hetep and Respect folks good points. I did not have a link to McCain's position on net-neutrality one of my Top Ten Issues, now I do, thanks

Thanks for the link, BA.

Hetep and Respect BA, I found your McCain No-Net neutrality seed on the vine and clipped it to my column.

I also check out your column, good stuff.

it's not an attack on his age. It's an attack on his same-ness and his illiteracy. I know old people who aren't liars (I bring change, except for the exactness I share with the person who's already there) and who are Internet savvy. If you let the world leave you behind, you cannot possibly represent change.

I think that's why the entire RNC focused on the past and all that McCain has done, not so much what he will do. He was the Maverick. Frankly, he isn't anymore.

good point, I grew up with manual typewriters but helped draw up just a few years ago a softwear plan program for a major company (never went to school for it, taught myself). That means progress, being intune to today and not yesterday. That is what the ad is about. I soon will be 60 but felt I needed to know what is going on in the world and technology is the way it is going. How, as a president, can you push progress in this field to our children if your not willing to learn yourself. ? Not a good role model for President and not anyone I want running this country especially with the illiteracy we have encountered for the past 8 years. Obama/Biden. (we need change, McCain is the same or even worse, I think Bush can do e-mail, maybe)

My last job was for one of the big 5 banks and I would assist customers on the phone while on the computer. I remember many older people calling me for assistance and they would be on their computers at home looking at their accounts. Of course I had a view from the banks side.

One of my favorite customers was a 90 year old lady who was so enthusiastic about learning to use the computer, she went on and on and on. She explained she had learned about the using a computer within the past year, and she was doing her email, getting pictures of her family from far away within minutes. She talked about doing her banking (as we were doing at the time), and buying things online.

You name it she was so excited about her new skill.

She admitted she was slow at it, but expressed that it was necessary to learn and felt that age was no excuse.

I told her that I really admired her for that.

I couldn't help but contrast her with my grandmother who was a good ten years younger still believes it isn't necessary to learn it. My grandmother's excuse,....... why would I need it? I have tried to explain why. I even told my grandmother of the people I am in contact with and their ages, and their willingness to learn, but she is just set in her ways.

that is good, bravo and I vote for you. Palin already has her finger on the button for Russia, all she is waiting for is the old Bird to win.

This proves how arrogant Obama is. Its funny how he masters the ability to alienate regular people all the time, in this case people older than 50.

My 75 year old father knows more about using his machine than McCain does. So does many of his friends. Your statement proves arrogance, but not on Obama's part.

exactly Roy. Both of my parents are over 50 and use the internet all the time. As do my over 60 and nearly 70 aunts and uncles. As did my... 83 year old grandmother!

GH Mich, most older people aren't running for president. Sorry, your arguments don't cut it. If McCain can't keep up, he has no business trying to be in charge of the country.

As for terrorist connections, I assume then, that you don't trust Bush with his intimate friendship of the Saudi Royals, and the Bin Laden clan?

I've lost the link to this data, but earlier this summer I saw some stats. That Men over 50 use the internet a lot more than you think -- nearly 50%. College Educated Caucasian Men over 50 have a very high usage rate ... I think somewhere near 75%. The point being, that within his own demographic he's totally out of touch.

I would remind you that YOU have only understood technology for a couple of years yourself.

Not sure if you've noticed, but this is 2008. I've been using technology now for the better part of 20 years.

Half of you likely still don't understand the difference between a serial port and a bowl of cereal, or what a URL really is other than a place where you type www.gooogly.com.

Ok, tell ya what. If you can explain to me how an md5 hash works without googling it, you'll have my respect. If you can tell me the order of magnitude of a binary search in Big O notation, you'll impress me.

Hetep and Respect bondibox, very informative as usual.

The point being, that within his own demographic he's totally out of touch.

Thank you for your contribution.

We aren't asking that our President understand what a serial port is. We are asking that he be able to keep up with an 8 or 9 year old child and be able to use a very common tool of communication.

It is not about age it is about the willingness to embrace technology.

Seriously, I suspect you have no idea whether or not McCain 'embraces' technology. If you have evidence that McCain does not embrace technology, other than that he doesn't email, please enlighten us.

Hetep and Respect JohnRussell, see the seed on No-Net neutrality

If you have evidence that McCain does not embrace technology, other than that he doesn't email, please enlighten us.

