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Adviser says McCain helped create the BlackBerry

The Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 12:34 PM EST 16/09/08

Aide later dismisses the claim as a “boneheaded error” ...Read the full article

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  1. Dr Demento from Canada writes:

    McCain doesn't know how to use a computer?

    McCain doesn't know how to send e-mail?

    What else doesn't McCain know?
  2. John Medrzycki from Vancouver, Canada writes: Dr Demento - he doesn't know how to pick a running mate.
  3. Slim Pickens from Canada writes: The fundamentals of the US economy can't be that bad as Senator Obama is hosting a $28,500 per plate fund raising dinner with his fellow liberal elites, a who's who in the entertainment industry, in California today. Guess it depends on who's economy you're talking about, certainly not the economy that Obama and his friends participate in.
  4. Paul Jones from kitchener, Canada writes: Hey now, perhaps he didn't invent the BlackBerry, but maybe he invented the Father of communications devices: The Stone Tablet and the Chisel.
    Anyone know if he patented his discovery all those years ago?
  5. Take an Extra Sweater from Tirana, writes: 'Adviser says McCain helped create the BlackBerry'... oh really?

    I thought McCain helped create the GooseBerry.

    Where are you G & M fact checkers when we need you?
  6. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Dr Demento Mr. McCain can use a computer and can send e-mail but the condition of his arms and hands makes it difficult and he has people that do that. I have read he was on more technology committees and is knowledgable about such things but I never verified that.

    The man could fly a fighter jet. Ms. Palin can fly a bush plane. You can pound a keyboard...what is your point?
  7. J C from Canada writes: Does McCain even know what a Blackberry is?
  8. Tories Lie Again and Again from Ottawa, Canada writes: The fundamentals of the US economy can't be that bad as Senator Obama is hosting a $28,500 per plate fund raising dinner with his fellow liberal elites, a who's who in the entertainment industry, in California today. Guess it depends on who's economy you're talking about, certainly not the economy that Obama and his friends participate in.
    ========

    Those things used to go for $50,000.00/plate.
  9. whatevah D from Canada writes: Dr Demento from Canada writes:

    McCain doesn't know how to use a computer?

    McCain doesn't know how to send e-mail?

    What else doesn't McCain know?

    Yeah, I almost spit out my copy when I read this. It's like when GWB called Google 'The Google'. Especially given the fact that The Google had just been sold for a kazillion dollars?
  10. right elbow from McCAIN_BERRY, Canada writes: Do you mean 'Green Berry'? During that VietNam war there was a group known as the Green berry soldiers. Mc was in there ain't so?
  11. Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: I love how the Globe qualifies the Al Gore gaffe with 'although, he never made such a claim', even though the words came right from his mouth. McCain never made this claim- one of his staffers did.

    The Globe is so left-wing it's not funny anymore.
  12. globefan Eh from Canada writes: Prairie Boy..John McCain is not disabled..He can shake hands very well, he could use a computer if he had any interest but no matter the minor details..he did not invent the Blackberry.

    The remark smacks of desperation by his staff...

    I am sure Sarah will save the day for him. She can shoot a bear, have children, kill a few wolves, visit Ireland, and get the town of Wasilla 20 million in debt and be home to make lunch for the family.
  13. Billy Bee from Canada writes: Slim Pickens from Canada writes: 'The fundamentals of the US economy can't be that bad as Senator Obama is hosting a $28,500 per plate fund raising dinner with his fellow liberal elites...'

    Damn those Liberals! Sorta like the U.S. govn't bailing out failing mortgage companies but leaving the mortgage holders to fend for themselves, eh?

    Nice how the NeoCons tout allowing the free market to regulate itself, but then have to swoop in to save it with taxpayers $$$. Give McCain (or Harper) 4 more years and we'll really be doomed...
  14. horseless headman from Canada writes: slim pickens - obama et al are celebrating john mccain's decision to give all his and his wife's money away and to take a vow of poverty. all republicans are going to donate the major part of their wealth to those in dire need.
    obama is cutting back on his peanut butter and crackers and sleeps on a wooden cot frame, no mattress.
    was there something in there you missed out on?
    oh, by the way, g.w. bush hasn't spent one day in combat since he started that war. i don't think any president should, but i'll bet that'll get you chewing up the rug.
  15. Doug Dewan from Canada writes: Wow! How does a man running for the top office in the U.S not know how to use a computer or send email? frightening! The U.S never ceases to amaze me on who they support for a leader. When GWB was running for office and I heard he had never left the U.S - I can't understand how someone can run for that position and have never left their own country???
  16. Gee Dubya from Halifax, Canada writes: Hey guys, it was a simple spelling error. He invented the 'Rack-Berry', which is a new innovative torture rack system used in Guantanamo Bay.

