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Wurzelbacher told the ''[[New York Times]]'' and ''[http://familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.1465/pub_detail.asp Family Security Matters]'' he is one of two employees of a small [[plumbing]] firm, Newell Plumbing and Heating Co. of Toledo,<ref name="Real Deal"/> the company he described to Obama as making $250,000 to $280,000 per year.<ref name="Real Deal"/>. Wurzelbacher said that the idea of buying the company was discussed during his job interview six years prior.<ref name="TBlicense"/> According to [[MSNBC]] and Fox News, court records show that Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006.<ref name="Joe ... is Focus"/> [[Dun & Bradstreet]]'s report estimated that A. W. Newell Corporation, the full corporate name, had $510,000 in annual sales and 8 employees.<ref>[http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_dp1mf9 A W Newell Corporation report] via Manta.com, Accessed December 10, 2008.</ref>
Wurzelbacher told the ''[[New York Times]]'' and ''[http://familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.1465/pub_detail.asp Family Security Matters]'' he is one of two employees of a small [[plumbing]] firm, Newell Plumbing and Heating Co. of Toledo,<ref name="Real Deal"/> the company he described to Obama as making $250,000 to $280,000 per year.<ref name="Real Deal"/>. Wurzelbacher said that the idea of buying the company was discussed during his job interview six years prior.<ref name="TBlicense"/> According to [[MSNBC]] and Fox News, court records show that Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006.<ref name="Joe ... is Focus"/> [[Dun & Bradstreet]]'s report estimated that A. W. Newell Corporation, the full corporate name, had $510,000 in annual sales and 8 employees.<ref>[http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_dp1mf9 A W Newell Corporation report] via Manta.com, Accessed December 10, 2008.</ref>


As part of the background on McCain's use of the "Joe the Plumber" paradigm, several media outlets researched his professional plumbing credentials. One Toledo Blade article surmised, "Mr. Wurzelbacher said he works under Al Newell’s license, but according to Ohio building regulations, he must maintain his own license to do plumbing work. He is also not registered to operate as a plumber in Ohio, which means he’s not a plumber."<ref>{{cite web
As part of the background on McCain's use of the "Joe the Plumber" paradigm, several media outlets researched his professional plumbing credentials, and determined that he does not have an individual plumber license. {{irrel}} <ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS
|url= http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS
|last = Vellequette
|last = Vellequette
Line 90: Line 90:
|publisher = [[Toledo Blade]]</ref>
|publisher = [[Toledo Blade]]</ref>


⚫
Local 50 of the [[United Association|United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and Service Mechanics]], whose national membership endorsed Obama, stated that Wurzelbacher has not yet completed the apprentice program he began in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101603614.html|title=After Debate, Glare Of Media Hits Joe|author=Barnes, Robert|publisher=''[[Washington Post]]''|accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref>
A detailed article in Newsweek pointed out that, "Reporters working on profiles soon discovered that Wurzelbacher didn’t actually have a state or local license to work as a plumber in the Toledo area, and despite Wurzelbacher’s insistence that he didn’t need one, local officials and building inspectors in Toledo insisted he did. On Friday, those officials said a letter was being mailed to Wurzelbacher’s employer warning him to get into compliance with city codes or face the loss of the company’s license."<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/10/17/joe-the-plumber-call-your-agent.aspx
|last = Wingert
|first = Pat
|date=2008-10-17
|accessdate = 2008-12-11
|title = "Joe the Plumber, Call Your Agent"
|publisher = [[Newsweek]]}}</ref>Wurzelbacher's employer, A. W. Newell, is licensed by the State of Ohio and the City of [[Toledo]].<ref name = TBlicense/><ref name = "APlicense">{{cite web
|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gJsPHiQlgYvAsrHz9mvHJlezQJLwD93RONUO0 |author=John Seewer |date=2008-10-16 |title= "'Joe the Plumber' says he has no plumbing license" |publisher=The Associated press. |accessdate=2008-10-17}}</ref>