McCain's Computer illiteracy makes him dysfunctional as a modern CEO and even dangerous to the American people and the forward progress of the Nation, as his lobbyist informed positions on Net Neutrality point out.

Maam, Barack Obama's explanations about his church, Trinity United Church Of Christ, were one lie after another. The idea that Obama does not lie is LAUGHABLE. All politicians lie when it is to their advantage.

No, its not that McCain isn't the right man JUST because he's computer illiterate. He's not the right man for the job for a host of reasons this is just one of them. Its a great reminder that he's out of touch. I believe even the article seeded here mentions the other reasons listed in the ad.

sadbuttrue, would you consider e-mail to have taken over the number of letters in recent years? If so, it would mean that he willingly does not utilize something considered by most to be a basic communication method. If he doesn't get e-mail, but gets it through a proxy (not the proxy in computer terminology, but a person) then it highlights he might be slower on the uptake than Obama in response. As critically important as communication is in the federal sector, this is something that should be a basic tenant.

The arguement isn't whether McCain is fluent in Assembly or whether he makes his own scripts, it's whether he can utilize technology at even a rudimentarily basic level.

I may be wrong, but I have never heard of an email going out under the name of the President Of The United States. His staff, surely, but the President? I wouldn't know.

And along these lines, who knows how much President Bush or President Clinton use(d) a personal computer. I don't think anyone outside their office knows, and why would we? It's not important.

If Obama had not released this ad, McCain could have gotten elected and served his term in office without the public knowing that he doesn't use a computer, and NO ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN THE DIFFERENCE.

Its not e-mail thats the issue, C. Its the lack of knowledge and understanding about technology and how its changing the world (concerning not just communication but security and economics as well) that is the issue here.

Yeah, right. This ad points to email and not much else. I guess it all depends on what you read into it. Most presidents don't "operate" the technology. They give the orders to others who do operate the technology. Do you think the President actually "pushes the button?"

I'll say it again. The foolishness on both sides has gone way over the top. It looks like we are dipping below 3rd grad level on all fronts.

Its not about his opperating it. Its about his ability to understand how it shapes the world. I just question his ability to understand how its shapes the world and how it will shape the world in the future with out the ability to opperate it. If he can understand its effect with out understanding the thing itself, kudos to him.

He needs to understand how email and computers shape the world? What?

I see definite comments that are geared towards age discrimination. I thought Obama was above all that. I am deeply disappointed.

No, I am not a McCain supporter.

Um, Yes? He does need to know how computers shape the world. Technology in general and computers specificially are drastically changing the world and how we interact in it. They will continue to do so. He has a responsibility to not only govern the United States for the next 4 years but to also help prepare for the future which includes more than a vauge understanding of the way the world is changing.

And its not age discrimination. Many posts on this seed have attested to the over 50 crowd being willing to get online. And that effort should be expected of McCain.

c anderson,

I've just watched a video of the ad - the link is posted below by bondibox. It's obvious the ad isn't about just sending email, it's about McCain's failure to change with the times over the last 26 years.

If he hasn't changed in 26 years how can we expect him to suddenly change now.

And, if he did change, would it be a "flip-flop?" Why am I the only person tired of the foolishness?

Of course it would if he suddenly changed direction now. This ad is using technology among other things to point out that McCain hasn't changed and is just like Bush. If you haven't yet done so, watch it.

As to "foolishness." This type of "foolishness" has been perfected by the republicans.

And no, you're not the only one tired of it. I would much prefer a sensible ad, discussion and/or debate on the issues with the personalities left behind. But the reality of present day rovian politics dictates otherwise.

And, now it gets into Bush and Rove? This silly ad is farreaching, isn't it?

I am always amazed by people who follow either political party or candidate without question. No party or candidate is always right. Also, neither is always wrong.

And, again, I believed Senator Obama when he said he was above "Rovian politics." He has proven my belief in him to be mistaken several times. I didn't expect anything better from the McCain campaign. I took him at his word. I am disappointed.

Yes, the ad ties McCain to Bush. I described the nature of politics today as "rovian". If you disagree with my position, say so, but don't put my words into the ad. Furthermore, this ad is no where near "rovian politics".

