"Joe The Plumber" Speaks: "It's Pretty Surreal"

UPDATE : Joe the Plumber: McCain "Appalled Me," Made Me Feel "Dirty"

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Who is Joe the Plumber?

He is Joe Wurzelbacher, an Ohio man looking to buy a plumbing business who came to symbolize the notion of "spreading the wealth" in Wednesday night's third and final presidential debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

Earlier this week, when Wurzelbacher got a chance to speak with Obama when the candidate visited Toledo, he told Obama that his tax plan would keep him from buying the business that currently employs him.

Sensing an opening in the debate, McCain cited that exchange when the candidates were asked to explain why their economic plans are better than their opponent's. McCain said Obama's plan would stop entrepreneurs from investing in new small businesses and keep existing ones from growing.

"Joe wants to buy the business that he has been in for all of these years, worked 10, 12 hours a day. And he wanted to buy the business but he looked at your tax plan and he saw that he was going to pay much higher taxes," McCain challenged Obama.

"You were going to put him in a higher tax bracket which was going to increase his taxes, which was going to cause him not to be able to employ people, which Joe was trying to realize the American dream," McCain said.

McCain then looked directly into the TV camera and said: "Joe, I want to tell you, I'll not only help you buy that business that you worked your whole life for and I'll keep your taxes low and I'll provide available and affordable health care for you and your employees. And I will not stand for a tax increase on small business income."

Obama denied that was true.

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"Not only do 98 percent of small businesses make less than $250,000, but I also want to give them additional tax breaks, because they are the drivers of the economy," Obama said. "They produce the most jobs."

So what did Wurzelbacher (pronounced whur-zell-BAHK-er) think about being at the center of the debate?

"It's pretty surreal, man, my name being mentioned in a presidential campaign," he said minutes after hearing McCain utter his name.

In Toledo on Sunday, Wurzelbacher told Obama that he was preparing the company, which earns more than $250,000 a year, and said: "Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?"

Obama said that under his proposal taxes on any revenue from $250,000 on down would stay the same, but that amounts above that level would be subject to a 39 percent tax, instead of the current 36 percent rate.

"And the reason why we're doing that is because 95 percent of small businesses make less than 250 (thousand). So what I want to do is give them a tax cut. I want to give all these folks who are bus drivers, teachers, auto workers who make less, I want to give them a tax cut," he said.

Wurzelbacher protested, saying he's been a hardworking plumber for 15 years and why should he be taxed more.

"It's not that I want to punish your success," Obama said. "I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you that they've got a chance at success, too."

At a later point in the discussion, Obama said: "I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody. But listen, I respect what you do and I respect your question, and even if I don't get your vote, I'm still gonna be working hard on your behalf because small businesses are what creates jobs in this country and I want to encourage it."

Wurzelbacher's name came up again when the debate turned to a discussion of health care policies.

He said Obama's reaction on the tax question left him feeling uneasy.

"I didn't think much of it the first time I heard it," Wurzelbacher said, adding that he still thinks Obama's plan would keep him from buying the business.

About McCain: "He's got it right as far as I go."

Even so, Wurzelbacher declined to say which candidate would get his vote on Nov. 4.

"That's for me and a button to know," he said.

___

On the Net:

McCain: http://www.johnmccain.com

Obama: http://www.barackobama.com

Comments

[kristyewing]

"Joe the Plumber" is Joe Wurzelbacher, an Ohio man who became instantly famous as a result of the last Presidential debate of the 2008 elections. Some like to think of him as a guy who represents a lot of other guys out there. Some think he's a plant from the Republican party. What do you think? Tell us on http://who-is-joe-the-plumber.blogspot.com/

[justsaynotofascism]

Joe is not a plumber, is not a union member, and he's been an employee of a licensed plumber for 6 years. He makes somewhere around $40,000 a year, is registered as a republican, and voted in Ohio's 2008 republican primary.

In January, 2007, the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against him because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid, but there has been no action in the case since it was filed.

He's 34, his 13 year old son lives with him, and Joe (Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher) lived in Arizona 1997->2000. Apart from some of his political views (rightwing­/libertari­an) which he's shared, that's what has been verified.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27221645/

[kristyewing]

"Joe the Plumber" is Joe Wurzelbacher, an Ohio man who became instantly famous as a result of the last Presidential debate of the 2008 elections. Some like to think of him as a guy who represents a lot of other guys out there. Some think he's a plant from the Republican party. What do you think? Tell the world here: http://who-is-joe-the-plumber.blogspot.com/

[justsaynotofascism]

Joe is not a plumber, is not a union member, and he's been an employee of a licensed plumber for 6 years. He makes somewhere around $40,000 a year, is registered as a republican, and voted in Ohio's 2008 republican primary.

