>>>>>>>>So comfort level with today's technology does seem to matter. A president who doesn't even know the right way to mention email seems like a risk.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>But presidents are, or should be, top executives, not implementers. He (or she) doesn't need to be an expert on the minuitae of cybersecurity, intellectual property laws, comm standards, and the like. The president needs to have qualified people somewhere in the hierarchy who do understand the nuts and bolts and can brief him on the level he needs, i.e. somewhat high level. So a president might say we must have a voice in the setting of new internet or wireless standards, then it is up to subordinates how to go about it. The president has ultimate responsibility, of course -- the buck stops here, as Truman memorably put it -- but that does not imply personal mastery of every detail. Nobody could do that. It's like expecting the CEO of Motorola to know .NET.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I agree that the president doesn't need to be an expert in this stuff, but given the importance of technology, he needs to be comfortable with it and to understand its importance. A guy who refers to "the email" when he means "email" seems to have fallen well behind the curve.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Kind of like Ted Stevens and the "tubes."
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Just because we're gearheads doesn't mean everyone has to be ;-)
>>>>
>>>>I wasn't suggesting otherwise. I'm saying that we want leaders with at least a passing familiarity with modern technology. They need to know what's out there, what it's for, and why it's important. I think we can agree that Ted Stevens hasn't a clue. It remains to be seen whether John McCain has one in this area.
>>>>
>>>>Tamar
>>>
>>>I know. Those fighter jets were really old technology...I'm sure Obama could hop right in and fly one today. :o)
>>>
>>>I just don't agree with your statement. I think it's just plain silly. It appears you are pandering to the geeks out there and this is just plain intellectually laziness. Can't you find something else to disagree with him on? Even though Obama has been extremely vague on his positions, McCain has not. I'm sure there are a multitude of policies you disagree with. I just think that it doesn't matter whether or not the new president is a blackberry addict; there are more important issues out there.
>>
>>But this is an issue where McCain may not be a better choice for president. On most other issues, messiah Obama followers don't have a leg to stand on.
>
>He will heal our crippled legs!!!!

I see your sense of humor is back! :o)