Joe the Plumber: An American Carol; UPDATE: Al The Plumber Responds

by Teh Nutroots | You know Joe, don't you?  No?  You know:  Joe. Not Joe Sixpack or Joe Biden, but Joe the Plumber.  Ben Smith:  "He was mentioned a few times at Hofstra." 

But...but why hasn't he registered to vote?   That's a little disturbing, if true. [Update:  Apparently not; he's a registered Republican]  How can he "live the American dream" if he doesn't participate in democracy?

You could argue that he's made the ultimate contribution by becoming a GOP campaign talking point. He himself has acknowledged that it's "pretty surreal." No, it would only be "surreal" if  McCain had turned into the actual Elmer Fudd, then got so furious with that steam actually came out of his ears so Bugs had to call in Joe the Plumber to check the state of Elmer's pipes and then tried to pay him in non tax-deductible carrots.

But it is a bit of luck for ol' Joe.

Marc Ambinder, liveblogging the debate:  "New American catch phrase: "Joe The Plumber"...How many morning show bookers are frantically trying to find Joe The Plumber right now?...By the way: Joe's last name is not "ThePlumber.""  No, it isn't; it's Wurzelbacher. The plumber's union endorsed Obama.  Is Joe the Plumber the ultimate "gamechanger"?

As for the real-life Joe the plumber, Wurzelbacher gave a lengthy interview with familysecuritymatters.com, in which he discussed his dissatisfaction with Obama’s response to his question. “So he does want to punish me, he does want to punish me for working harder to – you know, my big thing is the American Dream,” he said.

He didn’t endorse McCain either. “There’s a lot of things I wish McCain would say. As far as this, yes, I would like him to speak. Not so much about small businesses, but just people in general that make this money,” he said, “I guess I would like him to speak about that and a bunch of other things.”

UPDATE: Ohio’s Toledo Blade reports that Wurzelbacher tuned in to the debate tonight and “still thinks Senator Obama’s plan would keep him from buying the small business that employs him.” Wurzelbacher said that McCain “got it right as far as I go.”

However, the Ohio plumber has declined to say who will get his vote Nov. 4. “It’s pretty surreal, man, my name being mentioned in a presidential campaign,” he said.
(WSJ)

I can't work out why ol' Joe thinks he is rich enough to be disadvantaged by Obama's tax plan or rich enough to afford McCain's.  What part of "middle class tax breaks" does he find unappealing?  Ah ha!   Here you go:

Like everyone else in America, he talks like a pundit.

"McCain was solid in his performance," he says. "I still don't know where he stands," he says of Obama. "I'm middle class. I can't have my taxes raised any more."

He also says he actually isn't in the bracket where Obama would raise his taxes -- but he's worried that Obama will shift the bracket down.

He also said that, in his encounter with Obama, the Illinois Senator "a tap dance...almost as good as Sammy Davis, Jr."  (Ben Smith)

I see:  he's a member of the demographic group who feel more secure with a guy who is promising NOT to give them any tax breaks than with a guy who promises to give them tax breaks and tax only those with income of a quarter of a million.  Huh.  Say it ain't so, Joe!   

Man, I wish I were Joe the Plumber.  Twenty years at the same job, and I still don't make enough money to worry about my tax bracket.  And---unlike plumbers---I am completely dispensable. 

Some of whom support Obama, by the way.  Here's what William P. Hite of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada says at their website says:

On January 9, 2008, the United Association became the first International Union to endorse Senator Barack Obama as its candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. This endorsement was discussed with the General Executive Board and they concurred.

Barack Obama is the choice of the UA because he has always fought for working people throughout his career and will do the best job of bringing badly-needed change to Washington. Obama will help us keep existing jobs and work to develop new, higher paying jobs here in America, reform our health care system, fix our ailing schools and make sure that the pensions of our retirees are safe....

The UA was one of the first unions in Illinois to endorse him as a candidate for the U.S. Senate....

We remain a bi-partisan organization. However, our best hope for clear direction and responsible change in our national government calls for our support of Barack Obama. The economic indicators show a weakening national economy and we need someone to both invigorate our economy and provide hope for our country.

