I've never started a political thread before, but WOW

[Serena]

Frankly, I think he's doing just fine with the simple method he has already come up with.

 

["Got Disney"]

I can see the Obama commercial now.....

"It's 3:00am, there is a Crisis in the World....and <DING> your PC says "YOU GOT MAIL!"

Who do you want rushing to the PC to read the email?????

My DH is computer illiterate and he has his own business selling tools and equipment all over the US, mostly to the military....he has piles of papers in his files and pulls them out and calls from them....I don't bother him about it because he is doing just fine making $250,000 a year being computer iliterate...and no he has no idea how to send an e-mail...he doesn't even know how to shut the computer off

He is 53.....so to me Obamas add was a little off base and inappropriate....also kinda stupid. They need to stick to the issues. In addition.....talking about McCain and his age....and how long McCain has been in the white house...has he forgotten how long Biden has been around...he is no spring chicken either and I wonder...dos he know how to use a computer

 

[Brianne]

I hardly think he's being dismissive of technology. He has found what works for him and he's still working to improve his ability. To be dismissive of certain disabilities in the 21st century is not a good thing.

As others have pointed out, he CAN if he wants to. The technology is there.

Stephen Hawking is a fantastic example of someone working through a disability.

 

[TCPluto]

Really? Another lie you've been fed? As always, prove your point.

Please. Nothing said, read, or captured on video would convince you of anything.

 

[DISUNC]

Really? Name one? Name two?

Democrats on Capitol Hill fear Obama falloutBy Andrew Ward in Washington

Published: September 11 2008 23:30 | Last updated: September 11 2008 23:30

Democratic jitters about the US presidential race have spread to Capitol Hill, where some members of Congress are worried that Barack Obama’s faltering campaign could hurt their chances of re-election....

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6c2f69ce-8031-11dd-99a9-000077b07658.html

Battle for Congress Suddenly Looks CompetitiveDemocrats’ double-digit lead on the “generic

PRINCETON, NJ -- A potential shift in fortunes for the Republicans in Congress is seen in the latest USA Today/Gallup survey, with the Democrats now leading the Republicans by just 3 percentage points, 48% to 45%, in voters' "generic ballot" preferences for Congress. This is down from consistent double-digit Democratic leads seen on this measure over the past year.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/110263/Battle-Congress-Suddenly-Looks-Competitive.aspx

 

[TCPluto]

I think that is a fair assessment. No malice, just another not too well thought out attack from Obama.

Exactly.

 

[Geoff_M]

As others have pointed out, he CAN if he wants to. The technology is there.

Stephen Hawking is a fantastic example of someone working through a disability.

Yes, but as pointed out, if the physical condition makes it difficult for him to use a standard PC without the addition of additional accessories, he's found that he can communicate effectively by other means without using a keyboard (cell phones and having others type responses for him), and he's demonstrated other ways that he appreciates technology and has applied it, then what's Obama's point?

The bottom line is that there are other reasons for McCain not to type his own e-mails besides the reason Obama tried to pin on him.

 

[TLSnell1981]

He doesn't type his own e-mails.....so he isn't qualified to be POTUS? Does anyone realize how silly this sounds?

 

[DISUNC]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";27543562]

My DH is computer illiterate and he has his own business selling tools and equipment all over the US, mostly to the military....he has piles of papers in his files and pulls them out and calls from them....I don't bother him about it because he is doing just fine making $250,000 a year being computer iliterate...and no he has no idea how to send an e-mail...he doesn't even know how to shut the computer off

He is 53.....so to me Obamas add was a little off base and inappropriate....also kinda stupid. They need to stick to the issues. In addition.....talking about McCain and his age....and how long McCain has been in the white house...has he forgotten how long Biden has been around...he is no spring chicken either and I wonder...dos he know how to use a computer [/QUOTE]




Right now I will stick with people who KNOW what CARBON paper is, and forget about people who want to CARBON tax!

 

[SueM in MN]

But how does that give Obama a pass for the jab? I don't in anyway dispute that people who have been given some of the greatest challenges in life find ways to overcome them and adapt. On the other hand, we shouldn't make fun of them if they choose to adapt in a different way. Clearly McCain has the ability to communicate clearly. With or without a computer.

I just want to be sure people don't think I'm saying people with challenges can't use adaptive equipment. Rather I was upset that something that is so hard for McCain was used to deride him.

I was not saying anyone was giving a pass or making fun of anyone - just that if someone desired to use a computer, it's possible.
A disability is no reason not to use a computer.