In January, 2007, the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against him because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid, but there has been no action in the case since it was filed.

He's 34, his 13 year old son lives with him, and Joe (Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher) lived in Arizona 1997->2000. Apart from some of his political views which he's shared, that's what has been verified.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27221645/ .

[Palemoon]

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/Joe_the_Plumber.html

Wow, even the Atlanta newspaper is firing away about Joe the fake plumber who owes back taxes.

Sounds like another Republican planted to try and swing the election, like the black radio shock jock that McCain planted in the front row of his town hall, without telling anyone who he was in order to try and pass him off as a regular Joe.

[DCCommuter]

I didn't know he was a radio rightwinger! I am surprised he didn't kiss McCain's ring.

[postman606]

The black radio guy is Milwaukee's James Harris. Harris says his inspiration for getting into radio was, get this, Rush Limbaugh. He's been spouting venom about Obama since the campaign started so you better believe he was a plant. www.jamestharris.com

[ImpalaSuperSport]

Sorry Joe, you lose. You say something bad about 'The One' you get drummed out of business. Should have known better than to ask a media darling a tough question before your affairs were in order, Joe. Exit question: The law’s the law and it is, after all, his own fault for not having the papers he needs. If, say, an illegal alien had asked McCain a tough question and some righty media source responded by bringing his status to light, would the left feel the same way?

[Thinking-It-Through]

Try to follow the timeline here, my friend. It was John McCain who put this man in the spotlight as Exhibt A for asking the question. If anyone put "Joe" in this position, it was McCain. It was that media darling who spewed Joe out there in the first place much like the Palin pick with just as much thorough vetting. The MSM should pick up by now that this is how McCain does business and comment on how this candidate operates not just the interesting details about Joe, the plumber. This is the real issue here.

[justsaynotofascism]

You can never get a rabid reichwinger to concede the point when you have the truth on your side.

[who38]

Thank you. Actually, it was probably Schmidt who put Joe in this position....and John as well. Bet Cindy is spitting bullets.

[Reli37]

Who really is Joe?
A republican plumber with a strong affinity for Senator McCain who just happened to get into Senator Obama's face to have a conversation with him? And then Senator McCain just happened to know about this particular conversation and use it in the debate and make it his centerpiece for the next few days (although mangling the gentleman's name)?

Sounds like a plant to me.

[TKFraz]

MEET AL the plumber!!!!!

A REAL PLUMBER discusses why his business needs Obama!!!!!!

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/31112804.html?video=pop&t=a&brand=mkevideo

[justsaynotofascism]

Hi, AL! Al's a real plumber with his own company and he's voting for Obama!

I like Al the Plumber.

GOBAMA!

[LJA]

Joe has always believed in McCain, before and after the debate regardless of what he says. On so many points he expressed earlier, he seemed more sympathetic to McCain. So, it is no surprise that he continues criticizing Obama's plans. He has the right to do so, but he is being used and presented falsely by Fox News and the McCain campaign.

They pretend that Obama could not change Joe's mind after the debate but all the while, Joe would have never voted for Obama anyway. Joe had made up his mind and now everyone is portraying him as if he would have been ready to change. He was always for McCain and will always be, and this is his right, just stop trying fooling us.

Besides, what is wrong in paying more taxes if I make more money? I would rather pay more taxes on $250,000.00 than fewer taxes on $100, 00.00 or less. Besides, small businesses will have a $3000 credit and better health coverage under Obama.

[Mildmannered]

Joe wants to buy a plumbing business that will pay him at least $250K a year? This is correct?

[milo h minderbinder]

I guess that's what he wants.

But since he's only making about 40k per year, and the business only makes about 100k per year, it sure looks like he wants something that's a complete fantasy.

The one thing he does have a good shot at is getting a tax cut from Obama...but perplexingly, he doesn't want that.

Here's an idea, when Obama is elected and Joe gets his tax cut, let's offer for him to refuse it - he can either give it to charity or have the government pass it to some of those poor overtaxed rich people.

I'm guessing despite all his badmouthing of Obama, he'll still pocket the cash when it arrives.