An MSNBC article further elaborated on the requirement for Joe to legally work, "...anyone working under Newell should have a journeyman’s plumbing license or an apprenticeship license, officials said."<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27207215/
|last = Staff article
|first =
|date=2008-10-16
|accessdate = 2008-12-11
|title = "‘Plumber’ says he has no plumbing license"
⚫
|publisher = [[MSNBC]]}}</ref> Local 50 of the [[United Association|United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and Service Mechanics]], whose national membership endorsed Obama, stated that Wurzelbacher has not yet completed the apprentice program he began in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101603614.html|title=After Debate, Glare Of Media Hits Joe|author=Barnes, Robert|publisher=''[[Washington Post]]''|accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref>

The uncertainty over Joe's plumbing bona fides led to some political commentators to question McCain's vetting process following [[Sarah Palin]]. While Joe was simply asking a question, it was McCain who promoted an image of "Joe the Plumber" that did not match reality. Under the title of "Joe not a plumber" Andrew Sullivan of the [[The Atlantic]] wrote "Why am I not surprised? No license and a lien for unpaid taxes. Like Sarah Palin, a great concept. But the McCain campaign needs to be able to vet its hood ornaments."<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/joe-not-a-plumb.html
|last = Sullivan
|first = Andrew
|date=2008-10-16
|accessdate = 2008-12-11
|title = "Joe not a plumber"
|publisher = [[The Atlantic]]}}</ref>


==Draft campaign for Ohio's 9th congressional district==
==Draft campaign for Ohio's 9th congressional district==
Line 183: Line 157:
Wurzelbacher opposes the existing American [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] program. He told [[CNN]], "Social Security is a joke. I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please. Social Security I've never believed in, don't like it. I hate that it's forced on me."<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/wireless/avantgo/la-na-joe17-2008oct17,0,5877572.story Los Angeles Times], Oct. 17, 2008.</ref>
Wurzelbacher opposes the existing American [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] program. He told [[CNN]], "Social Security is a joke. I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please. Social Security I've never believed in, don't like it. I hate that it's forced on me."<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/wireless/avantgo/la-na-joe17-2008oct17,0,5877572.story Los Angeles Times], Oct. 17, 2008.</ref>


[[ABC News]] reported on October 16 that there is a judgment [[lien]] against Wurzelbacher for non-payment of $1,182 in Ohio state income taxes dating to January 2007, but "no action has been taken against him outside of filing the lien." Barb Losie, deputy clerk of the [[Lucas County]] Court of Common Pleas, said that "there is a 99 percent chance [Wurzelbacher] doesn't know about the lien, unless he did a credit report or was ready to pay his taxes."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Vote2008/story?id=6047360&page=1 |title=America's Overnight Sensation Joe the Plumber Owes $1,200 in Taxes |accessdate=2008-10-25 |last=Ibanga |first=Imaeyan |coauthors=Goldman, Russell |date=2008-10-16 |publisher=[[ABC News]]}}</ref> While on ''[[Hannity & Colmes]]'', Wurzelbacher stated that he was unaware of the tax lien prior to it being reported in the press, and felt he was being attacked because of his question of Obama.<ref>[[Hannity & Colmes]]. [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/joe_the_plumber_on_hannity_col.html Joe the Plumber on "Hannity & Colmes"], realclearpolitics.com, October 20, 2008. (Transcript)</ref>
[[ABC News]] reported on October 16 that there was a judgment [[lien]] against Wurzelbacher for non-payment of $1,182 in Ohio state income taxes dating to January 2007, but "no action has been taken against him outside of filing the lien." Barb Losie, deputy clerk of the [[Lucas County]] Court of Common Pleas, said that "there is a 99 percent chance [Wurzelbacher] doesn't know about the lien, unless he did a credit report or was ready to pay his taxes."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Vote2008/story?id=6047360&page=1 |title=America's Overnight Sensation Joe the Plumber Owes $1,200 in Taxes |accessdate=2008-10-25 |last=Ibanga |first=Imaeyan |coauthors=Goldman, Russell |date=2008-10-16 |publisher=[[ABC News]]}}</ref> While on ''[[Hannity & Colmes]]'', Wurzelbacher stated that he was unaware of the tax lien prior to it being reported in the press, and felt he was being attacked because of his question of Obama.<ref>[[Hannity & Colmes]]. [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/joe_the_plumber_on_hannity_col.html Joe the Plumber on "Hannity & Colmes"], realclearpolitics.com, October 20, 2008. (Transcript)</ref>