UPDATE:  Via the indispensable Sadly, No! Al the Plumber of Milwaukee responds!  Looks like some plumbers are more like me than like Joe. 

Like a lot of small business owners, Al says he's hurting. He's worried about the worsening economy and how it will affect his chances of getting his next job.

“It’s incredibly tough. The competition for work is incredible. You might lose a job over a few dollars,” Al explained.

From where he sits, the future looks bleak. The cost of plumbing supplies is going up, and customers are reluctant to get work done.

“I can only hope in time the economy corrects itself and there’ll be a bigger demand for service plumbers and that's what I’ll be doing now,” Al said.

This election, Al says he's voting his pocket book. He's supporting Barack Obama because he thinks he has the best vision for America.

“We've had 8 years of a disaster is what I would say and now you’re looking to the future and we need change and I think Barack is going to bring the change we need,” Al said.

Al says even if Obama wins, he's not certain he'll be able to fix all of our country's problems. He's just hoping he'll fix the economy so he can get some more business. (TMJ4; see video!)

Joe the Plumber Updates!

Ben Smith:

[W]hile he's navigated the media swarm pretty ably, the lack of polish -- and vetting -- also shows.

To wit: His opposition to taxes appears to extend to not paying them.

And his opposition to regulation appears to extend to licensing requirements.

Well, this link---provided by commenter vcsmith---is interesting.  All together now ONE MORE TIME---because somebody's got to say it---"Say it ain't so, Joe!"   Waiting for further developments. 

More at Memeorandum.

Recent Buck Naked Politics Postings:

* Execs Took Millions While Driving Companies into Ditch

* Fannie CEO Got $38 Million, Risky Buys Weren't his Fault?

* Lehman Execs Re-Distributed in Shareholder Wealth (to Themselves)

* Pentagon Wants $450 Billion Increase, Should Cut Waste First

* AIG's $85 Billion Bailout: see What Anti-Regulation Ideology can do?

* Bush Approved Torture in Memos

*Incredulous Pointing & Giggling From Along the Campaign Trail

* Is the Party Over for Joe the Plumber & Joe Six-Pack or Will They Switch to Obama Too?

* Final Presidential Debate like Bugs v. Elmer
 

 

Comments

[barnyard]

Turns out that Joe "the plumber" Wurzelbacher is related to Charles "the crook" Keating of the infamous Keating 5 scandal. And McCain campaign insiders knew about it. Hilarious.
http://www.eisenstadtgroup.com/2008/10/16/joe-the-plumber-wurzelbacher-related-to-charles-keating-oops/

[Andrew]

Video is here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFC9jv9jfoA

[vcsmith]

See correct link:
http://www.eisenstadtgroup.com/?s=Wurzelbacher

[Close Observer]

Hey, looks like Barack ("Senator Government") Obama isn't the only hack parroting David Axelrod talking points! Too rich and too funny!

http://www.snappedshot.com/archives/2991-What-Liberal-Media.html

[shaggles]

Buying an existing business doesn't mean you've worked harder than someone else and it doesn't tend to create new jobs which is the only valid reason to give businesses a tax break. I associate those things with starting a business from scratch. Joe just wants to make himself rich and have the government give him a handout for doing it. Tax breaks for businesses should be tied to job creation.

[Close Observer]

That's right. Screw the plumbers and other blue collar types of the world. What're they good for anyway! The only worthy employment is with ACORN!

This election is about one thing that can be spelled in *three* letters - J-O-B-S. (That's Joe Biden, who gets away with stunning Quaylisms like this daily that the media would crucify Governor Palin if she did.)
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/oh-that-joe-n-6.html

[BaxterJ]

Joe the Plumber needs an economics lesson.
http://www.entertonement.com/tags/clips/4726?sort_by=date

[Close Observer]

Whoops ... another fib by the Obama campaign BUSTED!

http://www.timesleader.com/news/breakingnews/Secret_Service_says_Kill_him_allegation_unfounded_.html

But what is it that Sen. Obama (D-Media) is saying that incites his followers to wear shirts saying "Sarah Palin is a c---"? Why is it in Obama's rhetoric that triggers this base hatred? Why won't he condemn it? And because he won't, does this mean he shares the misogyny of his followers?

http://www.patterico.com/2008/10/16/move-along-no-sexism-to-see-here/

http://townhall.com/columnists/MichelleMalkin/2008/10/15/the_rage_thats_not_on_your_front_page

Please, Obama, denounce what you have inspired! And please join him, Obamabots!

