Off The Bus

Off The Bus

Posted October 16, 2008 | 10:43 AM (EST)

"Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher Not Voting for McCain

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**Update** Joe the Plumber looks to be one of the thousands of American voters whose voter registration data fails to match his real life data. There is a Samuel Joe WORZELBACHER on the Secretary of State's rolls for Holland, Ohio. As fate has it, the most recently famous of Ohio's Republican voters is now a poster boy for why GOP efforts to purge voter rolls are as unreliable as voter protection advocates have argued they are, less a legitimate measure to prevent voter fraud than a transparent attempt to keep likely Democrats from voting.

***

The whole world is wondering today: "Who IS Joe the Plumber?" the everyman voter made famous in the final presidential debate last night for being referenced repeatedly by John McCain and addressed directly at one point by Barack Obama.

Cable news gave the impression that the man is just Samuel "average Joe" Wurzelbacher, from Holland, Ohio, who is looking to expand his business and believes that Barack Obama's proposed tax plan will actually cause him to lose money if he does so. He put his question on taxes to Obama in person while the Illinois Senator was canvassing in the Toledo suburb on Sunday. Plumber Joe later said Obama "tap dance[d] ... almost as good as Sammy Davis Jr." in the conversation and implied in an interview after the debate that he would vote for John McCain.

It might be heartening to McCain to know that he has at least one vote in Democratic stronghold Lucas County, Ohio, but for one small fact. A download of the Lucas County voter rolls from the Ohio Secretary of State's website lists four Wurzelbachers, two in Holland, but none of them named Sam or Joe or Samuel Joseph. There's a Robert Lee and a Frank Edward Wurzelbacher, but no Joe.

Apparently, Joe the Plumber don't vote.


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**Update** Joe the Plumber looks to be one of the thousands of American voters whose voter registration data fails to match his real life data. There is a Samuel Joe WORZELBACHER on the Secretary of...
**Update** Joe the Plumber looks to be one of the thousands of American voters whose voter registration data fails to match his real life data. There is a Samuel Joe WORZELBACHER on the Secretary of...
 
 

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- stayinsouth1981 See Profile I'm a Fan of stayinsouth1981 permalink

Ask Joe "the Plumber" your questions about meeting Barack Obama; his interaction with the McCain campaign and what it's like to be a household name, overnight. He will answer your questions live on Friday morning, October 24th, at 11:00 AM


How has his life changed?
What is it like to be mentioned 26 times in a Presidential Debate?
What did John McCain say to him during their telephone call?
Will he be out on the campaign trail in the final weeks?
What's next for Joe?

Submit your questions now by logging onto: www.washingtontimes.com Once there, scroll toward the middle of the home page and click on the Joe "the Plumber" chat link.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:30 PM on 10/23/2008
- polyfoamworkshop See Profile I'm a Fan of polyfoamworkshop permalink

Sometimes 15 minutes of fame is quite revealing, especially when the spot light becomes glaring.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:40 PM on 10/20/2008
- UnaffiliatedIndie See Profile I'm a Fan of UnaffiliatedIndie permalink

Forget character attacks, deserved or not, and deal with the issue. Here"s a relevant excerpt from the WSJ 10/17/08 article, 'As Joe the Plumber Grows Famous, the Politics Get Murkier':

"To reach a level that would be affected by Sen. Obama"s proposed tax increase, Mr. Smither said, a mom-and-pop plumbing company like Newell would have to clear $5 million in annual sales. [Joe"s company actually reports only $100,000 in sales.]

Even if Mr. Wurzelbacher reaped taxable income from his business of $280,000 a
year, he'd pay only about $900 more a year in taxes under Sen. Obama's plan, which
would raise the tax rate on the income between $250,000 and $280,000 to 36%
from 33%. [...]

If Mr. Wurzelbacher earns the wages of a typical Ohio plumber, $40,600, and holds a $90,000 mortgage, he would see a TAX CUT (emphasis added) under Sen. Obama's plan of more than $1,000, compared with no tax reduction under Sen. McCain's.

If he succeeds in buying the plumbing business where he works, he could see even more tax benefits, including Sen. Obama's proposed elimination of capital-gains taxes for small-business investment, a 50% tax credit to purchase health insurance for employees and a $3,000 tax credit for every new hire over the next two years."

Let"s not be distracted by Joe "padding his resume" to ask a question in which he was interested; what matters is the TOPIC.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:09 AM on 10/19/2008
- flagnagdes See Profile I'm a Fan of flagnagdes permalink

Someone has started a "campaign" for our friend Joe.

http://joetheplumber2008.blogspot.com/

I'm loving it.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:50 PM on 10/18/2008
- TheloniousThinks See Profile I'm a Fan of TheloniousThinks permalink

WOW. That's the first time I actually saw the whole original thing. Obama answered his question TOTALLY and thoroughly and explained it all including the follow-up questions. My lord. I have never seen a politician do that. Joe says he just got a tap dance. Joe just didn't understand the answer. But Obama gave the COMPLETE answer. Tell Joe to go and study taxation for a few hours.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:34 PM on 10/18/2008
- huffy2001 See Profile I'm a Fan of huffy2001 permalink

Maybe he's been purged! Good riddance.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:21 AM on 10/18/2008
- HappinessHacker See Profile I'm a Fan of HappinessHacker permalink

The G.O.P. is paying street shills to try to mold opinion in Atlanta, their slick similar story lines have the ring of Moonies from days gone by. Joe the Plumber looks and sounds just like them.

