Should PMs have an IT background?

Is the ability to get things done through others (sounds like something right out of a textbook).

I agree with DC Guy (and Alex.V). I can lead a team of IT professionals, but couldn't begin to manage a team of Vascular Surgeons or even Bricklayers for that matter. I don't have a clue as to what problems they face or how to anticipate their needs. It's ludicrous to believe someone can manage (or lead) a project using a technology they don't understand, and I think the people who regurgitate the "A good manager can manage anything" mantra are doing it in books or in front of a classroom because they can't hack it in the real world, and saying it makes them feel better about themselves.

As for ArrowIVDriver, I don't think anyone is talking about "Technical" Leads here. Once you make the decision to head towards Project Management/Leadership, then your career path is Management, not Technical. It's no longer imperative that you fully comprehend every aspect of the technical details of the system. I have worked on projects where productivity was stunted while we "dumbed down" to the level of the PM's ability to understand the system. You rely on the guru's to perform whatever magic it takes to accomplish the task, but it's critical to have at least SOME actual experience in the field. As DC Guy said, you'll get more respect from the team, and you won't fall for "Oh, I spent an hour changing spark plugs on that diesel engine".