Political Punch

McCain has missed a golden opportunity to raise awareness of technology which allows persons with handicaps to use computers. I personally know parplegics,blind and otherwise disabled people who with the use of technology are able to use the internet with facility. Only unwillingness to learn will keep him from the internet and use of computers.

My six year-old can use a computer and in many ways is more qualified than Obama to be president. My grandfather can't use a computer and is far more qualified than Obama to be president. My neighbor can use a computer and thinks that America is responsible for 9/11. He and Obama have the same computer qualifications.

he probably doesn't need voice software for computers since he managed for decades without a computer anyway. he seems to get a lot of work done without it, so it isn't that big a deal. I know my e-mail isn't that important to me, most of it is spam anyway, and you can use snail mail or fax if you need real copies of official paperwork.

I'm a computer sci teacher in a high school that has a high percentage of disabled kids. Two points - first I don't believe for a second that his war injuries have anything to do with McCain not using a computer. Secondly, who cares?

Just because you can do something with a computer doesn't make it a good idea. McCain chooses not to use a computer - fine, that doesn't mean he's out of touch at all. There is quite enough technology out there that people don't really need despite the fact that marketers have convinced them that they do need it.

I'd never vote for anyone who lies as much as he does, but the computer issue is stupid.

McCain's computer still uses DOS.

I used the computer too long for "personal obligations" that now it hurts my right hand to type for extended periods of time, thus I can be president too. I have looked at a computer before and thought it was neat! (Im running for that CTO position btw)

The bare truth:

Sen. Obama doesn't have a record of public service as Sen. McCain has! He can’t even match Gov. Palin’s record. That’s fascinating!

Many, if not all, law makers on both sides of Congress as well as millions of Americans, have already known that Sen. McCain is a Maverick and is independent with his judgments on many national issues. He, from time to time, had to break rank with his own party to side with the Democrats, on many issues. He's brave man! He's the one this country needs to make a change, a REAL CHANGE.

The funny thing is that Sen. Obama and his campaign have been trying to paint a picture of a McCain who is so much in line with the Bush Presidency. That's absurd!

I wonder where Sen. Obama was living and what he was doing when Sen. McCain was living in a little prison cell in Vietnam?

So, knowing how to send (and probably READ an email…later) is not an issue in this campaign. Sen. McCain’s staffs handle his emails any way! The ad was an insult, not only to Sen. McCain, but many veterans who have given so much so that many of us can sit comfortably at home (or wherever it may be) to send and read emails.

The REAL ISSUE is WHO the people of this great nation can TRUST and want to send to the White House this January to make the REAL CHANGE that this nation needs.

The solution: McCain-Palin

A Vietnamese American

I don't understand how Stephen Hawking, paralyzed from the neck down, can publish half a dozen books using a computer but John McCain gets a pass on computer illiteracy because he was a POW.

I don't understand how John McCain can be photographed using the Blackberry--which apparently he invented!--and a cell phone, which he claims he's addicted to, but he gets a pass on computer illiteracy because he was a POW.

Come on, Jake. You can do better than this.

I have two words for McCain re. using the POW card to excuse himself from using computers.

Stephen Hawking.

i can send & recieve email but i am not ready to be potus eh maybe i can if OBAMA thinks thats all it takes heck here i am

I'm definitely not voting for McCain (or Obama), but you have to admire the physical and emotional sacrifices McCain has made for our country. And this report illustrates this.

You mean Stephen Hawking can use a computer and John McCain cannot?

Please. I know blind people, quadraplegics, multiple amputees, all who are able to use a computer. There has been excellent voice activation of personal computers for more than 10 years. There are dozens of companies who sell terrific alternative controllers for people who cannot use a regular keyboard and mouse.

This is complete nonsense and once again, John McCain is not only lying, but trying to play the victim card.

If McCain is handicapped and can't work with a computer, why did he tell Adam Nagourney of The New York Times the following?:
"I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself. I don’t expect to be a great communicator, I don’t expect to set up my own blog, but I am becoming computer literate to the point where I can get the information that I need – including going to my daughter’s blog first, before anything else."

