CNN

There's those pesky facts again. Turns out Joe would be better under Obama's plan – until he figures out how to quintuple his earnings. (In this economy, I wouldn't hold my breath, Joe.)

Vote now don't wait and vote for change. The line will be long in November the 4th. Vote America's future, energy independence, equal pay for equal work.

there sure is a lot of "Joe" in the McCain campaign from Joe Six-pack to now Joe the Plumber. I would not be shocked if this Joe was a relative of Sarah Palin sounds like they come from the same family tree to me.

Doesn't matter if the guy is a plant or not.

The truth is this spin from the Republicans about higher taxes on small businesses is just more of their lies. If all of you foaming at the mouth right wingers actually read the plan, you would know that the number of businesses that will actually pay higher taxes is small and mostlly reflects a closing of loopholes.

But I guess desperation is setting in in the Republican camp and the lies and distortions are setting in. There is no socialism, there is no communism in Obama's plan. The only socialism is the corporate bailout your idiot President forced this country into. "Spreading the wealth" is a metaphor, it isn't a government marching order.

He looks like a McVain "plant".

Sorry state of affairs, when this guy "Joe the Plumber" takes center stage. What happened to "Average Joe". He got his 15 minutes so lets please move on to why are these corporate people stealing our hard earned incomes and laugh at what morons we are!

Sick and tired off fraud and abuse.

Sorry state of affairs, when this guy "Joe the Plumber" takes center stage. What happened to "Average Joe". He got his 15 minutes so lets please move on to why are these corporate people can steal our hard earned incomes and laugh at what morons we are!

Sick and tired off fraud and abuse.

As a small business owner who could well be hit up by such a tax increase, I must say that either Joe doesn't understand taxes in the least or is utterly disingenuous. Anyone who is taxed on a Schedule C has ample deductions not available to regular employees that reduce the overall tax burden, and if one were to hire new employees, this amount would be deducted and not taxed. The only way Joe would face additional tax would be if he pocketed additional income in access of around $200,000 – an amount that would be reduced by all the many deductions he would take on the schedule C.

So if Joe made $350,000, had $75,000 in business deductions plus 25,000 in personal deductions (mortgage interest, etc), his net taxable income would be $250,000, and his net tax increase would be 3% of the $50,000 he made in excess of $200,000 or about $1,500. Are you shedding any tears for this guy yet?

Honestly, if you are making that kind of money, this tax increase would certainly not be of much consequence to you. If anything, it would HELP convince you to hire new workers and reinvest in your business, since you could deduct this money and avoid taxes on it altogether.

Obama's argument is foolish. For starters, most small business owners are striving to become mid-large business owners. That IS the American dream! But Obama wants to punish them for moving up the ladder and spread their wealth around the "socialist" way - tax and distribute. If this happens large business owners are more likely to farm their work out to other countries, meaning less jobs for Americans (which we all whine and complain about). So while guys making less than $250,000 a year may get tax breaks, more of them will be unemployed.

If the "trickle down" economic theory is so bad, as Obama incessantly argues, then why did he prop up Wall Street by signing the Bailout Bill? I'll tell you why - because in his heart he knows that what I'm saying here is true: when big businesses profit, so do the rest of us.

Obama talks out of both sides of his mouth, which is what socialists typically do.

Don't vote for this guy. You'll be sorry. He's much farther left of centre than Clinton ever was.

To take it one step further beyond this what he said/she said about Joe the Plumber, does America really want a president who has attempted to lie and smear his way into office?

McCain is grasping at straws, anything to help his campaign, except for what America needs. An honorable president. America is already hated enough and the ditch has been dug. Let's climb our way out.

Obama for President

Obama said "spread the wealth." Working people are tired of their tax dollars paying for others to sit at home and draw checks. Head Start is basically a free babying sitting service and Obama wants the taxpayers to start providing that care at birth. Go visit them. The lack of parenting is a major problem in the school systems not the teachers. Spending more money will not make the schools better. Holding parents responsible and accountable for their childen's behaviors, study habits and work ethics would bring improvement in the educational system. Giving people more money just enables and encourages them to continue to be dependent on the government. It has become a life style. America is on the road to becoming a socialist nation. Government health and spreading the wealth are two examples Obama wants to start. What would CNN report if a porn movie was being made with an Obama look-a-like? Maybe someone will and write a cartoon about his family.