    RepubliCAN'T '08
  17. No Name Necessary from Canada writes: why do these stupid comments make it to the papers? Obviously a dumb joke. Why even pick up on it? And so what if he can't or won't use a blackberry/computer. He's got a whole staff to do it for him.
  18. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Prairie Boy from Canada writes: 'Mr. McCain can use a computer and can send e-mail but the condition of his arms and hands makes it difficult and he has people that do that.'

    No according to the article McCain himself has admitted he is computer illiterate. The only physical disability he has is an inability to raise his arm over his head - a disbility that has nothing to do with using a computer.

    Does this look like a man who couldn't physically operate a keyboard?

    http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/political-pictures-john-mccain-sharpie-clay-tablets.jpg
  19. Glenn F from Winnipeg, Canada writes: First off - Gore never claimed to 'invent the internet', but his record of voting and his support of technological development DID actually lead to the progression and growth of the network today. That is factual.

    McCain actually voted AGAINST further technological development (look it up, it's all there on teh internets) and pushes for changes to legislation that would stifle new developments.

    The claim that he can't physically type is bogus - he himself says he's learning to use his computer, so that must mean he can type. Heck, if Stephen Hawking can use a computer, so can McCain.
  20. Loki Peterson from Toronto, Canada writes: Cindy McCain is an expert on dingleberries. She follows John around the house picking them up off the floor.
  21. K M from Toronto, Canada writes: RIM makes the crackberry right? So from Wikipedia I read:
    RIM's early development was financed by Canadian institutional and venture capital investors in 1995 through a private placement in privately-held company. Working Ventures Canadian Fund Inc. led the first venture round with a $5,000,000 investment with the proceeds being used to complete the development of RIM's two-way paging system hardware and software. A total of $30,000,000 in pre-IPO financing was raised by the company prior to its initial public offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange in January, 1998 under the symbol RIM.

    Where is John McCain in this? NO WHERE.
  22. T Sharpe from Toronto, Canada writes: This article is so biased towards Obama that it hurts my soul.
  23. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: You guys are being a little harsh! McCain can take legitimate credit for a couple of things.

    Firstly, he has single-handedly redefined what a 'military hero' is. Before McCain, military heroes advanced military objectives or showed bravery (usually extreme) in the face of the enemy. Now since McCain a 'hero' is an airman who is shot down by enemy and then surrenders.

    Secondly, the McCain/Palin show is providing a huge amount of material for standup comics!

    http://www.hulu.com/watch/34465/saturday-night-live-palin--hillary-open
  24. horseless headman from Canada writes: loki peterson - i beg to differ, bur cindy firmly believes they're raisinettes. NEVER have her favourite dessert, sprinkled with raisinettes!
  25. mike r from Southern Ontario, Canada writes: No Name Necessary said: 'And so what if he can't or won't use a blackberry/computer. He's got a whole staff to do it for him'

    They say the internet instantly created the largest generational gap in at least modern history, so it would make sense that McCain has no clue how to use it. However, the Internet has brought about a sweeping revolution, the US plays a big part in this, whether he's part of any committees or not that deal with technology, if he doesn't know what he's talking about while voting on measures is that really a good thing? To govern a country you have to have an idea about what's going on, it would be like a president a few centuries back being allowed into office with no concept of the Industrial Revolution, even after it had been on in full swing for a few decades.

    The other blunder this causes is McCain's claims that Obama is elitist and can't connect with the everyday man - unless of course this election keeps lowering the bar, it seems being intelligent is a curse nowadays so I guess understanding how to check email may be a bit much for the 'regular voter'. I think this just proves more of a disconnect, and further secures the youth vote that Obama is already leading in
  26. Angry West Coast Canuck from Canada writes: Why are they picked up by newspapers? Because it's not a 'dumb joke' unless someone calls the on it. If they aren't called on it, it becomes 'truth as we know it' and is used later. Just look at all the other lies that McCain has been spewing out without the press calling him on it, as they should be doing.

