In defense of Obama's new "McCain doesn't do email" ad

[DemsUnited]

Okay, first off, I agree that it could have been been executed.

BUT I understand what they were trying to do.

Besides being "too close to Bush", McCain's biggest negative in the polls are concerns about his age. As it becomes more obvious that the INSANE Alaska governor pick is way more ready for daytime drama than prime time, McCain's age becomes a huge issue. And notice how people feel comfortable talking about it now? The MSM wouldn't have touched age with a ten foot pool three weeks ago. But now it's all, "god forbid, but if anything happens to McCain" and "he's 72 years old with a history of skin cancer".

So the Obama campaign wants to press this point without getting charged with "ageism" 'cause the good lord knows they've already got their hands full with the bullcrap "sexism" ridiculousness.

I think they could have put together a better ad, but the storyline is a good one.

[progressiveforever]

1. I don't care if we bite and kick as long as we win

We have to take the country back....end of story.

[Phx_Dem]

14. I agree. The ridiculously stupid freeper argument

that McCain's arms were injured so he can't use a computer is laughable. If he can write with a pen and shake hands, he can use a keyboard. The damage to his arms limits his mobility in raising his arms over his head (or maybe higher than his shoulders).

Not to mention the ad doesn't say he "can't" send use a computer, he says he "doesn't know how."

Just one more excuse to pull the POW card. Freepers are desperate.

[Wheezy]

2. As someone who spends a lot of time with young adults,

many of whom have never known life without a computer, the thought of a president who doesn't know how to email is a big deal. This ad is geared for younger voters.

[kansasblue]

5. I was thinking the same.

I suspect the majority of people who don't use computer are not the target of this ad.

And agree a whole lot of younger people are going.... Wow... no computer?

[BumRushDaShow]

3. If the ad is generating this much discussion then

it has potential to bust into a news cycle, just like McLame's idiotic Paris Hilton ad.

[Ioo]

4. Most are missing the main point of this ad, really...

There is a well known story that Bush does not use email and is not a computer user... the back of the mind message here is MORE OF THE SAME...

[rufus dog]

6. I know of very few people who don't know how to send an email

And those who don't are very likely not in an Obama demographic. I don't think it only focuses on the youth vote, it hits a demographic that Obama needs, retirees. How many retirees in FL watch this and think, "damn, even I know how to send and email?" then think "he may be out of touch."

So, it may not be the greatest ad ever but it reaches a lot of people.

On the ad subject, what the hell is Microsoft trying to do with the Seinfeld/Gates ads? Now those have me stumped!

[LisaM]

7. I haven't seen it, but it seems like a pointless message

My SO simply does not want to do email. He is on a board for our alumni club, and he says that with email it's just an 'endless meeting' (he's right on that one).

My hairdresser doesn't really do computers. She is young, and she is a strong woman. She started her own business downtown, she employs people, she keeps good books, and she and her husband have been able to buy a house and are raising a beautiful daughter. But she doesn't do email.

Beware of an ad like this. I haven't seen it so maybe it's not as I imagine it, but if it sounds as it's described, it could backfire.

McCain aside, the US has long been a country where elders are not as respected as they are elsewhere. I would hate for the Democratic party to be seen as mocking the elderly (and for that matter, the poor, who can't afford computers).

[lukasahero]

9. Your SO and hairdresser aren't responsible for determining cyber-terrorism policy either

If he can't even suss out how to send an email, he's never going to be able to grasp the nuances of the "new world" of warfare.

[LisaM]

10. But I don't think that people will see it that way

They'll see it as insulting and in some cases as ageism, and why go there at all?

And my SO would make a way better VP than Sarah Palin, email or no. He's smart (smart enough not to be on email, I sometimes think!)

[rvablue]

8. I feel some trepidiation about this line of attack...

I know it appeals to me and people like me, but I fear that it can be used by the Repubs as once again falsely making Dems look "elitist."

I'm in Virginia and both camps are running ads all day on every channel. It's nonstop.
While Obama's ads are inspirational the attack ads running here by the McCain are just more effective -- I've seen the "when the lights go out" one, the wolf one and the "original maverick" one, again and again and again, and there needs to be a better response than the "equal pay for equal work" one that I see the most from the Obama camp.

The other Obama one I'm seeing all the time is the one comparing Bush to McCain (or vice versa) but the music in it is jaunty and cutesy and I just don't think it is effective.

I know...big deal....but a lot of voters use these useless 30 second segments to make up their mind....I just don't think the email ad is going to do anything, pos or neg.

[blondeatlast]

13. I stopped at "eliitist." Hope you get that golf tee for all that typing; you've earned it. nt

[bobd0]

11. In this day & age, anyone who isn't intellectually curious enough to bother to learn computer basics

Like turning the computer on!!! Does someone have to show John how to turn on a lamp too? Hey, John, here's a clue you don't even have to buy. PUSH THE START BUTTON.

We've had eight long years of this level of intellectual curiosity. We certainly don't need four more. I think this is a valid and strong line of attack, particularly among younger voters who had better get to the polls this year in record numbers.

[flamingdem]

12. The issue is competence. Same theme: BA degrees like Palin's are not enough either

The point is that we need a very high level of competence in our leaders. Lack of computer skills show that McCain is out of touch and not that bright since in his position the computer and email is essential to his job.

I don't want my leaders just having a BA in Journalism.

Call me elite, in that area I am absolutely so