# Obama ridicules McCain's disability **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 13, 2008, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493 "2008-09-13T22:30:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/41 "2008-09-14T00:26:19Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > So if using a computer is difficult for him to use, McCain needs to damn well learn to use it anyways rather than have family or aides get the needed information? > > What compassion from the Demos. I don’t care if it hurts to type - freaking use the computer anyways! Don’t ask your wife to pull up Explorer and type in the URL for [NYTIMES.com](http://NYTIMES.com) to look it over. > or > Type with your fucking toes or use voice recognition. Don’t have an aide type up an email for you to look over. **Cite**. There have been cites provided to back up the claim that he doesn’t know how to use a computer. You need to provide a cite that _he cannot use a computer due to a physical disability._ ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/42 "2008-09-14T00:28:25Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > So if using a computer is difficult for him to use, McCain needs to damn well learn to use it anyways rather than have family or aides get the needed information? Where, oh where does it ever say, anywhere in the Universe, that it _physically_ hurts McCain to use a computer? Where? It _mentally_ hurts him, of course, because he’s a Neanderthal. But physically? You have leapt off the cliff with this one. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/43 "2008-09-14T00:33:10Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > So **if** using a computer is difficult for him to use, McCain needs to damn well learn to use it anyways rather than have family or aides get the needed information? _bolding mine_ The key word here is “if”, which doesn’t even enter the friggin picture. Stop being so obtuse or are you physically unable to? Go ahead and answer **Rhythmdvl’s** clarifying question. We’ll wait while you whip up another froth of phony outrage. ---
**Author:** ![Merkwurdigliebe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/44 "2008-09-14T00:40:42Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > So if using a computer is difficult for him to use, McCain needs to damn well learn to use it anyways rather than have family or aides get the needed information? > > What compassion from the Demos. I don’t care if it hurts to type - freaking use the computer anyways! Don’t ask your wife to pull up Explorer and type in the URL for [NYTIMES.com](http://NYTIMES.com) to look it over. > or > Type with your fucking toes or use voice recognition. Don’t have an aide type up an email for you to look over. Wanna cry about it? ☹ We “demos” are indeed done with compassion. I’m pretty happy about it, to be honest. You run for President the only lines are what you can get away with. Judging by McCain’s response I’d say Obama got away with it. Good job. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/45 "2008-09-14T00:49:00Z")
McCain can type - it’s just painful for him. Probably because you have to have your arms lifted from your side to do it. So his wife does most of the typing, and they go online together. Being computer illiterate in the sense of knowing the specifics of using an operating system and running various applications does not mean he’s technologically illiterate. In fact, McCain’s campaign in 2000 was the most high-tech campaign around, and pioneered the use of the web in a presidential campaign. I linked to a couple of article about in in 2000 (one in the LA Times, one in Slate), where McCain has said he learned a lot about the internet from his time chairing the commerce committee, and was quoted saying stuff that made it clear he knew a fair bit about it. Probably not the technology - I doubt if he knows what an IP address is or how to set up a web site - but the sociological aspects and the way in which the web is used. And that’s exactly the kind of knowledge a president needs, unless you want to turn him into the White House’s IT guy. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/46 "2008-09-14T00:49:32Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > So if using a computer is difficult for him to use, McCain needs to damn well learn to use it anyways rather than have family or aides get the needed information? > > What compassion from the Demos. I don’t care if it hurts to type - freaking use the computer anyways! Don’t ask your wife to pull up Explorer and type in the URL for [NYTIMES.com](http://NYTIMES.com) to look it over. > or > Type with your fucking toes or use voice recognition. Don’t have an aide type up an email for you to look over. Still waiting… ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/47 "2008-09-14T00:55:09Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > In his new ad, Obama points out the fact that McCain doesn’t use a computer to make him look woefully behind the times. The fact is that due to his torture in Vietnam, McCain can’t do many things that involve fine motor skills of the hands such as combing his own hair. The truth is that is family uses the computer for him and he has started surfing the web to stay abreast with the times with their help. > > So, Obamaites. Defend your candidate running this ad. McCain is just a lazy, whiny, narcissistic fuck. Computers are ideal for helping disabled people do all sorts of things, including people with no arms at all, no eyes or no ears, etc. McCain seems to me to coast a long way on not being able to raise his arms above his shoulders and this fine motor skills crap. You didn’t hear FDR complain about not being able to walk: ever. He invented a way to walk. Do we really want to hear McCain whine for four or eight years about how he keeps fucking up because he doesn’t have the fine motor skills to dial a phone? Turn pages. Frankly the shithead should just shut the fuck up about what a victim he is and run on his policies. We can’t run the nation on his personal victimhood. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/48 "2008-09-14T00:56:33Z")
Aside from the bullshit OP, I gotta say that attacking McCainn for not being able or willing to use a computer is risky. There are millions and millions of people out there, most of them 50 or older, who are terrified of computers and won’t touch them. They are likely to sympathize with McCain over this, they will not like being told they are idiots and out of touch, and they are the demographic with the highest voter turnout percentage. But as to the actual point of the OP – total bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/49 "2008-09-14T00:56:51Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > or use voice recognition. I assume you have a reason why voice recognition is so bad? Or are you just talking out your ass? Also I assume you have justification for why McCain is okay with innocent people being sent off to be tortured in the same manor that he was that left him so hobbled. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/50 "2008-09-14T00:57:34Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > Still waiting… You are aware there are companies that specialize in making computers handicapped accessible. Why I can’t imagine why one sends me a catalog every six months, most for stuff I would never use, but anyone, and I mean anyone, can access a computer themselves if they want to. Stephen Hawking does it! I’m tired of all this special pleading for poor old lazy on the public payroll McCain. FDR is a great example here. McCain is a lazy assed shit. Can he even wipe is own butt? ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/51 "2008-09-14T00:58:29Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Cad, you’re a disingenuous moron. . . . > . . . > Oh, but don’t let your retarded “gotcha” tactics . . . Personal insults are not permitted against other poster in any forum except [The BBQ Pit](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=5). They are [explicitly prohibited in a sticky thread at the top of this Forum](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=220232). Do not hurl personal insults at other posters. [/Moderating] ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/52 "2008-09-14T01:01:51Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > McCain can type - it’s just painful for him. Probably because you have to have your arms lifted from your side to do it. So his wife does most of the typing, and they go online together. Obama, due to his being beaten by Republican thugs and having a chair leg jammed into his throat, is on the verge of slipping into a coma every time he speaks. After his speech in Denver, he spent the night in the ER and had to recussitated three times. Cite? Yeah, I’m working on that. We’ll see who can come up with one first. OK? ---
**Author:** ![Jello](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@Jello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jello)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/53 "2008-09-14T01:02:11Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > My only question is if **Cad** manufactured this latest fake outrage himself, or if somebody like Limbaugh or Coulter brewed it up and he just blindingly drank it down. Anybody hear this shit-nugget before this thread? I read it this morning on the _LA Times_’ political blog. > **[Opinion: Oops, Obama ad mocks McCain's inability to send e-mail. Trouble is,...](https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/top-of-the-ticket/story/2008-09-13/opinion-oops-obama-ad-mocks-mccains-inability-to-send-e-mail-trouble-is-he-em-cant-em-due-to-tortured-fingers)** > > This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. They cite a _Boston Globe_ profile from March 2000. That said, McCain’s own admissions since then, all emphasizing his ignorance, rather than his disability, make it a little bit suspicious. Since he doesn’t seem to have a problem mentioning his captivity I don’t know why he’d prefer to admit that he’s everything the ad implies. As for defending my candidate, it’s easy. If Obama’s people knew for a fact that disability prohibited him from typing, there’s no way in hell they’d open themselves up to the counterattack that would give McCain. (Edited for clarity.) ---
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/54 "2008-09-14T01:02:54Z")
> [@Harborwolf](#): > > **Cite**. There have been cites provided to back up the claim that he doesn’t know how to use a computer. You need to provide a cite that _he cannot use a computer due to a physical disability._ Never mind. I found [one](http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/McCain_character_loyal_to_a_fault+.shtml). It dates back to 2000. > [@](#): > > McCain gets emotional at the mention of military families needing food stamps or veterans lacking health care. The outrage comes from inside: McCain’s severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes. Friends marvel at McCain’s encyclopedic knowledge of sports. He’s an avid fan - Ted Williams is his hero - but he can’t raise his arm above his shoulder to throw a baseball. But it’s also worth noting that he himself has said that he is merely computer illiterate. Given that the only cite about his disability is a Boston Globe article from eight years ago, I’m gonna guess that any potential mocking of McCain’s disability is far from intentional. ETA: You may be faster Jello, but I found the referenced article.😛 ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/55 "2008-09-14T01:04:51Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > McCain can type - it’s just painful for him. Probably because you have to have your arms lifted from your side to do it. So his wife does most of the typing, and they go online together. I call bullshit. It’s painful for him to type? How does he hold a pen or press a button for an elevator or shake hands with someone or pick his nose or scratch his ass if pressing a key on a keyboard is so painful he’s physically incapable of doing it. > [@](#): > > I linked to a couple of article about in in 2000 (one in the LA Times, one in Slate), where McCain has said he learned a lot about the internet from his time chairing the commerce committee, and was quoted saying stuff that made it clear he knew a fair bit about it. And yet eight years later he’s still “learning how to email.” I leaned how to email in the 90’s aproximately 1 minute after I signed up with AOL. This is email we’re talking about, not … oh, I don’t know … jet piloting. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/56 "2008-09-14T01:05:55Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > Personal insults are not permitted against other poster in any forum except [The BBQ Pit](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=5). They are [explicitly prohibited in a sticky thread at the top of this Forum](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=220232). > > Do not hurl personal insults at other posters. > > [/Moderating] Apologies … Pit thread started … won’t happen again … probably. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/57 "2008-09-14T01:06:55Z")
If he can write, he can use a mouse. He doesn’t need to type. ---
**Author:** ![Linear\_Crack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Linear\_Crack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linear_Crack)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/58 "2008-09-14T01:08:28Z")
First Biden asks a guy in a wheelchair to stand up, then this genius ad from former messiah himself. Not a wise move. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/59 "2008-09-14T01:10:00Z")
I have a question: if McCain doesn’t like computers and/or can’t use them easily, why should he bother trying to use one? He’s a freakin’ Senator. He has a staff that can get him all kinds of info at the drop of a hat. If I was a Senator I wouldn’t deal with the contraptions except maybe to email and shop. I’d send my minions off into cyberspace to retrieve things to my heart’s content. ---
**Author:** ![wmfellows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c2a13f/32.png) [@wmfellows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wmfellows)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493/60 "2008-09-14T01:13:19Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > I have a question: if McCain doesn’t like computers and/or can’t use them easily, why should he bother trying to use one? He’s a freakin’ Senator. He has a staff that can get him all kinds of info at the drop of a hat. If I was a Senator I wouldn’t deal with the contraptions except maybe to email and shop. I’d send my minions off into cyberspace to retrieve things to my heart’s content. Precisely, really quite retarded line of attack for the O boy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-ridicules-mccains-disability/463493.md?page=4)