    On a local note, it seems the people who think Harper is doing such a good job are also those who thought Bush was doing a good job 8 years ago? Harper has been thankfully hampered in in policies by having a minority government. Imagine what a neo-con like Harper, who takes his cues from the same school of thought (such as it is) as Bush/Cheney/Rove/McCain, could do to the Canadian economy if he had 8 years to do it. Hell, instead of trying to weather the economic breakdown of our neighbour, we could be trying to weather our very own economic and social breakdown! Bush, Harper, McCain - peas in a pod. It will be a sad, sad day if people are so misguided as to hand that group a majority.
  27. Jack Sprat from Bug Tussle AB, Canada writes: The world can't stand another 4 years of republican leadership. Please America elect the Democrats and bring back some respectability and good financial goverence to your country.
  28. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: I just read what the aide said. He was referring to the Senator's experience on the telecommunications committee. The aide held up his Blackberry and said this. Meaning I suppose the changes made allowed the Blackberry.
  29. Lum Barstrain from Bob Rae is responsible for Mike Harris, Canada writes: Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: I love how the Globe qualifies the Al Gore gaffe with 'although, he never made such a claim', even though the words came right from his mouth.

    ==============================

    Not true.
  30. Lum Barstrain from Bob Rae is responsible for Mike Harris, Canada writes: globefan Eh from Canada writes: ... I am sure Sarah will save the day for him. She can shoot a bear, have children, kill a few wolves, visit Ireland, and get the town of Wasilla 20 million in debt and be home to make lunch for the family.

    ------------------------------------------

    Don't forget she can shaft honest local people out of their careers for crossing her or her husband.
  31. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: I hear she was open to being shafted by some local people as well.

    Hey! Thank you! Im here all week.
  32. Simon Templar from Vancouver, Canada writes: The G&M missed the rest of this story.

    From CNN:

    Addressing the nation’s economic crisis, Holtz-Eakin told reporters traveling with the campaign &8220;there&8217;s no magic solution. And I don&8217;t think that it&8217;s at this moment imperative to write down exactly what the plan has to be.&8221; He also said a president isn&8217;t someone who needs to be heavily involved in policy specifics, which should be handled by &8220;quality&8221; advisers, and echoed McCain&8217;s assessment that there might be a need for a &8220;9/11-style commission&8221; to determine what went wrong with the nation's economy, and to issue recommendations.

    Uhhh...correct me if I'm wrong, but does this mean that the Republicans are saying it's OK for a president not to have substance? A president isn't someone who needs to be heavily involved in policy specifics? Hmmm...I could swear that I heard more than a few people upset that Obama didn't appear to be involved in policy specifics. He's looking more presidential by the day.
  33. a l from Toronto, Canada writes: I guess Steve and McCain are on the same page - both think the fundamentals are strong.
  34. Pamphleteer . from Canada writes: I can't believe a man who doesn't know how to e-mail is in serious contention for Presidency of the United States in 2008.
  35. Pamphleteer . from Canada writes: Lum Barstrain from Bob Rae is responsible for Mike Harris, Canada writes: globefan Eh from Canada writes: ... I am sure Sarah will save the day for him. She can shoot a bear, have children, kill a few wolves, visit Ireland, and get the town of Wasilla 20 million in debt and be home to make lunch for the family.

    ------------------------------------------

    Don't forget she can shaft honest local people out of their careers for crossing her or her husband.