Dealt, Portugal

Currently they pay 35%...

So if you make 250K per year... you pay 87,000 dollars per year in income tax. That doesn't count payroll, Social Security, 401K, unemployment and everything else his buisness has to pay. All that and he more than likely has one or two employees whos wage he pays.

So how is it he's getting off scott free?

Honestly I have not heard one straight answer from either candidate? If they were taking an exam they would both fail as the area where their answers should be written would have no words and just a single winding circle that never ends. The language that they speak is called "politician"! Do you really think that cutting taxes will cure anything? It's just going to make one payment less and another payment larger, remember??? A freeze on tax is a good idea this way NOTHING GOES UP, a freeze/cutback on government spending and perks will OPEN FUNDS FOR NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON CURES & ENERGY EFFICEINT PROGRAMS ETC. Health care should be competitive over state lines and health care costs such as prescription, hospitalization, doctor fees etc....should have limits that are reasonable & affordable (not a weeks salary for one visit???). There are health care plans available based on income. Alternate energy exsists it always has they should allow it to be available to the public and stop playing hide & seek with it. You want this economy to grow then start labeling items "MADE IN U.S.A." open those long gone factory positions. Get textiles back, lets make our own energy efficient automobile Americans are talented, inventive and we are not affaid of hard work, we enjoy it!!!! It's what made this NATION PROUD it's what made this NATION STRONG it is what UNITED US!!!

Joe the plumber's own words were that he is not hurt by Obama's tax plan right now. So he is will get the benefits of Obama's plan and be hurt by John McCain's right now. Old Joe the Plumber was speaking hypothetically when he was talking to Obama. So McCain’s claim that Joe would be hurt by Obama is false!!!

Also, poor Joe the Plumber. He may have opened mouth and inserted foot. Not only was he exaggerating about the business he wanted to buy for $250K (which consists of him and the owner Al Newell), but Joe isn't even licensed to do the plumbing work he is doing. So he and the owner may be in hot water for his attempt at 15 minutes of fame.

Every time McCain & Palin pull a stunt against Obama & Biden they use good old Joe's name like Joe the Plumber and Joe SixPack. What's up with that?? He is to old to run, should retire already all his tactics are old like him and for Palin ( the hater) she should go back to Alaska and be impeached!! Let the votes decide... GO OBAMA,

SAY IT AIN'T SO JOE!

WHAT A LOSER, JUST LIKE HIS PAL MCCAIN!

YOU MEAN SPIRTED PEOPLE!

How DARE you turn on this poor guy and start saying horrible crap about him. HE wasn't in the debate!
Do you really alll HATE John McCain SO much that you will turn your evil words on an average american citizen??????

What is WRONG with you people? SHAME!

My husband's business' GROSS revenue is near $500k and the net profit is S**T. We are struggling along with everyone else. So stop whining and asking for handouts. Socialism is NOT the answer

@North Dallas Thirty – what does "giving more than required" have to do with anything? Under McLame, the more you make, the more you save on taxes. I know, that sounds fair to those who have so much money, they have to decide if they want to drive the Benz, BMW, or late Holmes drive them to work in the Bentley. I think these guys can afford to pay more than the single parent trying to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Get real, would ya!

Everyone seems to be smart enough to understand that Joe the plumber
is no way netting more than $250,000 a year.
If he is in fact is planning to buy the plumbing business that he is working for he will have tremendous expenses and loan repayments that will show a moderate income. If he is going into business he should already understand that.

Joe the Plumber needs to take his own advice and really study the issue in more detail. Sen. Obama's plan would lower his taxes now because he is not making $250k. If he does grow his business to that amount, his increase would not be on the full amount. Sen. McCain wants, in his own words, pay for his $5k healthcare tax credit by taxing the average $5800 that we pay for coverage. That means we pay a net of $800 plus the taxes on the full $5800 as opposed to paying the $5800 on a pre-tax basis. Since Obama didn't go there I will. If Sen. McCain is so much better than Pres. Bush, why wasn't he able to beat him in 2000. It was his lack of substance on the important issues that made it possible for Bush to become President in the first place. We needed a change then and we need one even more now.