Maybe I missed it but did anyone listen to the rest of the ad? My concern is not about using e-mail, it's about the tax cuts. Excuse me you Obamaites, when was the last time a poor or middle class person gave you a job? Maybe if we give more tax cuts to corporations, small business owners and yes the hated rich, there would be more available jobs in the USA. And mabey, just mabey we could entice foreign companies to invest over here. The ad also mentions the tax cuts for the middle class. John McCain doesn't have to offer tax cuts because he doesn't plan on raising taxes on any class, while Obama has guaranteed tax hikes for everyone! Hello(knock,knock,knock)is anyone listening?

The ad will be ignored by those who really matter. The liberals who see and believe the ad are losers anyway. Only losers want Obama style socialism so they do not have to achieve anything in life, they just let the government do it for them.

You know... the business world is riddled with people who dont use a computer, the are called CEOs. They have people use the computer for them, they are called secretaries. Who cares if he doesnt know how to use a computer. Most of the small business owners I know dont know how to use one so they hire someone who does. For Obama to use this as an arguement is pretty weak..... laughable almost.

Computer technology is just one aspect of the modern world that John McCain is simply out of touch with. The fact is Barak Obama knows how to reach out to mobilize and energize people in a way that McCain does not. Obama is a true leader, a quality that is sorely needed given the state of world affairs that the Bush administration has created. To spin this that Obama has insulted people with disabilities is a ridiculous Rove-like political tactic that has no basis in reality. In fact, by claiming that McCain cannot use a computer because of his disability, his campaign has insulted the millions of people with disabilities who have learned to incorporate adaptive methods into their daily lives.

The possibilities:

If Senator McCain got elected: He perhaps may want to hire Sen. Obama (or one of his campaign staffs)as one of his staffs to handle the President's emails once Sen. McCain moved into the White House this January.

If Senator Obama got elected: American population may receive emails from the President. The best way is to prepare oneself on how to send and read an email. Perhaps one may be able to chat online one-on-one with the President too and that's so cool!

No, we need a president who knows how to run a country through his bold actions and not just plain talk.

A Clinton's supporter for McCain-Palin

Its ashame that wheather we use a computer or not is how we decide if a
canadate is good enough to be president.
From the time that Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator,to
the time he annonuced he was forming a
Presidential exploratory committee he
has served 143 days in the Senate. After
143 days of work experience, Obama beleives along with the rest of us he is
ready to be President. As our next President how often is he going to send
his own e-mails and who cares. On the
other hand I am glad he has at least
done something with his life. After all
writting e-mails is going to make him
a great President. Can't wait to see if
he gives us a daily report on his e-mail writting when he gets in. Whoops,
I forgot we could have a tie of the
electoral votes and neither would be
President it would be Nancy Pelosi. DO
ANY OF YOU KNOW IF SHE SENDS E-Mails. This race is very close and we do not
do overs for Presidental Canadates. It
goes to next in line. Better keep an
eye on Nancy she might be the President.

Someone questioned whether this is news. Of course this is news, and it goes to the character of Barack Obama and his campaign. While they whine incessantly about Rebublican attack ads, they themselves are guilty of the most underhanded and despicable distortions.

The Obama campaign is truly sad. Attacking John McCain because he can't use the computer like a normal person? He's handicapped! Why don't we make fun of paraplegics because they can't walk! This is ridiculous election BS.

Why, with his money, does McCain not just seek to become a cyborg with implanted computers, monitors, & all the associated wireless technology?

C'mon people, THINK!!!! Is technology our servant or our master?

I guess this is meant to be news. Whether John McCain wants to use a computer or not is HIS choice. WHO EVER SAID IT WAS A PRE-REQUISITE FOR THE PRESIDENCY? I re-read the Consitution last week and it never mentioned anything about technology or computers! His wife Cindy reads them to him. Why is THAT a bad thing? My husband in his old job got over 200 emails a day. He absolutely hated emails. Why are we talking about this? Can't ANYONE think of anything ELSE that is MORE important? My parents are both 76 and my mom has no interest in learning the computer. Somehow, the fact that she has survived for 76 years seems to go by the wayside. Same with McCain. I would hazard to guess that McCain could preside over this country with no computer.