Wurzelbacher has also acknowledged that his parents were on welfare twice while he was growing up. Asked by [[Alan Colmes]] whether that constituted "taking somebody else's money and giving it to you", Wurzelbacher responded that he had "paid into welfare. It's something to be used, not abused, as it often is, Alan."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/5/23759/2683/662/655305 |title=Joe the Welfare Cheat |accessdate=2008-11-06 |last=L |first=Jed |coauthors= |date=2008-11-06 |publisher=[[Daily Kos]]}}</ref>
Wurzelbacher has acknowledged that his parents were on welfare twice while he was growing up. Asked by [[Alan Colmes]] whether that constituted "taking somebody else's money and giving it to you", Wurzelbacher responded that he had "paid into welfare. It's something to be used, not abused, as it often is, Alan."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/5/23759/2683/662/655305 |title=Joe the Welfare Cheat |accessdate=2008-11-06 |last=L |first=Jed |coauthors= |date=2008-11-06 |publisher=[[Daily Kos]]}}</ref>


==Ohio government database searches==
==Ohio government database searches==

Revision as of 18:43, 11 December 2008

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher
Wurzelbacher speaking in Elyria, Ohio
Other namesJoe the Plumber
CitizenshipUnited States
OccupationPlumber[1]
EmployerNewell Plumbing & Heating (A. W. Newell Inc.)

Joe the Plumber, initially referring to Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, was used as an example of middle class Americans during the 2008 U.S. presidential election season. Wurzelbacher was videotaped questioning Democratic candidate Barack Obama about his small business tax policy during a campaign stop in Ohio. He received prominence when he was mentioned frequently as "Joe the Plumber" in exchanges between Republican candidate John McCain and Obama during the third presidential debate on October 15, 2008. After that "Joe the Plumber" was often used by the McCain-Palin campaign and the media as a metaphor for middle class Americans[2] and to refer to Wurzelbacher himself.[3]

Encounter with Barack Obama

On October 12, 2008, three days before the final presidential debate, Obama met residents in Wurzelbacher's Ohio neighborhood.[4] Wurzelbacher, who had been playing football with his son in his front yard at the time, asked Obama about his tax plan.[5] As ABC News cameraman Scott Shulman recorded the conversation, Wurzelbacher suggested that Obama's tax plan would be at odds with "the American dream."[6] Wurzelbacher said, "I'm getting ready to buy a company that makes 250 to 280 thousand dollars a year. Your new tax plan's going to tax me more, isn't it?"[7]

Obama responded with an explanation of how his tax plan would affect a small business in this bracket. Obama said, "If you're a small business, which you would qualify, first of all, you would get a 50 percent tax credit so you'd get a cut in taxes for your health care costs. So you would actually get a tax cut on that part. If your revenue is above 250, then from 250 down, your taxes are going to stay the same. It is true that, say for 250 up — from 250 to 300 or so, so for that additional amount, you’d go from 36 to 39 percent, which is what it was under Bill Clinton."[8]

Obama also said, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance at success, too… My attitude is that if the economy’s good for folks from the bottom up, it’s gonna be good for everybody. If you’ve got a plumbing business, you’re gonna be better off [...] if you’ve got a whole bunch of customers who can afford to hire you, and right now everybody’s so pinched that business is bad for everybody and I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody.[9][10]