    --

    And she can ban books from libraries! Don't push this moose hunter. She's truly multi-talented.
  36. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Mike R. You cannot fly a jet without a technological comprehension I will never achieve. I won't speak for you. O dunned for money at 3 AM via Crackberry to show what he would do at a phone call at 3AM. It was to pi$$ off Hilary and speaks of the man.
  37. Gail Thomas from Canada writes: Prairie Boy from Canada...you are right on the mark there. It's the Dems and Libs that lie. It was the Dems that started this mortgage crisis under Bill Clinton. He signed into law that you had to provide affordable housing. Obama has two ex exec's from Fannie Mae helping to run his campaign. Those exec's made millions before departing FM. Dodds and Greenspan both Dems helped create this financial bubble and then burst it so that Bush would get the blame. Obama is a sitting duck on this whole issue and I hope McCain and Palin call the Dems out on this issue. Hollywood can celebrate all they want with the $28,500 each for a ticket to support Obama. Why don't they donate it to the victims of the hurricanes? They don't really care as long as they can get what they want. I can hardly wait to see the move An American Carol which makes fun of Michael Moore being released Oct. 3. Hollywood Republicans are finally standing up and pushing back.
  38. K M from Toronto, Canada writes: Hello - people! RIM created the Blackberry (and many many co op students from U Waterloo) not John McCain. Sure he's a war hero but he's also hires big fat liars.
  39. Hugh Andrew from Ottawa, Canada writes: This is too funny ! Perhaps Absurd or Sad would be a better remark? In the political campaigns on both sides of the border lies and exageration are increasingly the norm; and it is tolerated. It reminds me of the statement ( I don't remember the source) that 'in war the first victem is truth.'
  40. Simon Templar from Vancouver, Canada writes: Yuk, I just showed my competence of computing...and my age. Sorry for the formatting error. Still don't know how to make pretty bold and italic statements properly. Maybe John and I could sign up for some Internet classes together.
  41. roy f from van, Canada writes: Pamphleteer . from Canada writes: I can't believe a man who doesn't know how to e-mail is in serious contention for Presidency of the United States in 2008.
    --------
    He's the old man with his finger on the button (like they use to refer to Reagan), just not not the Send button.
  42. Mmm Cleavage from Canada writes: I believe he ws woriing with Gore when he invented the Internet?
  43. paul childs from camelot, writes: They must have meant the fruit, the black berry, y'know when things were still being created about 5,000 years ago. Now, if he had invented a seedless watermelon that could access the net, that would be a real achievement.
  44. Mr. Justice from Anytown, Canada writes: McCain is pretty durn smart, ain't he ? I mean: helpin' invent th' Blueberry 'n' all.

    But you godless heathen libruls is just too dense to unnerstand all this-here.

    Figures.
  45. Y NOT from Canada writes: How foolish of me, I thought that the technology was developed in Canada!
  46. Child of the North in Canada from Canada writes: Oh hello Gail Thomas. Please don't try to sell your Republican bs here in Canada. We ain't buying it. Now go back to Texas.
  47. Billy Talon from Toronto, Canada writes: At least that's the contention of a top McCain policy adviser, Douglas Holtz-Eakin. Waving his BlackBerry personal digital assistant and citing McCain's work as a senator, he told reporters Tuesday, “You're looking at the miracle that John McCain helped create.&8221;

    ***

    Sounds like a joke to me - what's the big deal - it's pretty funny considering McCain doesn't know how to send emails...
  48. A A from Canada writes: I heard he also developed the Mac, Beer and the internal combusion engine.

    He is also smart of enough to figure out the theory or relativity and flight.

    We need to get this man into power!
  49. Andy Garrett: McCain / Palin 2008, She is woman, hear her roar from West Palm Beach, United States writes: Maybe a little more light needs to be shined to clarify this ridicules waste of time and obfuscation of the issues
    important to real voters as opposed to the pseudo elites. John invented the blackberry shortly after he
    invented the raspberry and strawberry prior to inventing the blueberry. Anyone who has invented 4 berries
    is qualified to be president over a failed 'community organizer'.
  50. Gee Dubya from Halifax, Canada writes: What people don't seem to understand is that the 'internets' are a 'series of tubes' that the Liberal Media can stuff full of vitriol until said tubes clog up. MCCAIN'T uses real Blackberry juice to lubricate the tubes so the Liberal Media messages clogging the pipes can easily pass through those tubes and reach their final destination.....Alaska!

    MCCAIN'T / REPUBLICAN'T '08
  51. Mr Malcontent from Canada writes: McCain doesn't know how to use a Blackberry or send and Email?
    He's toying with you, and he has you all fooled.
    This guy flew a fighter jet off an aircraft carrier , even though in the 1960's , had more complicated electronics on it that all of would never understand how to use.
    Open your eyes
  52. michael moore from toronto, Canada writes: It was actually the space shuttle, but the aide didn't have one of those to wave. You have to go with what you got.
  53. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: ' Dr Demento from Canada writes:

    McCain doesn't know how to use a computer?