If you're so upset over this ad, where was your outrage over the McCain lipstick ad? Did you make any comments in any of the threads discussing that?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I did make comments about that. I stated that Obama was not referring to Palin and the ad was totally unfair. He used a common phrase and it was blown way out of proportion. It was one of many truely stupid and misleading ads from both sides. I was "upset" over that ad. I'm not "upset" over this ad. It's so ridiculous that it's funny!!!

I didn't put words into the ad. I was referring that it led your mind into those things. Meaning, that people go far beyond the actual ads.

I expected Obama to actually be above "politics as usual." I understand his frustration. However, I am disappointed. Doesn't mean I like him any less. Just means he isn't living up to the expectations that he set for himself.

Please understand that I am simply trying to answer your questions. I have no desire to attack or insult anyone.

I expect that Senator Obama is just as disappointed. He is trying to win an election by basing his campaign on the issues - this ad (no matter what others may say) is about issues, change and the economy. It uses technology as a tool to point out a failure to incorporate change and it links McCain to Bush's failed economic policies.

His opposition resorts to lies, innuendo and smears. Those lies etc... are what get the MSM's attention because they attract viewers and readers, the issues go to the back burner and get ignored. Even the MSM agrees that this is what happens.

I understand your disappointment. I too am disappointed. But I also realize that if he is going to win, Senator Obama cannot just respond to the crap being tossed in his direction. He has to bring the discussion back to the issues, and he can only do that by getting those issues back in the news cycle.

I used to tell my people before I retired, "Don't come to me with complaints about how things are, come to me with ideas and solutions on how to make things better."

So, my question is - How do we make things better? I say we start by electing Obama to the presidency.

So, after all this discussion, we find that we are, basically, of the same frame of mid. We need to get to the real issues and decide who can best solve them. Our only real difference is that I am still undecided. I usually wait until after the debates.

Did you watch their forum last night? It was a great change of pace in this season of silliness. Both candidates came across well. Maybe we need to see more of them without their campaign people pulling the strings. I feel that both are sincere, patriotic, knowledgeable people. They both want to solve the same problems. Only their solutions differ.

Yeah, typing messages back and forth is much slower than a face to face conversation. Plus you lose the advantage of body language.

No, I was a bad boy last night. I watched the Rays whup the Red Sox. First time we've been above last place this far into the season. It's still hard to believe we're holding onto first place in the AL East. I did watch the clips this morning before I left to play golf.

I agree with your assessment of them. And solution wise I prefer Obama's ideas.

I'm looking forward to the debates. They should be very interesting this year. Of course there's always the chance the media will screw things up completely and make them boring and non informative.

The media is more likely going to "translate" for us and tell us what the candidates said. The media knows that we are too stupid to hear the words and understand. We can't possibly think for ourselves. Just ask the media. I firmly believe that most of the ugliness and nastiness of this campaign is media driven. All in the name of ratings.

I see good ideas and bad ideas from both of them. So, I'll sit on this fence until one of them appeals to me more than the other.

I firmly believe that most of the ugliness and nastiness of this campaign is media driven. All in the name of ratings.

On that we agree 100%.

c anderson - great comment, this is so silly and it started with a silly ad!!

A few years ago when I worked for a large technology company (2nd largest in the world) the president stood up and told the entire sales force to "stop the email madness". He went on to strongly encourage us to "get out of your desk and go talk to someone, or pick up the phone and call them".

While it didn't last forever, the impact was awesome. People communicate in a completely different way when at a keyboard.

Its not about his opperating it. Its about his ability to understand how it shapes the world. I just question his ability to understand how its shapes the world and how it will shape the world in the future with out the ability to opperate it. If he can understand its effect with out understanding the thing itself, kudos to him.

Do you understand that people who go overboard in obsession with technology can be some of the biggest goofs on earth?

Slightly off topic, all day and night long we have been seeing countless reports on Hurricane Ike. Minute by minute, second by second accounts, including every couple of minutes or so, the latest radar and computer images of the storm. The coverage on the news channels is ubiquitous. A child of 'today' could probably be excused for believing that without the images on the tube, the hurricane wouldn't exist.

Hurricanes have been hitting the Gulf Coast for thousands of years. What did everyone do before MSNBC and CNN?

Would you want a president that couldn't understand how to use a phone? It's the exact same thing these days.

I agree Brett,
But they have "real" to talk about!