Presidential debate

Main article: United States presidential election debates, 2008

During the third and final Presidential debate on October 15, 2008 at Hofstra University, many references were made to "Joe the Plumber."[11] In the debate, McCain repeatedly brought up "Joe the Plumber" and Obama and McCain then made statements aimed directly at Wurzelbacher. As a result, subsequent media attention was directed at Wurzelbacher.[12][13][14]

After the debate, Wurzelbacher did not declare his vote for either candidate. He expressed concern that Obama's plans were "one step closer to socialism."[15] Obama's running mate Joe Biden argued that 98% of small businesses take in less than $250,000 a year in income and thus wouldn't be subject to higher taxes under Obama's plan. McCain stated that Wurzelbacher would see higher taxes under Obama's plan.[16]

Media appearances

Wurzelbacher spoke to Katie Couric of CBS Evening News on October 15, shortly after the conclusion of the final debate. Asked whether Obama's proposed $250,000 tax threshold would affect him, Wurzelbacher replied: "Not right now at presently, but (...) he's going to do that now for people who make $250,000 a year. When's he going to decide that $100,000 is too much? (...) You're on a slippery slope here. You vote on somebody who decides that $250,000 and you're rich? And $100,000 and you're rich? (...) Where does it end?"[17] He also said, “I asked the question but I still got a tap dance ...almost as good as Sammy Davis, Jr.”[17]

Wurzelbacher held a press conference at his home on the morning of October 16, following the debates, where he refused to express support for either candidate. "I'm not telling anybody anything" about which candidate he prefers, he said, adding, "It's a private booth. I want the American people to vote for who they want to vote for."[18]

On October 16, Wurzelbacher appeared on Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News. Neil Cavuto asked if Wurzelbacher was persuaded by Obama's plan. Wurzelbacher said that he was not and that he was more frightened upon hearing it. Wurzelbacher suggested that Obama's plan was socialist in nature.[6]

That same day, Wurzelbacher also appeared on Good Morning America. Diane Sawyer asked him if he was taking home $250,000 now, Wurzelbacher said with a laugh "No, not even close."[19] Sawyer asked Wurzelbacher, "And the McCain camp, some people have said did they contact you and tell you that you were going to be a major part of this, and had they contacted you before that encounter with Senator Obama?" Wurzelbacher answered, "Oh no, no, no one's contacted me as far as if I was going to be on the debate or as far as my name being used. No. I have been contacted by them and asked to show up at a rally. But, other than that, no. I just happened to be here and Barack Obama happened to show up."[19]

On October 20, Wurzelbacher appeared on Hannity & Colmes. During the interview, he stated that he thought that Obama's plan to 'spread the wealth' was socialism, and that he didn't want to take 'somebody else's money who worked hard for it'. During the same interview, he stated that he and his parents had benefited by being on welfare during tough times.[20]

At a McCain campaign rally on October 28 in Columbus, Ohio, Wurzelbacher encountered an elderly Jewish man who told him that "a vote for Obama is a vote for the death to Israel." Wurzelbacher replied, "I'll actually go ahead and agree with you on that one."[21] During a television interview later that day, Fox News anchor Shepard Smith repeatedly asked him to explain his comment with specifics. Wurzelbacher demurred, and suggested that viewers should research the question for themselves. When Smith persisted, he replied, "Listen, you don't want my opinion on foreign policy. I know just enough to probably to be dangerous. [sic]"[22]

On November 2, Wurzelbacher appeared again on Your World with Neil Cavuto, where he said that although his earnings were "not even close" to "the 6 figure mark," he was concerned that Barack Obama's tax plans would go down "a slippery slope" and eventually raise his taxes. Wurzelbacher also questioned Obama's patriotism saying "there's too many questions with Barack Obama, and his loyalty to our country."[23]

Publicity management

Wurzelbacher has signed with a publicity management agent regarding media relationships, including "a possible record deal with a major label, personal appearances and corporate sponsorships."[24]