The shills are the real story.

HappinessHacker.com - Atlanta

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:47 AM on 10/18/2008
- PaceSetter See Profile I'm a Fan of PaceSetter permalink

From Firedoglake:

Wurzelbacher is registered to vote under the name Samuel Joseph Worzelbacher. The first and middle names are correct. The last name should have a "u," not an "o."

Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner noted the irony today: The Ohio Republican Party wants careful scrutiny of every new voter registration, but the tools it wants her to use -- Social Security numbers and drivers' licenses -- could knock out legitimate voters due to typos, human error or software issues. Those voters then would have to get provisional ballots, which don't account for much unless the election is tight, and which require additional ID procedures.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:47 AM on 10/18/2008
- RCLGuard See Profile I'm a Fan of RCLGuard permalink

What is the HOOPLA about? Obama did a excellent job explaining to Joe what's up with what. He was asked a hard question and he gave a great answer and won the crowd over.

Move on, everyone. This is not what Mc Cain should hang the remaining 2 weeks on.

And I can't believe I used the word 'Hoopla'

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:20 PM on 10/17/2008
- respectingothers See Profile I'm a Fan of respectingothers permalink

hahaha what do you expect for a repub? all bark and no bite!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:45 PM on 10/17/2008
- Pal-Mac See Profile I'm a Fan of Pal-Mac permalink

To Joe the Plumber. Please understand that McCain and the Republicans have exploited you. They led you to believe that Obama will increase your taxes and take your money and give it to those who do not work hard like you. Do you really understand that with your current earnings ($35,500 to 65,500) you will get more of a tax cut from Obama (~ $1,201) than McCain (~ $319)? Check it out here:

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html

And if you were fortunate enough to buy and operate a plumbing business and be able to exceed $250,000 in profit (not revenue, profit after you pay your employees, truck expenses, materials, etc), you will see a small increase versus the McCain plan. If I were in your shoes I would dance from joy all the way to the bank.

By the way Joe¦ I am curious, how did you come up with the $250-$280,000 profit figure? How did you know that you will have this kind of profit? Do you know for a fact that your boss makes this much profit right now? I have a hunch were you got that number... from the same people who exploited you and set you up for your talk with Barack. Shame of them for so deviously and callously using you.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:39 PM on 10/17/2008
- Pal-Mac See Profile I'm a Fan of Pal-Mac permalink

To Joe the Plumber. Please understand Joe, that McCain and the Republicans have exploited you. They led you to believe that Obama will increase your taxes and take your money and give it to those who do not work hard like you. Do you really understand that with your current earnings ($35,500 to 65,500) you will get more of a tax cut from Obama (~ $1,201) than McCain (~ $319)? Check it out here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html

And if you were fortunate enough to buy and operate a plumbing business and be able to exceed $250,000 in profit (not revenue, profit, after you pay your employees, truck expenses, materials, etc), you will see a small increase versus the McCain plan. If I were in your shoes I would dance from joy all the way to the bank.

By the way Joe¦ I am curious, how did you come up with the $250-$280,000 profit figure? How did you know that you will have this kind of profit? Do you know for a fact that your boss makes this much profit right now? I have a hunch were you got that number " from the same people who exploited you and set you up for your talk with Barack. Shame of them for so deviously and callously using you.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:32 PM on 10/17/2008
- joetrade See Profile I'm a Fan of joetrade permalink

It was reported on "Countdown" last night that:

1) "Joe the Plumber" is not a plumber.

2) "Joe the Plumber" does not have his own business but works for a contractor.

3) "Joe the Plumber" is not buying his bosses business.

4) "Joe the Plumber's" boss does not make $250,000/year but approximatelt $100,000.

5)"Joe the Plumber" does not make $250,00/year but approximately $ 40,000/year.

6)"Joe the Plumber" has appeared on Coservative talk radio and may be a "schill".

The moral of the story is don't buy the Repug BS especially when there ass is getting kicked.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:07 AM on 10/17/2008
- PaceSetter See Profile I'm a Fan of PaceSetter permalink

http://www.eisenstadtgroup.com/2008/10/15/joe-the-plumber-wurzelbacher-related-to-charles-keating-oops/

Turns out that Joe Wurzelbacher from the Toledo event is a close relative of Robert Wurzelbacher of Milford, Ohio. Who"s Robert Wurzelbacher? Only Charles Keating"s son-in-law and the former senior vice president of American Continental, the parent company of the infamous Lincoln Savings and Loan. The now retired elder Wurzelbacher is also a major contributor to Republican causes giving well over $10,000 in the last few years.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:57 AM on 10/18/2008
- jurneeka See Profile I'm a Fan of jurneeka permalink

