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Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:00 AM

John McCain, Internet dunce

Why the Arizona senator, who can barely Google, is not the chief that an increasingly technological world requires.

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  • Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:08 PM

    Importance of knowledge

    Computers and the internet are not about Facebook, Youtube, eBay, etc. No one in their right mind would expect a president or a chief executive to be surfing or connecting with their buddies. But a chief executive who doesn't know a bloody thing about what computers can do and are capable of is simply not fit to be in charge of any major enterprise. (As the post above about the clueless Dutch executive demonstrates.)

    In trivial ways we can see how McCain's ignorance has already hurt his campaign. He has said with an apparent straight face that he never said "X Y Z" whether that was yesterday or 10 years ago. Then immediately there is video and audio of him saying exactly what was reported and he has denied. YouTube killed the 2006 reelection campaign of Sen George Allen of Virginia. He seemed to be clueless that the video of him calling a reporter "Macaca" would be repeated ad nauseum. In the space of weeks he went from being considered a possible Republican presidential contender to being an ex-Senator. Where is he now?

    Being savvy and well-informed and keeping up with technology is a must in a president. Doggedly sticking only to what worked 30 years ago is not evidence of being prepared to be a leader.

    We are not electing a "commander in chief" by the way. That is only one of the many roles and responsibilities of a president.

    And I don't know why dottiem and her mother think now is the time to start voting for a Republican. In contrast, my daughter's 70+ year old Republican in-laws from Iowa think it's time to start voting for a Democrat. This is no time to vote for a continuation of the policies of the last 8 years.

    (I'm 65, by the way.) As for those who dismiss the likelihood of younger people voting this year, I think they'll be surprised.

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