Joe the Plumber
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Joseph Wurzelbacher is a plumber from Ohio who was referenced 26 times during the third and final [debate of 2008] between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. He was referred to by name and also as "Joe" or "Joe the Plumber". A few days before the debate, while Obama was campaigning in Ohio, he encountered Wurzelbacher who approached him with a question concerning the Senator's tax plan. Wurzelbacher was upset about his interpretation of Obama's tax plan and suggested that such a plan would be at odds with "the American dream". Obama's plan would cut taxes for those making less than $250,000 and would raise taxes for those making above $250,000. Joe claimed to be on the cusp of moving across that cutoff point into the higher tax bracket, and felt that he should not have to pay higher taxes as a result. Joe suggested that working hard and making more money should not result in paying higher taxes than others.
Obama responded by suggesting that he should consider the days when he was struggling and should realize that he would have benefited from Obama's plan during those times. He suggested that Joe take a minute to step back into the shoes of his former self to realize the benefits of tax cuts for the middle class. He suggested that by raising taxes on those who are making more, we can help those who are making less and allow for a more fair and just system to come into place.
Joe appeared on the Neil Cavuto's program "Your World" on Fox News. Neil asked if Joe was persuaded by Obama's plan. Joe said that he was not and that he was more frightened upon hearing it. Joe suggested that Obama's plan was socialist in nature. Neil encouraged him by suggesting that he was impressive for stepping up to Obama and pressing his concerns without becoming 'star struck'. Neil also said, "you're my kind of plumber". Neil did not play the entire clip of their exchange, nor did he engage in a serious discussion of Obama's tax plan.
Joe appeared on the Good Morning America program the day following the debate on Oct.16, 2008, Diane Sawyer asked Joe if he had been contacted by the McCain Campaign before his encounter with Obama. Joe said “I have been contacted by them and asked to show up at a rally” Asked if he was taking home $250,000 now, Joe said with a laugh “No, not even close.”