[Close Observer]

Whoops. Looks like another Obama fib has been busted: http://www.timesleader.com/news/breakingnews/Secret_Service_says_Kill_him_allegation_unfounded_.html

But what about the hate of the Obama campaign? What is it in his rhetoric that incites people to wear "Sarah Palin is a c---" t-shirts? And because he won't denounce them, doesn't this mean he shares their misogyny?

http://townhall.com/columnists/MichelleMalkin/2008/10/15/the_rage_thats_not_on_your_front_page

[Lance Free]

Let's see now. This ordinary Joe Plumber guy is crying because he makes an exceptional amount of money! Wah, Wah, Wah!! The "insulate the rich" crowd has deceived Joe Plumber into thoughtlessly and uncritically adopting some kind of objection based upon wealth "redistribution" and "socialism". Well Joe, before you go into that new business, how about paying back (with credit card interest) what you owe in the "redistribution" and "socialized" benefits you have and are receiving!!

First, I assume you went to public school. Hey get this Joe, school tax dollars were taken from everyone, pooled and "redistributed" to those families with children in school. This goes for every school from preschools to graduate schools. And, tax deductions and other tax breaks make the same applicable to private schools of every variety. So Joe, when will you pay the fed, state & local governments.

Second. Gee Wiz Joe, did it ever occur to you that your trade, wages and proposed business are entirely based upon the exact ignorance your "me first" distraction. There is no "plumbing" and are no "plumbers" without the wealth distribution and socialization of the sewage and water infrastructure upon which you take as a personal capital investment from which you are entitled to make a "buck". I and your fellow citizens paid for that which provides your livelihood. Since our infrastructure is in dire need of updating, maybe you would feel more comfortable with a special tax on plumbers to fix that which is the source of their livelihood so that the rest of us aren't subsidizing your wages and benefits.

Oh Joe, a third point is unions and yes, the trade unions are very powerful and organized. You may or may not be a member; but I suspect you were at one time or another. Even if you don't belong, you have to concede the strength of trade unions benefit you by keeping wages of plumbers high and assuring you the prevailing wage. By the way, the unions have long been the subject of the wealth class as socialists. The laws which protect unions and collective bargaining mean I subsidize your wages and benefits by allowing you a right to collectively bargain and charge the union rate. Oh yeah Joe, if the state licenses you or inspects your work, you are subsidized such that others are precluded from doing the same work.

Joe my brother. When you get into that truck which is loaded with tools and you set out u[pon the highways, does it occur to you that are driving upon a redistribution of wealth. Your heavier than mine, loaded vehicle, puts more wear and tear on the roads. But you haven't repaid the rest of us who don't use the highways as much, or as severely, as you. And heaven forbid you are deducting gas and mileage as an expense so the rest of us are picking up the costs you have redistributed.

And, because "a lot" is not enough for you Joe, the great thing is there is a plumber out there who will see the kind of money which you feels will threaten your "better than a good life" is more than enough for him or her. That plumber may very well come to your town and set up the business you feel is beneath you because of some additional taxation.

Hey Joe. Next time you have a question, think about the world and reality we live in. Look around and you'll find many of the things you take for granted are the direct result of having been "redistributed" and "socialized". Well "my friend", you have frankly deluded yourself into classifying reality and policy by pejorative labels. We have a mixed economy sir. Now you can deny the realities, but truth and frankness merely require you to admit that your real objection is you are selfish and greedy.

And in the end, it won't be competition or taxes which undo you. It will be your unreflective simplicity which justifies your seeds of greed. And.Joe, if you are a schill and a plant whose own financial circumstances make your statements of "business ownership" implausible, you are a fraud whose shamelessness has impaired this country and scammed the electorate.

And, that is so Joe. Good Luck.