References on the campaign trail

On October 18, McCain told a Melbourne, Florida, campaign rally that he had phoned Wurzelbacher for the first time on October 17. McCain said, "He's a great guy, proud of his grandfather who served in the US Marine Corps. We're going to fight for Joe, my friends, we are going to fight for him. The question Joe asked about our economy is important, because Senator Obama's plan would raise taxes on small businesses that employ 16 million Americans. Senator Obama's plan will kill those jobs at just the time when we need to be creating more jobs. My plan will create jobs, and that's what America needs."[25]

The McCain-Palin campaign's senior strategist Steve Schmidt said that John McCain's strategy in the final weeks of the presidential campaign was based primarily around his differences with Obama on economic issues, which they would continue to highlight through the story of Joe the Plumber.[26][27]

After the final presidential debate, McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin frequently repeated the charge in campaign speeches that "Joe the Plumber" would pay higher taxes under Obama and Biden's plan, although according to tax analysts neither Mr. Wurzelbacher nor the company he works for would actually be subject to higher taxes under Obama's tax plan.[7] Obama's "spread the wealth around" quote was later used by the McCain campaign, comparing the Democrat's policies to socialism.[28] McCain said, "[Obama] wants government to take Joe's money and give it to somebody else." Obama said in a campaign rally on October 24 that McCain was "not fighting for Joe the Plumber. He's fighting for Joe the Hedge Fund Manager... He likes to talk about Joe the Plumber but he's in cahoots with Joe the CEO." Obama then promoted a plan for middle-class tax cuts and "asked for a show of hands at the rally in the Richmond Coliseum from those making less than $250,000. Nearly all of the 13,000 people raised their hands."[29]

Aides to the McCain-Palin campaign said on October 24 that they would "spend heavily" on a new TV advertisement invoking Wurzelbacher's nickname. The ad would feature "several different people looking into the camera and saying, 'I'm Joe the Plumber.' One man accuses Obama of wanting to use the man's 'sweat to pay for his trillion dollars in new spending.'"[30] McCain also ran several other commercials with this theme.

Joint appearances with John McCain

Wurzelbacher and John McCain in a joint appearance at Elyria, Ohio

On October 30, Wurzelbacher made appearances with John McCain during campaign stops in Sandusky, Ohio, Elyria, Ohio,[31] and in Mentor, Ohio[32] In Sandusky, McCain accused the Obama campaign of attacking Wurzelbacher,[33] and in Mentor, Wurzelbacher was allowed to address the crowd, saying "Once you find out the facts, they become quite obvious," while pointing at McCain. Earlier in the day, at a rally in Defiance, Ohio, McCain thought that Wurzelbacher was supposed to be in the crowd, and called for him to stand up, resulting in a silence. McCain ended the silence by telling the whole crowd to stand up instead, stating "You're all Joe the Plumber."[34]

Plumbing career and licensing

Wurzelbacher told the New York Times and Family Security Matters he is one of two employees of a small plumbing firm, Newell Plumbing and Heating Co. of Toledo,[7] the company he described to Obama as making $250,000 to $280,000 per year.[7]. Wurzelbacher said that the idea of buying the company was discussed during his job interview six years prior.[5] According to MSNBC and Fox News, court records show that Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006.[15] Dun & Bradstreet's report estimated that A. W. Newell Corporation, the full corporate name, had $510,000 in annual sales and 8 employees.[35]

As part of the background on McCain's use of the "Joe the Plumber" paradigm, several media outlets researched his professional plumbing credentials, and determined that he does not have an individual plumber license. [relevant?] [36]

Local 50 of the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and Service Mechanics, whose national membership endorsed Obama, stated that Wurzelbacher has not yet completed the apprentice program he began in 2003.[37]