    McCain doesn't know how to send e-mail?'

    Due to injuries sustained at the hands of the vietcong, his typing skills are at best 'cumbersome'. His arms become useless if they're elevated.

    'Now since McCain a 'hero' is an airman who is shot down by enemy and then surrenders.'

    Educate yourself a bit, first he was nearly killed on the USS forrestal:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967USSForrestal_fire

    Trying to help someone else flee, he had a 'free ride' home, but instead volunteered to serve on the USS Oriskany.

    Shortly after that, his plane was shot down and he was captured. The vietcong learned that he in fact was the son of a US navy admiral, and they offered him early release. US armed force 'code' stipulates 'first in first out' regarding POW release. He would not accept freedom until every man before him was released.

    Mccain refused to be let go early, and paid a dear price for it. The torture intensified after that.

    He was finally released 5.5 years after capture.

    If that's not a hero, I don't know what is.
  54. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Dr Demento. Mr. McCains problem with e-mail was discussed in '91. Tell me about 'Astroturfing.'
  55. Gail Thomas from Canada writes: For all those wishing to enlighten themselves on the current downturn in the marketplace and the advancement of socialism, please do a search for Glass-Spiegal Act. For a lie to be believed, it must be grandiose and repeated often. A big lie will gradually become indistinguishable from the truth and all the more believable. This from the second World war master Propagandist, Dr. Goebbels himself. Blaming Bush for everything is the biggest lie in our history.
  56. Child of the North in Canada from Canada writes: Okay, to all Republican hacks: McCain is a Vietnam war hero. Unfortunately, his financial adviser and good friend, Phil Gramm, is a sleazeball and has helped lead the US into the biggest financial mess in their history. McCain's war hero status means diddly in today's financial soup.
  57. Matt Stiles from Vancouver, Canada writes: Anything to distract us from real issues...
  58. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: 'Damn those Liberals! Sorta like the U.S. govn't bailing out failing mortgage companies but leaving the mortgage holders to fend for themselves, eh?'

    Worst logic in decades.

    Freddie and Fannie have always been 'linked' to the government, they're government created after all.

    What happened to them was not really a bailout, more of a takeover.

    Would these mortgage holders like to give up the title, master bedroom, head of household rights, to be 'bailed out'?

    That's basically what happened to those companies. It wasn't corporate welfare or a bailout.
  59. Norman Petit from Canada writes: I knew that he was slightly younger than dirt, but older than the blackberry?
  60. Ob Server from Canada writes: How come every job in government requires computer expertise except for the presidency? He must be one hell of a speed reader though....
  61. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Allan Simonson from Canada writes: 'Due to injuries sustained at the hands of the vietcong, his typing skills are at best 'cumbersome. His arms become useless if they're elevated.'

    Actually I understand he can't raise his arms above his shoulders. The last time I checked, a keyboard is usually just over your lap . . .
  62. Dr Demento from Canada writes: John McCain was released from captivity on March 14, 1973.

    McCain underwent treatment for his injuries, including months of grueling physical therapy, and attended the National War College at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. during 1973–1974.

    Having been rehabilitated, by late 1974, McCain had his flight status reinstated, and in 1976 he became commanding officer of a training squadron stationed in Florida.

    Strange how MCCain could physically fly a jet fighter in 1976 and he somehow has been physically incapable of operating a computer keyboard in the ensuing years . . .
  63. liberals are lieing scum from toronto, Canada writes: a campaign adviser makes a stupid statement, it makes the front page of the g&m site, obama the CANDIDATE himself says hes been to 57 states, not a peep, liberal_media.
  64. True Grit from Canada writes: Isn't the Blackberry a Canadian invention?
  65. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: Allan Simonson, hi.

    Freddie and Fannie were government entities that should never have been privatized in the first place.

