Presidential candidates in modern history have a habit of making some sort of technological gaffe. Remember George H.W. Bush's remark about grocery store scanners? That sort of gaffe has brought up the question as to whether or not a Presidential candidate should know how to use the Internet. During the 2008 campaign, John McCain has come under fire for admitting that his wife has to show him how to use the world wide web.

John McCain freely admitted his Internet ignorance with no apologizes. His wife, Cindy McCain, assists him when he does use the computer. He also has said that he does not use e-mail as he has no real need for it. Democrats, Republicans and pundits have attacked McCain on his computer illiteracy and it has put the McCain campaign on the defensive.

Barack Obama's campaign has a successful mobile network that integrates its web site in ways never seen before in a Presidential race. There is no question as to whether Obama knows how to use the Internet and very little has come from his campaign on the issue since McCain's remarks to Yahoo earlier in the year.

Recently, McCain's web site took criticism for failing to address technology issues. Now, his web site reflects his campaign's views on technology and its place in America. Obama's web site also addresses technological issues of importance to his supporters.

When it comes down to it, a candidate does not have to use the Internet to understand its importance in American society. This applies to those who have shied away from the Internet, as well. Just because people choose not to involve themselves with the world wide web does not mean they do not understand its impact on the world.

However, having a practical knowledge of how to use the Internet does give a person a deeper insight into the actual impact of it on individual life, social networking and online community. This is the point John McCain's detractors are trying to make and his supporters are trying to counter.

So, what do you think? Should a Presidential candidate know how to use the Internet? Or can a modern President understand the world around him without such practical knowledge of the world wide web and its many uses?

Before commenting, please take time to think before you post. We want to encourage intelligent debate on the subject, and as politics can be a heated topic, I ask that we all be respectful of one another's opinions on the race to the White House.

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