Draft campaign for Ohio's 9th congressional district

Since his meeting with Barack Obama, a campaign to draft Wurzelbacher to run for the United States House of Representatives in the 2010 election started with the website joewurzelbacher2010.com.[38] The Washington Times and the Boston Herald have reported that this campaign's goal is to draft Wurzelbacher to run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio's 9th congressional district.[39][40] The website was created by Trevor Lair (presently the chairman of the Massachusetts College Republicans),[41] Derek Khanna,[42] and The Massachusetts Alliance of College Republicans.[43] The website encourages visitors to sign an online petition that supports Wurzelbacher’s run for office.[44][41] Laura Ingraham asked Wurzelbacher, on October 24, 2008, if he would run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur. Wurzelbacher responded that he had considered the run and would be "up for it".[45]

Opinions on taxation and welfare

In an October interview, Wurzelbacher said, "You know a lot of the stuff that our government is doing right now is all about taxation without representation and you know the last time that happened a couple guys got together and threw the Brits out."[46]

Wurzelbacher opposes the existing American Social Security program. He told CNN, "Social Security is a joke. I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please. Social Security I've never believed in, don't like it. I hate that it's forced on me."[47]

ABC News reported on October 16 that there was a judgment lien against Wurzelbacher for non-payment of $1,182 in Ohio state income taxes dating to January 2007, but "no action has been taken against him outside of filing the lien." Barb Losie, deputy clerk of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, said that "there is a 99 percent chance [Wurzelbacher] doesn't know about the lien, unless he did a credit report or was ready to pay his taxes."[48] While on Hannity & Colmes, Wurzelbacher stated that he was unaware of the tax lien prior to it being reported in the press, and felt he was being attacked because of his question of Obama.[49]

Wurzelbacher has acknowledged that his parents were on welfare twice while he was growing up. Asked by Alan Colmes whether that constituted "taking somebody else's money and giving it to you", Wurzelbacher responded that he had "paid into welfare. It's something to be used, not abused, as it often is, Alan."[50]

Ohio government database searches

During the 2008 United States presidential election season, an employee at Helen Jones-Kelley's department used state computers to search for information on Joe Wurzelbacher.[51] In a response to a letter from Ohio Senate President Bill M. Harris, R-Ashland, Jones-Kelley wrote that her office routinely checks their records for such information;[52] the employee whom she ordered to do the search said she was unaware of such a routine.[53] She also defended her decision to approve of the search.[54]

On November 13, 2008, the Columbus Dispatch reported that, in response to a public records request, the Department of Job and Family Services stated that "it had no records involving prior checks of the type that Director Helen Jones-Kelley authorized on "Joe the Plumber."[55]

On November 20, 2008 State and local officials completed an investigation into whether Jones-Kelley's order to access Ohio government databases was illegal; they concluded that the searches breached protocol but found there was no evidence to prove they were part of a political agenda or linked with a political group or campaign. [56]

Ohio's inspector general Thomas Charles reported that the reasonings that Helen Jones-Kelley provided for the checks on Wurzelbacher "were not credible and they included contradictions, ambiguity, and inconsistencies."[57] Charles found that Jones-Kelley "improperly authorized searches of state databases for information on Samuel Joseph — "Joe the Plumber" — Wurzelbacher."[58] Charles has provided the report to the prosecutors office of Franklin County, Ohio for their review and consideration.[56]

Life since the 2008 presidential campaign

Secure Our Dream

Since the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Wurzelbacher has worked with the watchdog group[59] and website[60] he founded called Secure Our Dream.[61][62] Wurzelbacher has stated that the group will, "keep a check on both the Republicans and the Democrats for not only living up to their promises, but also not let them dictate to people how to live and spend their hard-earned fortunes."[63] The group also promotes the December 2008 release of "Joe the Plumber - Fighting for the American Dream," Wurzelbacher's forthcoming book.[64][65] The book is co-written with novelist Thomas Tabback and published by PearlGate Publishing[66] of Austin, Texas.[67] The text addresses Wurzelbacher’s ideas concerning American values.[68] Wurzelbacher is also working with Secureourdream.org, a nonprofit organization,[69] that will be a charity branch of the watchdog site.[63]

Glenn Beck interview

On December 10, 2008, Wurzelbacher made an appearance on The Glenn Beck Program, in which he reflected on the 2008 Presidential campaign. During the interview he stated that he "honestly felt even more dirty after [he] had been on the campaign trail and seen some things that take place." Wurzelbacher added that after hearing McCain's answer as to why McCain supported the bailout plan, Wurzelbacher "wanted to get off the bus." When asked why he did not get off the bus, Wurzelbacher responded with "Honestly because the thought of Barack Obama becoming President scares me even more."