    The problem wasnt that it hurt private shareholders. the problem was that there were private shareholders in the first place.
  66. Bobby Jo Frances from Canada writes: Hey it gets better. McCain also is taking credit for WiFi. "Under my guiding hand, Congress developed a wireless spectrum policy that spurred the rapid rise of mobile phones and Wi-Fi technology that enables Americans to surf the web while sitting at a coffee shop, airport lounge, or public park." This was reported by the one of the European papers earlier today. There is so much more information out there that isn't even being covered by the Canadian press. For all you neo-cons who do not know what a European is or where Europe is try looking it up on google.
  67. Child of the North in Canada from Canada writes: Republicans are getting desperate: Conservatives are starting to sweat. The wheels are falling off the free-market economy. Time to start talking about Blackberries, pigs with lipstick, anything but the economy.....
  68. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: "Actually I understand he can't raise his arms above his shoulders. The last time I checked, a keyboard is usually just over your lap . . ."

    He cannot raise his arms up to his shoulder height, but below that he may be impaired from using his hands.
  69. Aaron S. from Nova Scotia, United States writes: Wrong, McCain invented the abacus.
  70. Child of the North in Canada from Canada writes: Aaron S. Good one, now that was funny!
  71. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: Moose hunting, trapping and salmon fishing... all useful things to know around D.C.! She'll be an asset to the White House.

    Not sure I'd want to eat anything caught from the Potomac though...
  72. drunk wookie from Canada writes: Gail, you must have a GED to be this gullible. Deregulation started with Reagan's "dawn in america" bullsh!t. Free markets would lead the way. Clinton was just republican light so no wonder he continued with the trend. Now the country has been looted by war profiteers and taxpayer financing/securing of crooked loan backed securities. The country is 407 billion in the hole/year and both candidates have no choice but to offer more tax cuts. Americans are entitled to snuffing out their grandchildren's future after all. DO you think the rest of the world will be willing to subsidize Merika's "way of life" for the indefinite future? Ahh, whats the use... Can you see Russia too from where you live?
  73. Ahmed Al-Samarrai from Canada writes: no no no .... McCain was the co-founder of Tim Horton's
  74. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: Actually, regarding the blackberry and wifi, Mccain actually did help it.

    When he was chairman of the science and technology committe in the senate, he opened up the spectrum for wifi and better cell phone technology.

    Just like Al Gore helped open up the internet.

    I see nothing wrong here.
  75. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: "I am the former chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The Committee plays a major role in the development of technology policy, specifically any legislation affecting communications services, the Internet, cable television and other technologies. Under my guiding hand, Congress developed a wireless spectrum policy that spurred the rapid rise of mobile phones and Wi-Fi technology that enables Americans to surf the web while sitting at a coffee shop, airport lounge, or public park."

    From here:

    http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php?id=42
  76. Mr. Justice from Canada writes: McCain was a POW for over 5 years . . . THAT's the reason why no one can criticize him. Palin is a woman and Christian (Mainstream Christian, BTW). . . and those are the reasons why no one can criticize HER. Everybody got this ? Thanks so much.
  77. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Allan Simonson from Canada writes: "He cannot raise his arms up to his shoulder height, but below that he may be impaired from using his hands."

    He "may" be impaired - you don't know do you? Clutching at straws?

    He was piloting jet fighters from 1974 to 1977 - I don't think the USN awards flight status to individuals who have any kind of impairment that would hamper their ability to fly one of their aircraft . . .
  78. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: As far as his keyboard problems:

    "McCain's severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes."

    That article is from 8 years ago(boston globe):

    http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/McCaincharacterloyaltoa_fault .shtml
  79. Just Hmmm from Canada writes: McCain also created the Wii. He's not so good at the tennis app, unfortunately ... war injury.

    Good thing we're all talking about the issues here.
  80. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: "He was piloting jet fighters from 1974 to 1977 - I don't think the USN awards flight status to individuals who have any kind of impairment that would hamper their ability to fly one of their aircraft . . ."

    Well if they determined his flight status was ok(he was doing training missions, not military missions), does that imply his injuries do not impede on his ability to fly a plane?

    Last time I checked, flying a plane was different movements then typing on a keyboard.
  81. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: Also you have to remember, his father was at the time an admiral in the navy, and his grandfather was one previously.

    The man had pull.
  82. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes: Allan Simonson from Canada writes: As far as his keyboard problems:

    "McCain's severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes."

    That article is from 8 years ago(boston globe):
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    But he was cleared to fly jet fighters after his recovery?

    Something very inconsistent here.