I ask of the candidates right now:

How much is a gallon of milk?

(no googling)

All of these candidates are "out of touch" with the common person ! Not one of them would be able to answer the above question.

Not one of them has no idea what it's like to live an ordinary life in the United States right now.

All of their ideas sound good at their income level..... but let them live life making 30K per year and get back to me.

1- Joe "the plumber" lives and works in Ohio, but somehow, he was able to vote in the PA primaries?? Is that not fraudulent, and is nobody paying attention to this?

2- Joe "the plumber" has a two liens against him- One from the state of Ohio for- get this- owed taxes $1200 to be exact.

3- Joe "the plumber" would actually benefit from Obama's tax policies

Go figure

Everyone is so freaked about another Republican in the oval office. What freaks me out is having complete "Democrapic" control. Why are you all agreeing that we need a change with Obama, when the Democraps control the House and Senate. Hello... It's not all Bush. I am glad for Joe the plumber, finally someone showing who Osama, oops I mean Obama really is!!!

"JOE THE PLUMBER" according to news media is now really a lincensed plumer or a registered voter. He should have not put himself (Joe) on display that way.

In Response TO GREG IN MPLS. If for example you have a net taxable income (after expenses people!) of $300000 under obamas plan the difference between 250K and 300K is taxed at the higher rate. So the extra 50000 is what will be taxed at 39% instead of 36% this equals $19500 up from $18000. So joe the plumber is afraid to buy his new business because if he makes it to this bracket he will be required to pay $1500 more in taxes, roughly $125 more per month.
TO JOE, Please donot buy this business since you will be paying an extra $125 on your return each month. What a terrible investment it will be, you certainly dont deserve to be punished by such hefty amounts for all your hard work, and we have no idea how you will be able to take care of your family after loosing this extra $125 every month!!!

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What!! If you make $250k-300K net taxable income and you are afraid of an extra $1500 a year YOU should not be anywhere near ANY business.......you have neither the intelligence or the gumption.

John McCain should NEVER have mentioned this guys full name. again McCain shows how irresponsible, arrogant and ambitious he is. McCain has caused harm to this guy and his family...i can not imagine the harm McCain will cause the rest of us. hey Joe, just wait for the 15 min. to end, and keep your head up dude.

Joe the Plumber has not been paying his taxes. The court in his hometown has a lien against him regarding his last tax return. I'm unsure why anyone would let him buy a business if he doesn't follow the rules like the rest of us

Wow.....what a bunch of LAZY IDIOTS. Joe the Plumber should not be penalized for striving to purchase a business and make over $250,000 a year.

What Obama is proposing is a Socialist society much like the former Soviet Union. Get out, get an education, and work your way up the ladder and you get penalized. That is not what America is about, at least unless Obama becomes president.

NOBAMA 2008

Joe is a plant

Secret Service found NO CREDIBILITY to the lame story of someone yelling "kill him" at a Palin rally. No cooberation, no security interviews with ANYONE else hearing it. Secret Service debunked the story...yet another lie Obama told last night.

THE PLUMBER IS A PLANT FROM MCCAINE'S CROWD,

LIKE ALL THE PEOPLE IN HIS CROWD.

HE IS NO PLUMBER ITHER,

IT WAS TOLD ON CNN THIS MORNING.

I believe "Joe The Plumber" is not a true plumber, but a plant for McCain? He Did say is a conservitive; this mean he's a Repulican.

Joe the plumber????Please......I'm a certified project manager with an engineering degree with over 12yrs experience in ICT and the I can in a very best case make $150-170K a year!! What plumber makes $250K a year. Duuuuuuuuhhhhh!!! I guess we are stupid right??

TOUNGES ARE BEGINNING TO WAG.

RUMOR HAS IT THAT IT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC THAT "JOE THE PLUMBER" WAS A PLANT FOR THE REPUBLICANS!

FACTS COMING OUT TODAY ARE:
--------------------
McCain did Joe the Plumber no favors.
Thu Oct 16, 2:27 PM ET

You knew it would happen. Joe the Plumber's 15 minutes of fame in last night's debate have turned into a round of public humiliation for the wannabe business owner. The Toledo Blade is reporting that Joe has no plumber's license.

