The Internet is the innovation of my lifetime. It’s one of those things my grandchildren will probably call me about in 40 years for a school project.

“Grandpa, do you remember when the Internet first started?” they’ll ask.

I’ll give them some crotchety reply about dial-up, Hotmail and the Hamster Dance.

But what the Internet and technology looks like for my children and their children depends a great deal on the policies and direction set by our future leaders.

First impressions mean a lot, and right now I’m not exactly inspired by John McCain. Technology is not listed as an issue on his Web site (There is a Technology Voter’s Guide from CNET News.com with responses from McCain).

Barack Obama’s Web site does have a section on technology. He’s also said he would appoint a Chief Technology Officer to his cabinet.

Then there’s the Yahoo News video that posed the question “PC or Mac?” to the Republican candidates.

There’s a chorus of “PC” until they get to McCain, who responds, “Neither, I am an illiterate that has to rely on my wife for all the assistance I can get.”

Technology offers huge opportunities for this country. Technology, in many forms, has propelled this nation forward as a leader in many industries. However, it’s often a marginalized issue when it comes to presidential politicking.

Chris O’Brien of the San Jose Mercury News has called on Obama and McCain to debate science and technology.

ScienceDebate2008.com is collecting signatures to make the debate a reality.

I think it’s a great idea and hopefully it will happen.

Net neutrality is a big question that needs to be talked about, but what questions would you have for the candidates? Portable electronic health records? The Freedom of Information Act?