    His campaign claims he is learning to "use the Google!".

    My brother-in law who is paralyzed from the waist down and lost the use of his right arm from a stroke, uses a keyboard and mouse in bed (he's confined to bed 23 hours a day) with his left hand only.

    Something very fishy here.
  83. Bobby Jo Frances from Canada writes: thank you for clearing that up for me. I shall stop saying bad things about that woman who takes her toddlers hunting with her to teach them compassion and about the former POW who can lie and claim whatever he wants because he once fought in a war that most of America protested against. Now what about Bush? Can you remind me why I can't say bad things about him? What about Harper - anything we should know? I know that he will have you arrested if you question him at a press conference - is there some dark secret he is keeping from us. Perhaps he was once jumped by a lone, female comedian and he has some post-traumatic stress from that.
  84. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes: Allan Simonson from Canada writes:

    'Now since McCain a 'hero' is an airman who is shot down by enemy and then surrenders.'

    Mccain refused to be let go early, and paid a dear price for it. The torture intensified after that.

    He was finally released 5.5 years after capture.

    If that's not a hero, I don't know what is.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It all depends on your point of view, Allan

    If you were a Vietnamese peasant whose wife and children had just been carpet-bombed by the bombers McCain was flying cover for, you might feel differently.

    He should consider himself lucky that the same fate (indiscriminate mutilation and death) that the USAF was inflicting on innocent Vietnamese civilians wasn't awarded to him.
  85. Billy Talon from Toronto, Canada writes: liberals are lieing scum from toronto, Canada writes: a campaign adviser makes a stupid statement, it makes the front page of the g&m site, obama the CANDIDATE himself says hes been to 57 states, not a peep, liberal_media.

    ***

    You're right.

    The Sun or National Post never made any mention of Obama's gaffes on the front page - they were all buried in the back of the paper. Hidden.
  86. William Doyle from Prince George, Canada writes: Is this the same "Fred Flintstone" McCain that does not know how to use the internet?
  87. kelly moss from winnipeg, Canada writes: i left my cel phone at home this morning - got a lot done - internet is just about as useless

    and it was kinda a funny joke -
  88. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: Well I guess you're some type of medical expert, and you've seen his charts.
  89. Kublah Khan from Canada writes: Shortly the truth will be revealed, Neil Armstrong was not the first man on the moon, it was McCain inside that spacesuit! Buzz Aldrin knows the truth.
  90. Cruthin Clan from Brampton, Canada writes: Maybe they meant Blackberry as in the fruit...I mean McCain looks old enough to be Adam's schoolmate.
  91. none of your business from Bethuneville, Canada writes: I helped creat the world.
  92. A Warren from Regina, Canada writes: Tories Lie Again and Again from Ottawa, Canada writes: The fundamentals of the US economy can't be that bad as Senator Obama is hosting a $28,500 per plate fund raising dinner with his fellow liberal elites, a who's who in the entertainment industry, in California today. Guess it depends on who's economy you're talking about, certainly not the economy that Obama and his friends participate in.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    HAHA-HAHA-HAHA-HAH!!! And certainly not the one that John McCain, George Bush, Dick Cheney and their conservative elite friends participate in, a la Halliburton, Coors, Carlyle Group, etc. Get real. When you talk leading politicians at a national level, you're talking elites, whether liberal or conservative.
  93. Simon Templar from Vancouver, Canada writes: I don't think it is appropriate to belittle McCain's wartime experiences anymore than I thought it appropriate to belittle John Kerry's in the last election. Bush's attempts to do so in 2004 were disgraceful, coming from someone who was no better than a draft dodger. And what was more disgraceful were the number of voters who bought into it. I think McCain should be given respect for the sacrifice he made in Vietnam...but not given a free ride for it. Simply being a war veteran or hero does not entitle one to the Presidency, nor does it entitle them to lie and smear their opponents and lie about their own records. McCain's advisor made a funny gaffe today, but it really is as meaningless as manyt of the smears that McCain's campaign has lofted at Obama's camp. What should be important are the issues...which the Republicans have successfully deflected attention away from. The advisor's comment that McCain has no clear strategy for the economy and that it's not really his job anyway...coupled with McCain suggesting the economy is actually in great shape...those would cause me a lot more concern than whether or not he invented the Blackberry. And by the way, Obama's 57 state gaffe and Al Gore's invention of the Internet caught plenty of play with the conservative media.
  94. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Allan Simonson from Canada writes: "Last time I checked, flying a plane was different movements then typing on a keyboard."

