Techies Try To Help McCain Catch Up

Politico:

John McCain's low comfort level with the Internet, a technology familiar to 73 percent of American adults, poses a political problem for his campaign and exacerbates mostly unspoken concerns about his age. It also contains an element of irony: In 2000, he was buoyed by pioneering online fundraising efforts.

"The whole thing is flabbergasting to me," said Joe Trippi, the Democratic consultant who served as the campaign manager for the 2004 Howard Dean campaign that was the first to become wildly successful at raising money and support online.

"McCain's 2000 campaign was so tech-savvy that it scared me. It was the whole reason I started focusing on the tech stuff for the Democrats," Trippi said.

Now, though, McCain is battling the impression that he's an Internet "illiterate." When Politico's Mike Allen asked him in January whether he uses a Mac or PC, the candidate replied, "I am an illiterate that has to rely on my wife for all of the assistance that I can get." Since, he's taken to Macs, become a student of the contemporary, blog-driven media cycle, and become a reader -- if not yet a writer -- of e-mail.

In interviews with Politico, techies offered a range of solutions to turn around the image of the tech-challenged Republican, and implored him to stop talking about computers, and start showing that he uses them.

Read the whole story: Politico

Comments

[bibb]

His resistance to technology is indicative of his resistance to change in everything. The so-called "Maverick" appears to be stuck in a rut when it comes to the war in Iraq and Bush policies on the Middle East, the economy, education, health care, and the environment. Perhaps he is still living in the 50's mentally, and cannot adjust to today's problems any more than he cannlot adjust to computer technology. We need a more flexible leader.

[gappedtoothgodwarrior]

Well everyone on his campaign can look forward to the day when they receive the "if you're a true friend" type emails

[tel8034]

Good luck ................. McCain is a timex watch in a digital age

[ImmanuelGoldstein]

I find it completely impossible to take seriously for presidential candidate in the 21st century a man whose personal skill set is so obsolete he literally could not apply for a job at Kinko's much less qualify for one. (Kinko's has no pen and paper application process. You have to apply online.) He couldnt qualify for an assistant manager's position at McDonald's, the level of computer skill required is too high..
And someone this out of touch is supposed to be POTUS? You're joking right?

[Xenopus]

Not only Kinko's....almost every job out there requires online applications. Just think if John McCain didn't have a disability check, Navy pension, his wife's millions, his Senate salary (even though he rarely attends or votes).....and had to try to find a job......he couldn't, not even a bag boy at Safeway or Von's.

[Mitchell4A]

Not exactly on topic, but worth consideration. If McCain gets on the web, will he become one of those bloggers writing crazed things under pseudonyms?

"The Devil Made Me Do It: Blogosphere, Stop Hiding Behind Pseudonyms"
http://msa4.wordpress.com/

[harriscrl3]

An ambitious goal not sure there is enough time left in his life for him to undertake. He still have trouble figuring out basic georgraphy as far as what countries share borders and what countries no longer exist. You need a sharp mind to be able to navigate your way through some of this stuff. Have you been eating your arugula John. Its a good source of Iron and iron is good for brain function. I'm not a doctor but I'm guessing from observing you of late that you might be iron deficient.

Carol

[MizLiz]

That photo reminds me of therapists in an old folks home. Isn't that where they are?

[jsinclair]

He's so far behind the technology curve that it's actually pathetic. For a man of his wealth and opportunities for "lessons"--with immediate access to computers at home and at work--to remain so ignorant and incompetent in using them is just....shocking.

That he's on the "Communications Committee" and doesn't feel embarrassed or see the irony is even more appalling.

As for techies--save your advice. A United States Senator, who in summer of 2008--the 21st Century--can still say, "I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself”--is beyond any help or hope you can offer.

Seriously, folks. McCain can't "get online" by himself ... yet? He is either hopelessly stupid or suffering from dementia. Either way...not suited for the toughest, most intellectually COMPLEX job in the world.

[ComnCents]

"Since, he's taken to Macs..."

He thinks they are named after him.

[helonias]

So they make a Mac TV remote now

[Grannysue]

Remember to tell him he doesn't have to put a ribbon in it in order to type out words!

[filo]

He's still looking for the any key.

[gappedtoothgodwarrior]

Hell they still have to use flashcards to stop him from calling it a Difference Engine

[TheSecularist]

To excuse McCain because of his age is more benefit of doubt than he deserves. Lots of people over 60, 70, and older are more tech savvy than McCain seems to be. That he does not know much about computer technology and the impact it has on American lives, speaks to his lack of personal growth. He seems very much mired in the past, in old politics, and in old Washington. I'd like a president who is not from my generation, but rather someone from a younger generation who can help move our country forward. McCain should step aside and let the younger generation take the helm while he spends some time getting to know the Internets with all its tubes.

[honeydiva]

as if he's ever going to you one. That's why he has "them".

[NYC07]

Yes John , it called a calculator, yes you just put in numbers hit the plus , minus etc and it does the math for you !! See you don't have to use your fingers and toes any more ! Isn't technology grand !!

[kellygrrrl]

shove a Granny Smith on top and he gotz an iPhone
and he upgraded with the Yellow Tooth device

s-LISTENIN­G-large.jp­g

[loax]

Can't us a computer, but thinks he is qualified to be POTUS!

[jsinclair]

On the bright side, it will take him more than 8 years to learn how to delete all his email.