But it is an issude we should discuss if it impacts his ability govern as a head of state and a head of government. Which some of us apparently think it does.

Do you think the President, any President for that matter, makes any of his decisions based on the use of a computer?

Based on his understanding of technology including the computer? Yes, if he's a wise president I think he/she does.

No head of state can afford to be illinformed regarding a thing that has this much nation and international impact.

Based on his understanding of technology including the computer?

How so? When deciding whether to veto a spending bill must he know how Microsoft office operates? Must he know how a computer itself operates? Doubtful. I don't disagree that a general understanding of technology is wise for a President to have.

Even if a decision required knowledge of how a computer works, I am positive that someone somewhere would be able and required to explain to any President how that technology operates. A President cannot know everything and will most certainly rely on the expert opinions of others.

Of course a president can't know everything. He or she would need to know enough to know who to keep around him advising him though. I never said a president needed to know everything. In fact I already said the opposite somewhere on here. I'm saying he needs to know enough to be an effective leader in an increasingly globalized society and that for me (ME, not everyelse else, ME) not knowing how to use a computer or send an e-mail indicates that he would be lacking in understanding a vital part of today's interactions through out the country and the world.

Of course a president can't know everything. He or she would need to know enough to know who to keep around him advising him though. I never said a president needed to know everything.

I never said you said a President needed to know everything.

A great leader needs not know everything! A great leader knows how to assembly a group of knowledgeable people and leaders. They form a team that leads others. It is juvenile to talk about McCain's computer literacy or lack thereof.

But it is an issude we should discuss if it impacts his ability govern as a head of state and a head of government.

You are carried away. Calm down and reflect. President Roosevelt ran the largest undertaking in human history, the conduct of World War II, without computers.

Maybe you sit in front of your pc or mac 24 hours a day, but a lot of people don't, and don't have to. It is ridiculous to say that McCain's supposed aversion to computers will impact his ability to govern. Just ridiculous.

Of course the cyber-threat is real. No doubt about that. Tell me, if the worst comes to pass, do you think a President Obama will actually go into the computer system with his own two hands and fix it? Or, would he have people in his administration to do that? It all gets just plain dumb! This is not a pro-McCain comment. It's a comment on stupid, dumbing-down of the campaigns on both sides.

I don't expect either President to don flak jackets and charge in on the front lines of a ground war either. But if the U.S. was ever engaged in a cyber war and the President was being briefed on various attacks against U.S. servers I'd like the President to be tech-savvy enough to understand what was going on.

Not to mention economic policies will continue to be more and more affected by the computer industry and rising digital concerns. McCain's stance on Net Neutrality is horrific, and I shudder to think at his response over the next four years when ISPs begin to push for throttled service, or pay-per-MB over a certain download limit per month.

@buttomoxie,

I remember Y2K. People buying generators, bottled water and canned meat! That threat was real too.. Actually, I agree with you the cyber threat is real. However, like Y2K the cyber threat is overstated (here) to achieve specific ends.

If you only knew what I can't tell you.....

c anderson, no I don't expect Obama to go all Kevin Mitnick and figure out what is going on. But it would be nice for the person in charge to have a rudimentary understanding of computers.

@buttemoxie

I like your last comment. A little dark humor. very good.

Again the cyber threat is real and I hope there are brilliant people out there protecting us from the enemy.

On the other hand... the threat is multifaceted. Look at the damage done by a few fanatics with box-cutters. IED's and suicide bombers.

Point being, in these times we need a strong America and strong leadership. Strength and strength of conviction.

I wonder whether it will have any effect at all on older voters. Older voters who are likely computer illiterate as well.

Like I said: It is not about age it is about the willingness to embrace technology.

My 87 year old grandmother emails my children. She things Mccain is a Dinosaur too!!! Palin/Mccain the Real Bridge to Nowhere
(thanks but no thanks)

What I said has nothing to do with age or willingness to embrace technology it has to do with politics. Senator Obama is commenting on computer illiteracy which for various social reasons a large percentage of people claim to have. I'm not talking their actual skillset, I mean how they see themselves. One means a politician does well is when people identify with them, Senator Obama just made all those people who consider themselves computer illiterate have a reason to identify with Senator McCain. At the same time Obama did not make people who consider themselves computer saavy identify when him as it was a negative ad not a positive ad. I don't see the upside hence I feel it'll backfire.