[BPCentrisAmerican]

Wanting and getting are 2 different things, 1st Joe needs a license, which requires an apprenticeship and a better job. I just saw Joe flaking for McCain and he's talking about his suppliers, who exactly are they, the guy needs to own a business 1st and in Ohio he needs to apprenticeship and a license.
I wish Joe luck, I really do.

[milo h minderbinder]

More facts coming out - the annual revenue of this company he'd like to buy is only about $100,000. And that's revenue, taxable profits would be even less than that.

So this company is WAY under the number, they'd definitely get a tax cut under Obama. I guess he just made up a number over 250 because he had no question/complaint otherwise?

[milo h minderbinder]

Forgot the link...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27221645/

[Free2Speak]

Great link.I think it about time the averaged rural anti Obama Joe is unmasked by proving they are very low information voters.Voting against their interest because they refuse to allow themselves to let the sun shine in with another view point.It really sad.

[KodeBloo]

How can 15 minutes of fame seem so loooonnnnnngggggggg in this media-driven country???

[who38]

Hear, hear.

[PatientNoMore]

If Joe does indeed earn $250K+ a year he is among the top 5% of American's -- an elite wage earner -- and not Joe Six Pack's cousin.
According to parade magazine, in their October 12, 2008 article, "How Much Would You Pay in Taxes?", under the Obama tax plan those earning between $227 - 603K would see their taxes increase by $121 !!!!
Now, poor Joe has to put aside his dream of buying the plumbing business, because the expected profits in the first year of the business were only about $119. So, sorry Joe.

[ErrUhEmm]

You guys don't get it. It's not making the rich pay more income tax that's the problem. it's that Obama is going to increase taxes on small businesses that make over $250,000 dollars that's the problem.

Increasing taxes on businesses and corporations in a time of economic hardship will be a disaster. I suspect Obama is lying and will change his tune once he wins.

[milo h minderbinder]

Yeah, except that less than 5% of small businesses make more than $250,000 annually in PROFIT (some estimate 2-3%).

[unhipcat]

There's a difference between gross income and net income.

[standup2them]

Hey there are some fat cats out there that have loop holes that don't pay their fair share in taxes. It's a known fact!

[icemilkcoffee]

What the heck are you smoking? If a small businessman is making $250k in profits then he is hardly going through 'economic hardships'. Obama is simply reverting back to the tax rate that existed back in Clinton's time. We all remember what a 'disaster' the economy was under Clinton, right?

[justsaynotofascism]

Joe is not a plumber, is not a union member, and he's been an employee of a licensed plumber for 6 years. He makes somewhere around $40,000 a year, is registered as a republican, and voted in Ohio's 2008 republican primary.

In January, 2007, the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against him because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid, but there has been no action in the case since it was filed.

He's 34, his 13 year old son lives with him, and Joe (Samuel Joseph W.) lived in Arizona 1997->2000. Apart from some of his political views which he's shared, that's what has been verified.


http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS

[tinynancer]

Perhaps Joe the Plumber should take a lesson in running a business before buying up a company that supposedly makes more than $250,000 a year. Does the guy even know the difference between net sales and net income?

If the company's net income was $250,000, it would be drawing well over $750,000 in net sales, assuming a profit margin of 35% (generous!) after overhead costs. Plumbing equipment ain't cheap, ya know.

Are there that many people with clogged toilets in Toledo?

[BPCentrisAmerican]

Joe is basically a non-licensed plumber assistant who pulls down around 40 grand a year, how do you buy a plumbing company making 40 grand a year? Today at a campaign rally MaCain declared that Joe was the star of the debate. McCain may cost Joe his job since Ohio requires all plumbers hold there own license. I think John McCain may want to drop it.

Check article in the toledoblade.

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418

[lion1]

Vote 1 for Joe !!!!

[standup2them]

Joe Biden I would vote for.

[Manx]

Joe The Plumber is the new version of Archie Bunker. He vigorously supports the war in Iraq but doesn't want to pay for it. So much for patriotism.

[TKFraz]

From a Toledo Newspaper:

He continued: "If you believe him, I would be receiving his tax cut," adding that he would not want the tax cut.

He won’t say who he will vote for on Nov. 4, but did say he likes Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

He said he was born in the Toledo area, lived until he was 13 in the Florida Panhandle area, went to Springfield High School, and then entered the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at an Air Force base in Alaska from 1992 until 1995. He said he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Wurzelbacher also said he lived in Arizona from 1997 until 2000.

=====

Article Link:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS