Weekly Washup
“Computer literacy may play an important role in the campaign -- the question is whether presidential candidates need to be computer literate. ”
Laura Krantz, Assistant Editor
Hello Sunday Soapbox fans! We're starting a new feature -- Weekly Washup -- which provides a quick overview of recent blog news. This week, Weekend Edition Sunday's intrepid intern, Rebecca Tapscott, looked into some of the issues that are garnering attention on the Internet.
Testing Computer Literacy (or: your CD-ROM drive is not a cup holder)
The "Internet revolution" has been fast and unrelenting. Now, Americans are speculating about the power of the internet to aid a presidential campaign. Many analysts agree that Obama holds the lead in this respect. Computer literacy may play an important role in the campaign -- the question is whether presidential candidates need to be computer literate. As Tracy Russo put it in a post on The Back Forty: "How do you lead a people forward when you are stuck in the past? How do you inspire, elevate, and imagine the greatness that is ahead if you don't understand the world we must navigate to get to those places?"
We want to hear from you on this - do you think computer literacy and technological savvy are necessary to the presidency? Will that make a difference in who you vote for?
TECH PRESIDENT -- Alan Rosenblatt explains the new Pew survey, and what it means for candidates exploring the possibilities of online networking and campaigning.
"A Whole New Ball Game: 2008 is Record Setting Election According to New Pew Study," Sunday, June 15, 2008.
TECH PRESIDENT -- Tracy Russo argues that computer literacy is necessary to understand and represent today's American public.
"It's Still Not Enough," Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
POLITICO -- Ben Adler analyzes the need for computer literacy.
"Can McCain compete with Obama online," Sunday, June 15, 2008.
Pondering (pandering?) Political Platforms
With their nominations almost certain, both Barack Obama and John McCain are seeking to further define their political platforms. Obama recently told members of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) that he will maintain America's political support of Israel. And McCain announced his support for an offshore oil drilling program. On both sides, the candidates are facing criticism from bloggers, who fear the politicians are pandering to voters.
THE RUCKUS -- James Joyner reviews Obama's speech to AIPAC and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
"Obama Offends 1.5 Billion Muslims," Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
POLITICO -- Charles Mahtesian and David Mark take a closer look at McCain's call for offshore drilling "McCain plays with fire on offshore drilling," Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
Vote For This Guy!
The results of a Washington Post - ABC News Poll on the presidential race were just released. Political junkies are all atwitter about who's voting for whom and, more importantly, how the candidates can woo those undecided voters. The only certainty is at this point is that pollsters will be watching independent voters pretty closely over the coming months.
TALKLEFT -- Jeralyn Merritt analyzes the breakdown of the independent vote.
"WaPo Poll: Independents Split Between Obama and McCain," Tuesday June 17, 2008.
THE MODERATE VOICE -- Joe Gandelman comments on the Washington Post poll.
"Poll: Independent Voters Split Between Obama And McCain," Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
2:06 PM ET | 06-18-2008 | permalink
