If Gore Invented the Internet then McCain Invented Cellphones and Wifi

First, a review. In an interview with with Wolf Blitzer, Gore said,

"I took the initiative in creating the Internet. I took the initiative in moving forward a whole range of initiatives that have proven to be important to our country's economic growth and environmental protection, improvements in our educational system. "

Conservatives jumped on this and said Gore claimed to invent the internet (I note the lack of the word "invent" in there but that's just me.)

Fast Forward: 2008. Science Debate 2008 asks a series of questions of the candidates. On the first question about innovation, McCain claims,

"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."

Sounds a lot like what Gore was claiming...being a part of the legislative process that helped spur the development of a modern technology. Or maybe McCain is claiming he invented cell phones and wifi.

Although an advisor of McCain did indicate that he (McCain) created the Blackberry. When asked about McCain's experience on the Senate Commerce Committe,

"Pressed to provide an example of what McCain had accomplished on that committee, Holtz-Eakin said the senator did not have jurisdiction over financial markets — then held up his Blackberry, telling reporters: “He did this.”"

At least McCain seems to realize this is silly.

"Meanwhile, McCain senior aide Matt McDonald said that the senator "laughed" when he heard the comment.

"He would not claim to be the inventor of anything, much less the BlackBerry. This was obviously a boneheaded joke by a staffer," McDonald said."

So, either we drop the Gore invented the internet nonsense or I get to make fun of McCain for inventing mobile phones, wifi and the Blackberry!

______

Note: I am going to blog on the candidates science policy (now that McCain has answered the Science Debate 2008 questions...his answers were posted yesterday and Obama's have been up since late August.) Just need a little more time to digest them.