These problems have occurred, because there was no leadership of government IT at the highest level. Congress is now considering a law to institute proper oversight of large IT projects, because the President could not manage his own Executive Branch. So when a presidential candidate has no information technology agenda, it is cause for concern.

A quick look at McCain's IT agenda underscores this exact concern.

Of all McCain's in-depth issue statements online, he discusses information technology in only one paragraph. The paragraph is in the health care issue section and reads, "We should promote the rapid deployment of 21st century information systems and technology that allows doctors to practice across state lines." (I assume this would be in addition to automobiles and telephones.)

Whereas Obama has an entire technology and innovation agenda that contains many excellent proposals, including:

1. Appointing the nation's first Chief Technology Officer to ensure agencies have the right infrastructure, policies, and services.
   
2. Using information technology to more efficiently and effectively include citizens in government decisions.
   
3. Involving staff who have technology industry experience in economic policy-making.
   
4. Lowering healthcare costs by investing in health information technology.
   

These and Obama's many other proposals would result in government IT that is better managed and more valuable. They would also increase IT's contribution to the American economy.

Information technology receives little attention as a campaign issue, but it can have a large impact on the U.S. economy and government efficiency. Hopefully John McCain will realize this and do more to boost his IT "cred" than learn to use a computer.