Wurzelbacher said "Sarah Palin's absolutely the real deal. ... I don't want to say I felt a presence but she definitely had energy and she definitely went to work for American people, and it disgusts me on how often they try to bash her just for her sincerity. " [70]

See also

Wikiquote has quotations related to Joe the Plumber.

References

  1. ^ http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20081206/NEWS01/812060320
  2. ^ "Joe the Plumber Represents Hopes, Dreams and Political Football". Fox News. 2008-10-16. Retrieved 2008-10-29. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help) Per this article's subtitle, "Joe the plumber is the nation's every man -- embodying the American dream and representing the swing voter Barack Obama and John McCain want to reach" [dead link]
  3. ^ "Doubts raised on US 'plumber Joe'". BBC News. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-29. Joe Wurzelbacher, 34, found himself at the centre of a media frenzy on Thursday after "Joe the plumber" was mentioned 26 times during the final debate.
  4. ^ Tapper, Jake (2008-10-12). "In Working-Class Ohio, Obama Meets Amorous Dogs, Skeptical Plumber". ABC News. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
  5. ^ a b Vellequette, Larry (2008-10-16). "'Joe the plumber' isn't licensed". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2008-10-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b Rohter, Larry (2008-10-15). "Plumber From Ohio Is Thrust Into Spotlight". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ a b c d Rohter, Larry. (2008-10-16). "Real Deal on 'Joe the Plumber' Reveals New Slant". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  8. ^ "ABC News video 'Joe the Plumber'". 2008-10-15. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
  9. ^ Fouhy, Beth (2008-10-15). "McCain, Obama get tough, personal in final debate". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-10-17. [dead link]
  10. ^ Tapper, Jake (2008-10-14). "'Spread the Wealth'?". "Political Punch" blog. ABCNews.com. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  11. ^ Barrowclough, Anne (2008-10-16). "Joe the plumber is real hero of the debate". The Times. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  12. ^ Seewer, John (2008-10-16). "'Joe the Plumber' says he has no plumbing license". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
  13. ^ Shales, Tom (2008-10-16). "Candidates Make A Name for This Guy Joe". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-10-31. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Ibbitson, John (2008-10-16). "McCain invokes 'Joe the Plumber' to heap scorn on Obama". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2008-10-31. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ a b Tharp, Bridget (2008-10-16). "'Joe the Plumber' is focus of presidential debate's first few minutes". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2008-10-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Sinderbrand, Rebecca (2008-10-16). "Biden questions 'notion of this guy Joe the plumber'". CNN. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  17. ^ a b Montopoli, Brian (2008-10-16). ""Joe The Plumber's Chat With Couric"". CBS News. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  18. ^ Mehta, Seema (16 October 2008). "'Joe the Plumber' still a topic for McCain, Obama". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-10-16. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ a b ABC Staff (2008-10-16). ""Meet Joe the Plumber"". Video. ABC News. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  20. ^ "Hannity & Colmes". Fox News Channel. 2008-10-20.
  21. ^ "'Joe the Plumber' Backs Claim That Obama Would Bring 'Death to Israel'", Fox News, October 28, 2008 [dead link]
  22. ^ Linkins, Jason (2008-10-28). "Fox's Shepard Smith Forced To Offer Disclaimer After Joe The Plumber Interview". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2008-11-07.