I have a co-worker who is about 61 years old, born with a bad arm (the hand can move, but it twitches sometimes and it's shorter than his other arm), he still manages to work 8 or more hours a day on a computer. We have a special keyboard for him. Stephen Hawking uses a computer because of, not despite his disability. If McCain wanted to work on a computer, with all of his money, I'm sure he could. He must not see the necessity, maybe he even views the internet as a luxury... one he definitely could afford, but chooses not to. My mother is 68, she has a lot of health problems but a great mind. She uses the internet every day, and while I consider her old, and I'd like for her to retire... at least she isn't so old to not realize the importance of the internet and computers. If he doesn't see the importance of these things, what else is he missing?

my friend was shot in the back 7 years ago. he cannot move or feel ANYTHING below his neck. unfortunately he isnt a millionare that can ask his servants to do everything for him. he is on the internet everyday! he loves it! he plays video games.
the internet opens WORLDs to the less advantaged. but mccain has EVERY ADVANTAGE and that is the reason he DOESNT NEED the internet.
i am so glad this is all happening because a month ago i was going to vote for mccain.
he has left me no choice.
OBAMA 08

Come on people. Quit already with this "how does the candidate know how the common person lives" crap. While several candidates grew up fairly "normal" (as both candidates did in this case I think, though McCain obviously has the widest range of experience, from years in the most tormenting of circumstances to years as the Senator with a wealthy wife) most did not, and once they entered politics, very few have any clue how normal people live.

But so what. There either promote good policies or not. Higher taxes, socialism and class warfare: bad, bad for the rich and the poor. I don't care if they know why anymore. I just want a smaller goverment, yet with national security, and low taxes for everyone to the extent possible.

POW card????? I seem to remember John Kerry mentioning his 4 MONTHS of service in Vietnam a few... no about a millioin times. McCain's sacrifice makes Kerry's service look like nursery school. You liberals just make up the rules as you go, right?

I don't care if Senator McCain doesn't use a computer or not, for whatever reason. Mr. Obama, I want to know how much you're going to raise my taxes?

Interesting that 5 years ago McCain was considered the most technologically savvy member of the senate, more so than Al Gore.....Because he won't use the computer keyboard doesn't mean he has no understanding. Do your research people! Actually look at what was being said about McCain and Obama BEFORE this election cycle started.Try looking beyond your own prejudices against either party to the facts. And get those facts from more than one place!

Ask the Gov of New York if he can DRIVE A CAR?
(I doubt NYS will give a driver's license to a man legally blind.)

Can anyone tell me WHY he NEEDS to use a computer?

Are we at the point in the history of this world that in order to live we NEED a computer?

Is knowing how to send emails so significant in becoming the President? Do your research and you will find bill clinton stated he only sent 2, count them two emails during his entire Presidency. Give me a break. the obama campaign is really clutching at straws if they are demeaning McCain for not knowing email. I wonder how many older citizens don't know email? I wonder how this makes them feel and what they are doing about it? obama making fun of McCain for not doing something they might not be comfortable doing. hmmmm obama you just keep on stepping on it. being elitist has gotten you into more trouble. The people who lambaste, older people, people who have guns and people who practice religion? Those mr. obama are middle America and those people mr. obama are the people you are supposed to serve. Get off your high horse because as much as people have filled your ego-sized head, you are NOT the messiah. You are not a God. you are just an inexperienced freshman senator.

Did you know that it is a REQUIREMENT for the President to be able to sit down and type on a keyboard and know how to use the Internet? I mean, imagine if the President wasn't able to read all of these blogs! How on earth would he be able to run the country without your valuable advice?!

To be honest, I don't even see how anything existed before the Internet...

Frank. michelle obama during a talk show interview in Ohio (months ago) told the host that they were having trouble living on 500K a year and the kids couldn't take dance lessons and other extracurricular activities. Now tell me who is out of touch? 500K!!! wouldn't you like to try living on that kind of money? I certainly would and could do it handily.

McCain's out of touch. He even described himself as a "Neanderthal."

And to think they laughed when George H.W. Bush "discovered" supermarket checkout scanners.

McCains are out of touch -- eight or nine homes, a $300,000 convention nite outfit and star-studded birthday party hosted by an A-List con-man on a yacht anchored in the Mediterranean off the coast of the former Yugolsavia. Does this sound like someone who actually drinks Budweiser?