    The difference is that flying a plane is intuitive (like riding a bike) and exilarating. Typing on a keyboard requires use of brain cells and exposing one's level of literacy.

    Since McCain graduated 894th out of 899 in his Naval Academy class I suspect the real truth is that he doesn't have the academic ability or intellectual capacity to compose prose without great difficulty. Apparently he has other people including his wife do it for him - has he ever written anything himself?
  95. Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: Angry West Coaster- ha ha- you sound like Dion. So it's Stephen Harper's fault the stock market is crashing? Now I get it...
  96. Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: Glen F- so, if I voted for Al Gore, who voted for 'technological change', does that mean I helped create the internet too? Wicked- gotta go update my resume.
  97. Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: Dr Demento- so typing on a keyboard is more difficult than flying a plane? You sound like the average Canadian voter.
  98. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: Lets see, compare the heroism of Smokey Smith who won the VC to John McCain getting shot down and being a pow: "In Italy on the night of 21st-22nd October 1944, a Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Savio River. Under heavy fire from the approaching enemy tanks,... Private Smith crossed the road with a companion and obtained another P.I.A.T. Almost immediately an enemy tank came down the road firing its machine-guns along the line of the ditches. Private Smith's comrade was wounded. At a range of thirty feet and having to expose himself to the full view of the enemy, Private Smith fired the P.I.A.T. and hit the tank, putting it out of action. Ten German infantry immediately jumped off the back of the tank and charged him with Schmeissers and grenades. Without hesitation Private Smith moved out on the road and with his Tommy gun at point-blank range, killed four Germans and drove the remainder back. Almost immediately another tank opened fire and more enemy infantry closed in on Smith's position. Obtaining some abandoned Tommy gun magazines from a ditch, he steadfastly held his position, protecting his comrade and fighting the enemy with his Tommy gun until they finally gave up and withdrew in disorder. One tank and both self-propelled guns had been destroyed by this time, but yet another tank swept the area with fire from a longer range. Private Smith, still showing utter contempt for enemy fire, helped his wounded friend to cover and obtained medical aid for him behind a nearby building. He then returned to his position beside the road to await the possibility of a further enemy attack. ...as a result the battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position so vital to the success of the whole operation, which led to the capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River. Thus, by the dogged determination, outstanding devotion to duty and superb gallantry of this private soldier,...
  99. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: For more about a real hero.... the rest of Smokey's story is at:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smokey_Smith

    Now compare that to John McCain.
  100. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: That was more due to his "extra-carricular" behavior then his academic achievements.

    So goes the rumor....
  101. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: So John McCain flies a mission over Hanoi, gets shot down and then he surrenders and made a prisoner of war for 5.5 years.

    Hardly heroic.
  102. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes: Todays RCP Poll Of Polls shows the lead that John "Did I Mention I Was A POW?" McCain gained coming out of the Repub convention by pulling in the supermarket-tabloid-reader-moms with his Sarah Palin Hail Mary pass is already frittering away.
    McCain's lead is already down to 1.3% from, what, 5%? last week?

    Is the squandering of that lead attributable to the bloom coming off the
    Sarah Palling rose when she did her deer-caught-in-the-headlights interview on ABC or is because McCain demonstrated that he is either an idiot or a liar with his "The economic fundamentals are strong" blunder?
  103. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: "so typing on a keyboard is more difficult than flying a plane? "

    I didn't say it was more difficult. Flying a plane takes a different type of skill - far less cerebral than composing e-mails.

    Composing prose is the part that I suspect McCain has difficulty with. It sounds to me that his has used dictaphones and stenographers to produce anything he has ever "written" . . .
  104. Daniel Plainview from Canada writes: Robin Adams- come on. That's an offensive statement, criticizing someone who fought and almost died for his country, when you will never do anything close to that in your lifetime.

    It was heroic to begin with, but the fact that he wouldn't leave even after he was released until his colleagues were freed as well makes it that much more so.
    • Posted 16/09/08 at 3:37 PM EST |