The presidential candidates see Silicon Valley as good for only one thing: its pocketbook, not its ideas. - Inspired by Valleywag

I agree completely. Presidential candidates don't have time, especially once they've clinched their party's nomination, to hobnob with the tech community. Reason? They no longer need their help to win the election. Even though media technology is heading towards the web, the Presidency still won and lost on TV - debates, commercials, speeches, etc. Plain and simple. The only thing that the candidates can use web tech for now is what they've been doing all along, and that's raising money.

And this differentiates Silicon Valley from every other industry sector how? Perhaps I'm just jaded, it's always about the dollars. Do we really believe that candidates turn to Big Oil for ideas first, and are just happy to take their dollars while they are there?

Is the comment about ideas or web ad spending? If the concern is that the candidates aren't going to spend money on web ads, then the related note about preaching to the converted is right on point. Traditional media is going to deliver more bang for the buck in the context of the current campaign. That may change within the next 4 years, but for now, don't get wrenched that the money isn't pouring in.

The final line refers to the candidates being disinterested in Silicon Valley's ideas. I don't think that's entirely the case, but Matt's point is well taken - why is the tech sector (not just the 'Silicon Valley' personification of it) different from other sectors? Tech is important, but does the tech sector have more informed views about environmental, transportation, global economic issues, nuclear proliferation, etc. than other sectors? Is the march of technology more important than these other issues?

Back to the question - are they disinterested in ideas? No. Are the tech sector's ideas any more important than other sector's ideas? No.

I totally disagree. Barack went to tour Google and connect to "the idea people" way before he announced his candidacy, and he maintains an ongoing connection (check out AtGoogle Talks on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4yVlPqeZwo&feature=PlayList&p=3412849248...). He knows the value of having people with great ideas on his team. His thought process is much more enlightened and cutting edge that mainstream politics allows. Unfortunately, I see him having to dumb down what he'd really like to talk with the nation about creating, because mainstream America is so droned out they don't think visionarily, "what could be?" Most have given up or conservative political thought is what's "expected".