[Lance Free]

Let's see now. This ordinary Joe Plumber guy is crying because he makes an exceptional amount of money! Wah, Wah, Wah!! The "insulate the rich" crowd has deceived Joe Plumber into thoughtlessly and uncritically adopting some kind of objection based upon wealth "redistribution" and "socialism". Well Joe, before you go into that new business, how about paying back (with credit card interest) what you owe in the "redistribution" and "socialized" benefits you have and are receiving!!

First, I assume you went to public school. Hey get this Joe, school tax dollars were taken from everyone, pooled and "redistributed" to those families with children in school. This goes for every school from preschools to graduate schools. And, tax deductions and other tax breaks make the same applicable to private schools of every variety. So Joe, when will you pay the fed, state & local governments.

Second. Gee Wiz Joe, did it ever occur to you that your trade, wages and proposed business are entirely based upon the exact ignorance your "me first" distraction. There is no "plumbing" and are no "plumbers" without the wealth distribution and socialization of the sewage and water infrastructure upon which you take as a personal capital investment from which you are entitled to make a "buck". I and your fellow citizens paid for that which provides your livelihood. Since our infrastructure is in dire need of updating, maybe you would feel more comfortable with a special tax on plumbers to fix that which is the source of their livelihood so that the rest of us aren't subsidizing your wages and benefits.

Oh Joe, a third point is unions and yes, the trade unions are very powerful and organized. You may or may not be a member; but I suspect you were at one time or another. Even if you don't belong, you have to concede the strength of trade unions benefit you by keeping wages of plumbers high and assuring you the prevailing wage. By the way, the unions have long been the subject of the wealth class as socialists. The laws which protect unions and collective bargaining mean I subsidize your wages and benefits by allowing you a right to collectively bargain and charge the union rate. Oh yeah Joe, if the state licenses you or inspects your work, you are subsidized such that others are precluded from doing the same work.

Joe my brother. When you get into that truck which is loaded with tools and you set out u[pon the highways, does it occur to you that are driving upon a redistribution of wealth. Your heavier than mine, loaded vehicle, puts more wear and tear on the roads. But you haven't repaid the rest of us who don't use the highways as much, or as severely, as you. And heaven forbid you are deducting gas and mileage as an expense so the rest of us are picking up the costs you have redistributed.

And, because "a lot" is not enough for you Joe, the great thing is there is a plumber out there who will see the kind of money which you feels will threaten your "better than a good life" is more than enough for him or her. That plumber may very well come to your town and set up the business you feel is beneath you because of some additional taxation.

Hey Joe. Next time you have a question, think about the world and reality we live in. Look around and you'll find many of the things you take for granted are the direct result of having been "redistributed" and "socialized". Well "my friend", you have frankly deluded yourself into classifying reality and policy by pejorative labels. We have a mixed economy sir. Now you can deny the realities, but truth and frankness merely require you to admit that your real objection is you are selfish and greedy.

And in the end, it won't be competition or taxes which undo you. It will be your unreflective simplicity which justifies your seeds of greed. And.Joe, if you are a schill and a plant whose own financial circumstances make your statements of "business ownership" implausible, you are a fraud whose shamelessness has impaired this country and scammed the electorate.

And, that is so Joe. Good Luck.

[Ken]

I read Joe the plumber is a fake. He owe's back taxes to Ohio. He owe's his ex wife money. He's not licenced,how can he act like such a big shot. He's a phoney!

[Teh Nutroots]

FYI, Close Observer, there were two "kill him" incidents. One came via Dana Milbank (an allegation in his column)---the other was different. Both are being investigated. Please see:

http://www.sadlyno.com/archives/12830.html

Because I'm sure you want to live up to your handle.

[Close Observer]

Both instances have a newspaper reporter solely making the claim. Dana Milbank is has a liberal slant on his news pieces - that's widely recognized. If he is the ONLY source (other media were present and didn't offer "first hand" validation), then that's not enough.

Meanwhile, you have refused to comment on the vile, misogynistic hatred of Sarah Palin by Obama supporters at Obama rallies. Will you hold Obama to the SAME STANDARD to which you hold McCain?

Why has Obama incited such grotesque anti-woman hatred? Why won't he denounce it? And why are you OKAY with that?

[Teh Nutroots]

Because I---and Damozel and others who blog with her--- hate Sarah Palin too?

But unlike you I don't see women as fungible or think Sarah Palin = all women.