Choosing not to use a computer and being computer illiterate are two completely different things. You don't have to actually send an email to KNOW HOW email is sent or appreciate the complexity of the internet. John McCain, up until about a month ago, showed not the slightest CURIOSITY about the most significant means of communication and information of our time. It's the equivalent of Dwight Eisenhower refusing to be aware of how to turn on a television. Without computer literacy, how can a candidate appreciate how the average American actually lives?? Nearly every Middle School and High School graduate in the US are required to take basic word processing and receive at least a rudimentary education in programming (i.e. Base 10 language) Every college in the US has Computers 101 as a requirement for graduation. McCain can't understand or appreciate the current economy until he realizes that millions of people are sitting at home for hours on end working the stock market from their home computer. He can't appreciate how business in the 21st Century is conducted until he gets sniped on Ebay. This is not a function of his age - there are plenty of older Americans who use their computers the way an average 20, 30 or 40 year old does. This speaks to John McCain's unwillingness to participate or relate to the life of the average American.

No one with a disability should be led into thinking that that should necessarily exclude him or her from using the internet. It is a wonderful tool for people like my daughter with cerebral palsy or her friend with muscular dystrophy for gaining access to a world of information and communication -- a world without physical prejudices.

If typing is too painful as it certainly can be even without a disability, there are many innovations such as virtual keyboards, sound activated programs and even customized computers that enable those with physical and other disabilities to use the internet.

I hope Senator McCain's supporters will not mislead people into thinking that a disability should exclude them from this world.

On Politico there's a story by a paraplegic who uses the computer using voice recognition software. Writes Ben Smith of Politico:

I've gotten a lot of e-mail on both sides of it today, however, some of the most interesting from disabled readers. Here's one from John Curtin, who works for DePaul University:

I have absolutely no doubts about the fact that McCain experiences great pain in his shoulders when he performs simple tasks, like typing, but it's simply absurd to offer that as the reason he doesn't use computers or the internet. Voice recognition software, which completely eliminates the need for a keyboard, has been available for years. It may be that McCain's not interested in learning how to use this technology — or any other type of adaptive device. It might be convenient for him to have staffers take care of his technology needs for him, then report back with their findings. That's fine, if somewhat limiting in an era when computer & internet technologies play such significant roles in both business & government. But the idea that shoulder pain prevents him from using this kind of technology himself is simply preposterous.

And I ought to know, as I'm writing this e-mail by using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9.0 voice recognition software, after having been paralyzed from the chest down 7 years ago.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sympathetic to McCain's plight. But, as I say, with the adaptive technologies available today, the only reason not to use them is a lack of interest.

Many of you are idiots, sorry but i don't know how else to quantify you.

I hurt my shoulder at work months ago. I use a computer for recreation every single day (Online gaming and such), but while I had that injury, it HURT like heck to use a computer.So I HAD to stop until my injury got better.McCains injury is NOT going to get better.

I can only Imagine the agony John McCain (a disabled vetren, for those not paying attention) doing the same activitey.Must he be in pain to make you happy. The country is NOT run by a computer terminal. He isn't applying for a Job in data entry.

Obama-ites, your savior is a empty suit , say it with me.He is running against a long time PUBLIC SERVANT with a record of Bipartisainship. Get used to that fact.You can't HOPE that away, it won't CHANGE.

Your guy has nothing other than positive Buzz-words that he READS from a teleprompter, and you have the Gaul to make comments about McCain not be "John The computer guy".

McCain doesn't use a computer
because he fancies himself to
be a Neanderthal warlord and
computers or whatever you call
them are for nonsocial nerds.

Excuse me. My posting wasn't deleted. I placed in under the wrong blog.

My previous posing was deleted. I cited a couple of sources which confirmed McCain was using tech devices without mention of his POW disabilities. One was a July 2008 NYT article where McCain said he was becoming literate to the point of getting information he needs on a PC. The other was from a June '08 video - Rick Davis said he was grabbing reporter's Blackberries on the bus to use.

I should add: Why should John McCain with his money and large staff bother worrying himself with email drudgery. I'm computer literate, and surfing the web can be very entertaining and enlightening. However, as I said, I consider email to be drudgery--at least weeding out the crap to get to the few worthwhile emails I get. If I had a staff, I'd say "print them out and put them on my desk." That's probably what he does. Forget about aids, except possible voice recognition stuff. How many people out there have learned a new program of any significance in the past year? Now I'm giving it a break. This is stupid, and yes, I'm stupid for participating. It's about ego, isn't it.

Most of you people don't have a clue because you don't know the nature of McCain's disability. I had polio 57 years ago, and I look fairly normal, and I can lift 80 pounds over my head. However, if I try to keep my arms raised over my head with nothing in my hands for more than a minute or two, it becomes impossible to continue. Don't presume to be experts in John McCain's physical abilities. If he can type for a couple of minutes, but no longer, then using the computer for typing emails is useless, despite an ability to Google and read blogs, etc. Give it a break folks.