  23. ^ "Joe the Plumber questions Obama's loyalty to America". November 2, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Ressner, Jeffrey (2008-10-29). "Joe the Plumber pursued for record deal". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  25. ^ Staff (2008-10-18). "John McCain telephones 'Joe the Plumber'". Breaking News > World. inquirer.net. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  26. ^ Draper, Robert (2008-10-26), The Making (and Remaking) of McCain, retrieved 2008-10-26 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  27. ^ Nagourney, Adam (2008-10-16). "Polls Cause Campaigns to Change Their Itineraries". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-10-17. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ Drogin, Bob (2008-10-18). "John McCain compares Barack Obama's policies to socialism". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-10-19. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Miller, S.A. (2008-10-22), Obama: McCain's for 'Joe the CEO', retrieved 2008-10-26 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  30. ^ Abramowitz, Michael (2008-10-24), As an Issue, Taxes Favor Obama: Polls Lean Toward Democrat on a Traditional GOP Strength, retrieved 2008-10-24 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  31. ^ Troy, Tom (October 30, 2008). "McCain finally shares stage with Joe the Plumber". Toledo Blade.
  32. ^ Shear, Michael (October 31, 2008). "John McCain and Joe the Plumber, Together in Ohio". Washington Post.
  33. ^ "John McCain In Sandusky Ohio". YouTube.
  34. ^ Weiner, Rachel (October 30, 2008). "Joe The Plumber Ditches McCain (VIDEO)". Huffington Post.
  35. ^ A W Newell Corporation report via Manta.com, Accessed December 10, 2008.
  36. ^ {{cite web |url= http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418/-1/NEWS |last = Vellequette |first = Larry |date=2008-10-16 |accessdate = 2008-12-11 |title = "'Joe the plumber' isn’t licensed" |publisher = Toledo Blade
  37. ^ Barnes, Robert. "After Debate, Glare Of Media Hits Joe". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-10-16. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  38. ^ Staff (2008-10-18). ""Joe the Plumber to become Joe the Politican?"". WSBT-TV. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
  39. ^ Heslam, Jessica (2008-10-18). ""GOP group says Joe the Plumber is the right guy to unclog Washington"". Boston Herald. Retrieved 2008-10-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ ""Joe the Plumber for Congress?"". Washington Times. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  41. ^ a b ""Campaign to 'plunge the crap out of Washington'"". CNN. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
  42. ^ ""Web site urges 'Joe the Plumber' to run for Congress"". Toledo Free Press. 2008-10-19. Retrieved 2008-10-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  43. ^ ""Joe the Plumber for Congress?"". NBC. 2008-10-20. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  44. ^ ""Joe for Congress?"". The Hill. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-27. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  45. ^ ""Now, Joe the Plumber wants to be a Congressman!"". Asian News International. 2008-10-25. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  46. ^ 'Who is "Joe the Plumber"?', KARE11, October 16, 2008
  47. ^ Los Angeles Times, Oct. 17, 2008.
  48. ^ Ibanga, Imaeyan (2008-10-16). "America's Overnight Sensation Joe the Plumber Owes $1,200 in Taxes". ABC News. Retrieved 2008-10-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ Hannity & Colmes. Joe the Plumber on "Hannity & Colmes", realclearpolitics.com, October 20, 2008. (Transcript)
  50. ^ L, Jed (2008-11-06). "Joe the Welfare Cheat". Daily Kos. Retrieved 2008-11-06. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  51. ^ http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/29/joe30.html?sid=101
  52. ^ http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/29/joe30.html?sid=101
  53. ^ Ludlow, Randy (October 31, 2008). "State employee says she was ordered to check out Joe the Plumber". Columbus Dispatch.
  54. ^ ""'Joe' records check defended by family services director Helen Jones-Kelley"". The Plain Dealer. 2008-10-30. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  55. ^ ""No records to back agency director's claims over 'Joe' investigation"". The Columbus Dispatch. 2008-11-13. Retrieved 2008-11-13.
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  58. ^ ""State IG: Jones-Kelley acted improperly on 'Joe the Plumber', fundraising"". The Western Star. 2008-11-20. Retrieved 2008-11-20. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  70. ^ "Glenn talks to Joe the Plumber". December 10, 2008.

External links

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