I love Countdown - we've become huge Olbermann fans since the election shinanigans began. Maybe in NYC or the San Francisco Bay Area, there MIGHT be a plumber out there making $250k+, not too many of them though. It was obvious to us here that after the 15th time that McCain referenced JTP that there was 'monkey business' afoot - as a result we had a mighty good laugh watching Countdown on what they called "Plumber's cracks". Maybe the McCain campaign powers that be didn't set JTP up to try and sabotage Obama and have a talking point for the debate - if they did it sure backfired on them, though I'm sure they'll never admit it, since apparently both Palin and McCain were still referencing JTP in their rallies. Of course, Palin doesn't read the news and McCain doesn't know how to use the internet, so maybe they haven't yet heard that THE JIG IS UP!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:57 PM on 10/17/2008
- Pal-Mac See Profile I'm a Fan of Pal-Mac permalink

The repubs have exploited this poor guy Joe, who, if some of the news about him surfacing now are true, would probably now be in a whole lot of trouble.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:49 PM on 10/17/2008
- GreatNorwegian See Profile I'm a Fan of GreatNorwegian permalink

It's not about Joe, it's about his representation of a small business owner - that's it. Fools that are trying to rip into Joe's credibility and personal life are missing the point and need to get a life of their own, my god. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though to here a liberal scream "conspiracy!".

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:45 PM on 10/17/2008
- GreatNorwegian See Profile I'm a Fan of GreatNorwegian permalink


Yea Right. The Repubs new exactly what town Obama would be stopping in and secretely positioned Joe to miraculously get a camera-time question with Obama. This issue remains, S Corp small business owners like Joe will pay more in taxes under Obama, especially when Obama repeals the bush tax cuts. What a waste of time to try discredit this man. He might have also just moved to that Holland so he wouldn't appear on the voting record. And even if this is his first vote as a resident in Holland, to say he is not voting for McCain is a lie. Nice try.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:58 AM on 10/17/2008
- mjtaylor22 See Profile I'm a Fan of mjtaylor22 permalink

90 % OF SMALL BUSINESSES MAKE LESS THAN 250K.
ALSO IF ONE DID MAKE OVER 250K, THE 3-4% HIGHER TAX IS ON THE AMOUNT ABOVE 250K.
ALSO OUR TAX SYSTEM IS SKEWED TOWARD BUSINESSES ANYWAY. YOU PAY TAXES ON TAXASBLE INCOME, NOT GROSS INCOEM DUMMY
AND ANY GOOD BUSINESS PERSON, KEEPS TRACK OF THEIR DEDCUTIONS.
AND THESE DEDUCTIONS ARE THE KIND THAT W2 EMPLOYEES CANNOT EVEN ACHIEVE.
SO STOP LYING. MOST EXPENSES FOR BUSIENSS ARE DEDUCTIBLE, SO IF YOU STILL NET OVER 250K AFTER DEDUCTIONS, YOU MAKING A WHOLE LOTTA MONEY
OVER 250K, OR YOU CANNOT DO YOUR BOOKS, SO PLEASE STOP WHINGING ABOUT TAXES

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:58 PM on 10/17/2008
- TrooAmerican See Profile I'm a Fan of TrooAmerican permalink

whaahhahhahahahaaat? -- S Corp small business owners like Joe ...
What the H are you talking about?
Joe is worker for a plumber, and has no business.
And as for your point... i can easily say, i dont care at all if the 2% of small business that will be taxed more are taxed more. It doesnt bother me.
98% will see a tax cut under Obama and they are going to vote for him because most people know its the consumers that drive 75% of GDP. And if they dont have money, they cant spend it and no small business is for that.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:15 PM on 10/17/2008
- GrayFeather See Profile I'm a Fan of GrayFeather permalink

That's right someone goes and stand at a rally and doesn't vote, who do you think you are fooling? What a joke you people are! Joe had a great question and yes Obama will tax him and thinks he can better spend Joe' s money than Joe! Stop lying about these stories, you are the media and need to tell the American people the truth!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:33 AM on 10/17/2008
- Alic4 See Profile I'm a Fan of Alic4 permalink

Well, the truth is that Joe did lie about how much he makes... I guess he was just trying to make a point, though...

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:06 PM on 10/17/2008
- NanNevadaDem See Profile I'm a Fan of NanNevadaDem permalink

GrayFeather : It is clear you have been fooled on a regular basis and are so brainwashed you are unable to form a logical thought! Do your homework ( your Republican hypnotist puppeteers sure haven't) Check out your newest "hero" Joe the "Plumber" on your own. He ISN"T licensed, he can't afford to buy a business (now that your leaders have deregulated our country so badly that Joe won't be able to get the credit he'll need to buy ANY business) and he really may not be able to vote as a victim of his parties purging efforts!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:52 AM on 10/17/2008
- nolianv See Profile I'm a Fan of nolianv permalink

Apparently Joe the Plumber isn't a plumber either. And he's not buying a business because his bosses business it's not for sale. And he makes about 40K a year, so he'd actually be getting a tax break in an Obama administration.

Great ad, Campaign McCain! Next time, be sure you name your average Joe correctly. This one should actually be called Joe, the Limbaugh Loving, Lying, Boneheaded Racist.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:50 AM on 10/17/2008
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