My wife, who happens to be blind, knows all about adaptive software for persons with disabilities. Much of what is purchased for persons with disabilities is from federal funding. As a U.S. Senator for nearly 3 decades I am surprised that Mr. McCain is not aware of any adaptive software that could let him use a computer more effectively, such as with voice command, so he would not have to type.

He, I'm sure would be able to purchase this item himself. Even though it is more expensive than the normal computer software it is still affordable to someone as wealthy as Mr. and Ms. McCain.

What concerns me is that McCain, as a person with a disability, is either in denial about his disability or has let himself be detached from a large part of the American constituency, persons with disabilities.

I wonder if Mr. McCain knows that 70 percent of those with disabilities are unemployed? With adaptive software some of those people become more employable.

It distresses me that again McCain seems less aware of the challenges of the American people than some of his contemporaries and certainly Senator Obama.

I mean McCain has never been that good with technology, the guy did crash not 1, not 2, but 3 fighter jets. How many millions in taxpayer money is that?

I simply don't buy this spin. The McCain campaign has not raised this publicly when they could have hammered back had it been true. On top of that, McCain spokesperson Tucker Bounds stated that McCain uses a laptop every day when this topic came up a few months ago.

I know folks with shoulder injuries that avoid "mousing" because of the torturous pain it causes. As far as his technological abilities, Palin is a grand supporter of IT

Some of you bugwits are missing the whole point. McCain's campaign hasn't ever said he CAN'T use a computer. They said he prefers not to because it's uncomfortable to do long-term, repetitive tasks with his arms. Now we get from these morons that his obviously self-depricating comment about being "computer illiterate" MUST be a lie because they've SEEN him using a Blackberry. Which is it, fools? He's lying about being able to use a computer or he's lying because you've seen him use a Blackberry? The physical demands of using a keyboard are completely different from using a blackberry.

OBAMA SENDS EMAILS

McCAIN FLYS FIGHTER JETS

Hmmmmmm

One of these my eight year old can do.
One of these takes incredible discipline, focus, and intelligence to do

"Assuredly McCain isn't comfortable talking about this"

Yeah, because McCain has been so reluctant to talk about that part of his life. When are you guys going to stop with this ridiculous line that McCain doesn't like bringing up his time as a POW? It's patently absurd.

Does it matter he cant use a computer?

he could fly state of the art military aircraft .THAT USES THE NEWESTECHNOLOGY AVALIBLE.

McCain Campaign must think that Americans are fools.

Whipping up the Vietnam and POW stories to justify his not being Computer Literate is downright dishonest.

If he is able to hold Microphones and have handshakes during campaign rallies, I wonder why it has been difficult for him to punch on Computer Keyboards that are generally know to be soft and easy to press.

Last time I checked there are Computers with voice recognition input devises that a User without the limbs can use effortlessly.

The McCain Campaign is only being smart by half and it sends the shivers through my spin to know that, this man that has taken lies to a new level may one day occupy the WH.

"When has McCain ever played victim? WHEN has he ever brought up his disability, or insisted you feel sorry for him, or played victim?"

About 20 times in the past 2 months alone?

[ Who cares about e-mail??!! ]

The National Security Agency. :-)

[Sen. John McCain is simply not interested in learning how to use new technologies]

BINGO!

People,

There are NO Computers in the 1950's!
Get Over It!

Ben Smith at Politico has a relevant post from a paralyzed poster regarding this.

Given McCain's extensive blackberry use, it appears the reason why he hasn't developed computer skills is he has aides and his wife to perform those tasks. John McCain is in danger of over using the POW defense like the boy who cried wolf or the governor who said she opposed the bridge to nowhere.

Oh good god. Doesn't ANYONE over at the Obama campaign know what they are doing?? For christ's sakes, regular bloggers found those articles about McCain not typing by doing a simple web search! How could Obama's staff have NOT bothered to look into it??

Classy, Obama. Real classy.

wow wow wow...congratulation to Obama's Campaign for another great advertisenment!!!

It's insult to our heroes like McCain!

It's a blatant lie.

If he can use a cell phone and a blackberry (especially at the same time), he most certainly has the motor skills to type. My fine motor skills won't let me do it, yet I'm still able to type this.

This thing...

It all can be simply summarized into two simple words, the "Palin Effect".

First it was Sen. Obama's statement. Something about pig and lipstick...

Now, it's about Sen. McCain's inability to send an email.

I wonder what's next...in coming days.

Key words: underestimate, frustration, desperation...

John McCain can't type because he can't raise his arms above his waist?

====================================

1. He reportedly can still use his fingers freely - he uses a blackberry.

2. From what I know directly of McCain's freedom of movement (I've been to a rally in Michigan where he gripped my hand and pumped it in a vigorous handshake) he can still grip tightly, flex his fingers, and move his arms vigorously at about waist-height.

3. If he really wanted to type, he could just lower the keyboard: it costs nothing, and he can then type away to his heart's content!

=====================

I'm sorry Mr. Tapper, but I think you've been had...

think the American public is just being lied to again.

Sen. John McCain is simply not interested in learning how to use new technologies, and this has nothing to do with his war-injuries, but is most likely the result of his reluctance to change his habits.

And why should he change old habits? He's old.

The Obama ad's point is that McCain is locked in the past, unable or unwilling to learn new things, and uncomfortable with the new.

It's a fair point, and in McCain's case it's an obviously true observation, that reflects badly on huis suitability to be President.

McCain's war wounds have nothing to do with it. I was an IT consultant earning a living on the keyboard when I had two broken arms. Not being able to lift your arms doesn't make using email difficult OR uncomfortable. So spare us the lies on this, the multiple explanations and the fake outrage, and above all the SHOUTING of all you Republican Rage Boys out there.

McCain's unsuitability is in the inflexibility of his brain, not his arms.

Making an issue of whether McCain does or doesn't use email is lame, but I'm not sure I buy the war injuries angle. My father is a quadriplegic, and he uses email all the time.

Why is being able to send an e-mail suddenly a qualifier for President? If it's really important, I would imagine that he could get someone to text that American Idol vote for him. Personally, I hope he has more important things to do with his time than surf the internet, blog about feelings and text his friends about his new MySpace page.

Wow! An MSM journalist that tells the truth about Obama's gaffe ridiculing McCain for not typing, which is related to having been tortured in service of our country...

Lemme see if I have this straight: Obie puts out and that....uh...uh...uh...says McCain doesn't know how to use email and is out of touch (even though McCain was one of the first to use the interweb as a campaign tool). The reason cited is that his torture wounds make it uncomfortable for him to do so.

The Obamabots respond by calling McCain a liar because they've seen him use a cell phone and a Blackberry, which it's main purpose is to send and receive email, and is one of the most current pieces of technology around.

So it would seem you Obamabots are shooting yourselves in your head. The argument you are making by saying McCain is lying when his staff says his wounds limit him, is that Barry's ad is a lie.
So, which is it? McCain is out of touch because he doesn't know how to send email even though you've seen pictures of him carry a device that's sole purpose is to manage email. Or he's lying when the reason for is inability to send email is due to the torture he suffered, and that he can, in fact send emails.

Do you Obama supporters get taught how to deviate from message? It's truly comical to see you guys defend the ad by basicalljy conceding the ad is a lie.

Geez,you can't make this stuff up. No one would believe it.

A few more things you may want to reconsider continuing because they are irrelevant to the topic:

Re: Max Cleland . Ann Coulter is not running for President

Re:Your friends or family members have similar disabilities and find ways to use a computer. Great! Good for them. But we aren't talking about then. We are talking about McCain. Every person's situation is unique.

For the umpteenth time: Palin is not running for president. The sooner Barry understands that, the more effective will be. Although admittedly the bar is very low

Obama is making a lot of stupid mistakes lately. He takes on Palin and by doing so makes himself look even weaker.....afterall he is the top of the ticket, she is #2. Besides that, it brings into focus again his own very thin resume of experience. He accidentally slips and says, "my Muslim faith" in a recent interview with George S., now he comes out with the idiotic ad about McCain not being able to use email and this story breaks telling us the real reason McCain has not been overly eager to use the computer. I hope Senator Obama continues on his downward cycle. He is not the right man to be commander in chief.

Here's the problem with McCain - he himself has described himself as computer illiterate (ha ha ha - he was just joking.) Actually, his people say, he can't use a computer because of war injuries. Actually, he says, I'm learning to use the computer now. All three could be true. Or some combination could be true.

In any case, the point of the ad was that McCain is out of touch with modern technology. No insult to his war injury was implied or even his intelligence. It is all about his willingness to learn new things and have a fresh outlook on the world. The fact that he's learning the computer now just proves that he doesn't know how to use it yet, so the ad is correct. Or this ad is not factual because he's lying about learning to use the computer now. I don't get where the outrage comes from other than for the purpose of misdirection. Did it ever occur to McCain & Company to just say, 'I never really bothered to learn to use a computer but I see it's important and I'm learning it now.' No, guess it's easier to point at Obama for some contrived slight.

Was it a great ad? No. The idea of McCain being out of touch that they wanted to convey is important but it was ham-handed. Still, aren't we all getting a little tired of how thin-skinned McCain and Palin are considering what tough-guys they make themselves out to be?

KC, of course Jake was not being "played" by the McCain camp. McCain has clearly shown a reluctance to talk about his POW experience over the many years he has been a public figure. Yes, it was showcased at the RNC-- this was an event designed in large part to introduce him to the general public in a major way and his POW experience is the key event that has shaped his life. So it got a lot of play and he talked about it in more detail than usual. I have been surprised at how many people in my community have told me in recent days that they didn't know much at all about McCain's days as a POW-- they were usually aware he had been a POW but that was about it. His words about the way that experience changed his life were quite touching, as more than one person who has brought up his speech has told me. Even after the offensive ad appeared, McCain himself did not jump up to talk about his email/typing difficulties. Whether you choose to believe it or not, that's just the sort of modest man he naturally is.If Jake says that the campaign didn't make a big deal of the matter, I believe him. Jake is an honest broker, I have found. And he makes an excellent point here.

Brian, dear, try to keep up. You wrote: "People with much more extreme disabilities than McCain use computers every day (see Stephen Hawking for example). You don't have to use your hands at all. This is playing the POW card again as an excuse for McCain's backwardness." But you see, McCain is NOT backward. It isn't that he is not net-savvy-- in fact, he has been praised for his knowledge of issues related to the internet and computer technology by numerous people, including Democrats. He has served, after all, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology. He can understand the technology without using it on a daily basis himself.

You insist on talking about the various ways handicapped persons can utilize email. You miss the point. He is physically uncomfortable typing so he does not choose to do so. However, if necessary, he could do so. Steven Hawkings needs technology to be able to communicate with others. McCain can communicate just fine with technologies that do not hurt him-- such as cell phones. He can dictate messages to his staff, also. So let's get it straight-- he has a physical disability that makes typing difficult. As a result, he's never seen the need to develop a proficiency in sending email. Big deal. He knows what's on the internet-- for good or ill; his campaign has a strong internet presence, with tons of much-viewed You Tube entries and a good website; he has strong positions on the important issues related to the internet, such as net neutrality and cybersecurity.

So, the premise of the Obama ad was false. And the tedious posts here claiming that, because he choses not to use email, McCain is ignorant or out-of-touch. Seems like all you Democrats are rushing to find another excuse to talk about his age. Sorry, but I look at the evidence before my eyes-- he (and his mother, who is in her 90s)is sharp, healthy, and active. He has no cognitive weaknesses from aging that would preclude him from serving as president.
And as numerous folks have pointed out, once elected president, he won't be emailing anyone, any more than Clinton or Bush have done. Neither would Obama as president. So who cares about his emailing skills or lack thereof?

Jake,
It doesn't make a person a nasty liberal blogger to wonder if McCain's surrogates are telling the truth about his typing ability or tugging at our heart strings. Dozens of pictures show him using cell phones, including a Blackberry. Maybe he does not know that consistutes email, since he call himself computer "illiterate." It is very suspicious when someone lets surrogates put out outraged claims for him but refuses to address the issue himself because he says he doesn't want to talk about his war wounds. He is supposedly too humble. I'm sorry, but he overplays the POW card, and I think this time you got played.

The fact that there are technologies that could enable McCain to directly interact with e-mail is completely irrelevant. McCain has clearly shown phenomenal mastery of e-mail in his campaigning, but chooses not to type his own e-mail messages because it's uncomfortable to use a keyboard. I use Naturally Speaking 9.5 for drafting, and it's about 95% accurate, but is worse than useless for editing. For subsequent drafts I always edit directly by keyboard. If I e