 

[FayeW]

Everyday, I read a post and think to myself "Now I've heard everything!" and then the next day, I read something even more absurd. It's like frickin Groundhog Day around here. (Wednesday had the Republicans screeching about pigs and lipstick. Thursdays absurdity was some Democrats with their knickers in a twist because some of the stirring words in Sarah Palin's speech about small town were originally written by an anti-Semite.)

I've seen the ad. We see a lot of American ads through Michigan and New York stations. Obama was certainly not poking fun at McCain's disability, but rather showcasing, in McCain's own words, that the Republican candidate is out of touch with most of the American electorate. Technology and internet use and access has changed the face of the world. I see it every day in my profession. People have access to more information and resources. A presidential candidate who does not possess the basic skills to use the internet could be perceived to be old fashioned and out of touch with the lives and interests of the younger voters. The message was simple: "Vote for me because I am young and hip and I understand you. This old fart doesn't even know how to send an email, and he wants to wants to give tax breaks to the rich. He doesn't understand middle income America. Vote for me!"

Some of you are just being deliberately obtuse. It is really hard to scream that Obama is belittling a man for his disability, when he is quoting the man himself.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

People can keep debating whether they personally find it offensive or not, or can give examples of older people being computer savvy, but I really think the question at this point is will some people be offended. I think we should all be able to recognize that they will, and I think Obama's campaign should have recognized that potential as well.

 

[WonderfulDreamer2]

As others have pointed out, he CAN if he wants to. The technology is there.

Stephen Hawking is a fantastic example of someone working through a disability.

And as many others have pointed out, he seems to be doing pretty darn well and has found what works for him right now. Just because he doesn't do it they way you think he should, doesn't mean he's not doing it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

A person may have a disability that keeps him from walking as fast as another. That doesn't mean he's out of touch be cause he doesn't use an ECV. He may just prefer not to.

 

[Charade]

Right now I will stick with people who KNOW what CARBON paper is, and forget about people who want to CARBON tax!

and

 

[IDoDis]

Yeah....I'm pretty sure he will be pretty darn well connected to the world. It's not as if he's alone in the Oval office trying to Google what Russia's up to. I'm thinking he'll fair just fine. Now if Obama can just figure out what this "google" thing is.

Uh, ya... He'll be connected like Bush was connected when the terrorists were crashing planes into buildings. That gives me lots of comfort.

 

[Brianne]

Yes, but as pointed out, if the physical condition makes it difficult for him to use a standard PC without the addition of additional accessories, he's found that he can communicate effectively by other means without using a keyboard (cell phones and having others type responses for him), and he's demonstrated other ways that he appreciates technology and has applied it, then what's Obama's point?

The bottom line is that there are other reasons for McCain not to type his own e-mails besides the reason Obama tried to pin on him.

Apparently he can use a cell phone just fine, small buttons and all. Although, considering the source of the story & pictures is from the Huffington Post, I'm sure there'll be one person claiming everything was photoshopped.

As for the ad, I'm willing to bet that it was more in response to what McCain stated at the Forum last night in regards to him being divorced from the average person. I do think Obama's campaign should've been a bit more careful with how the ad was set up or shot, especially considering how sensitive people seem to be about things lately.

 

[TCPluto]

Yes, but as pointed out, if the physical condition makes it difficult for him to use a standard PC without the addition of additional accessories, he's found that he can communicate effectively by other means without using a keyboard (cell phones and having others type responses for him), and he's demonstrated other ways that he appreciates technology and has applied it, then what's Obama's point?


The bottom line is that there are other reasons for McCain not to type his own e-mails besides the reason Obama tried to pin on him.

Excellent points. It must be a Michigan thing.

With adaptions, he absolutely could key data. But the adaptation could likely be very time intensive. Much easier and faster to have his wife do it.

 

[WonderfulDreamer2]

Uh, ya... He'll be connected like Bush was connected when the terrorists were crashing planes into buildings. That gives me lots of comfort.

Wait....is this poster the winner for trying to play the Bush card?
Who has the trophy?

 

["Got Disney"]

Oh please. Using a thumb or one finger? If he's in that much pain, maybe he should just stay home. I'll be he doesn't have any pain cashing his salary and writing checks for his 7, 8, or 9 homes. He's not an invalid, stop treating him like one.

I hate that remark about McCain having more than one home...many Americans have more than one home....so what.....isnt that what Americas all about...all the opertunities that one can have. Just because he has homes does not make him out of touch with people. That is like saying since Obama has a million dollar home he is out of touch...

People can keep debating whether they personally find it offensive or not, or can give examples of older people being computer savvy, but I really think the question at this point is will some people be offended. I think we should all be able to recognize that they will, and I think Obama's campaign should have recognized that potential as well.

Obama needs to watch out with that,,,it may bit him in the butt with the older folks getting ofended by it...