John McCain Doesn't Know How to Use a Computer?

Posted by ZP Heller at 8:00 AM on June 25, 2008.

"John McCain is aware of the internet."

That's what McCain's Deputy Internet Director Mark Soohoo said Monday at the Personal Democracy Forum in New York City. This was part of a discussion on "what worked and what didn't" in terms of using the internet to run a presidential campaign. And judging by Soohoo's comment—not to mention the chasm between McCain and Obama when it comes to online fundraising and advertising—it's pretty clear what didn't.

Tracy Russo, John Edwards' chief blogger and Deputy Online Communications Director, didn't miss a beat, likening McCain to someone's grandmother trying to learn these newfangled social networking sites and apply them to governing. Russo's point, of course, is that it is crucial for our next president not simply to be "aware" that the internet exists, but to utilize it as a means of mass communication, education, and unification.

I just returned from PDF, which was wonderful for broadening my perspective on the ways in which we can use new technology and media to advance political goals and empower others looking to get involved. More from PDF throughout the day...

Tagged as: internet, john mccain, john edwards, 2008 election, pdf2008, mark soohoo, tracy russo

ZP Heller is the editorial director of Brave New Films. He has written for The American Prospect, AlterNet, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Huffington Post, covering everything from politics to pop culture.