To make matters worse, the Blade also found that the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against Joe because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid. To pile on, the paper disclosed, based on divorce records, Joe's 2006 income — $40,000, hardly enough to qualify for the tax hike he's so concerned about.

The reports of McCain's death have been greatly exaggerated.

I just read that Joe the Plumber is related to the Keating in the Keating 5 scandel..........That he was a plant by McCain, Maybe McCain is till Palling around with a Swindler........

$250,000 profit for any business is pretty darn good!!!

Repubs always want less taxes for the rich even when they're poor....just in case they hit the lottery.

McCain and McCain supporters attack this as a redistribution of wealth... while proposing redistribution of wealth as their mortgage rescue plan. Obama's justification for the tax increases is that those who can afford to pay more should pay more to make things better for everybody.

McCain's mortgage rescue plan buys homes at cost, way above their current market value, from the banks. It would then let the residents take out a low interest FHA loan from the government for the market value. The taxpayers will be paying the difference, and McCain justifies this by saying that EVERY taxpayer should pay more to make things better for everybody. And on top of that, McCain's plan makes it okay for banks to lend money irresponsibly, because the government will bail them out. It's a mechanism for transferring wealth from every taxpayer to the irresponsible banks that have gotten us into this mess.

Even if I made over $250,000, I'd much prefer Obama's plan to McCain's plan. They're both redistribution of wealth, they both have socialist elements in their plans (I'm a social democrat and that doesn't bother me at all), but Obama's plans are smart while McCain's are dumb.

I just read that Joe the PLumber is related to Keating of the Keating 5, that he was a plant........is this true.......

John McCain said he can balance the budget in 4 year, it is either he is clueless or he is lying in front of national TV. I really don't care about Joe the Plumber said.

I know rich folks feel like they shouldn't have to pay a bigger percentage of their wealth than anyone else. This goes back to at least the late 70's, when the U.S. competitive advantage started to slip away (electronics, cars, clothes–everything started being made overseas) and the wealthy figured they needed a new trick to maintain their status. So for the last 30 years, the gap between rich and poor has widened.

During the Bush years, income for average citizens fell. When interest rates started to rise, all those adjustable-rate mortgages become unmanageable for people with flat/declining income. The resulting credit crunch and market meltdown has at last hit the rich. Their regressive tax policy, the goose that laid their golden eggs ever since Reagan, is now laying eggs of tin. Pain, to borrow a phrase from Barack Obama, is trickling up.

MY GOSH! HOW CAN SO MANY PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND: JOE THE PLUMBER DOES NOT MAKE $250K/YR!! HE WANTS TO BUY A BUSINESS THAT WILL MAKE $250K/YR!! AND THAT DOES NOT MEAN HE IS RICH AND HAS $250K LYING AROUND!! A BUSINESS' REVENUE OR PROFIT IS DIFFERENT THAN ITS PRICE!! WOW THE IGNORANCE IS JUST STAGGERING!!

'Give to Caesar what you OWE to Caesar – that is the Bible telling you to pay your taxes!
Joe the Plumber – if you are capable of making $ 250,000 or more – no one's stopping you! – Just give the govt a meagre portion of it – you still have the rest of the money – that a lot of people DO NOT have!
I guess he just doesn't get it !!

At least McCain's campaign has a definition of a "small business"
Biden says "98% will see a tax reduction" so he must be putting the limit somewhere near 250-300k

In my opinion, "small" means any company/business/firm making less than 5 million a year. Then again, the company I'm working for rakes in double-digit billions in revenue every quarter, so i guess i can't really make that distinction

| | McCain | Obama
--------------------------
Income | Avg. tax bill | Avg. tax bill
Over $2.9M | -$269,364 | +$701,885
$603K and 2.9M | -$45,361 | +$115,974
$227K-$603K | -$7,871 | +$12
$161K-$227K | -$4,380 | -$2,789
$112K-$161K | -$2,614 | -$2,204
$66K-$112K | -$1,009 | -$1,290
$38K-$66K | -$319 | -$1,042
$19K-$38K | -$113 | -$892
Under $19K | -$19 | -$567

The negative numbers represent a tax cut and the positive would be how much you would be taxed. Notice under the McCain plan, the richest Americans get the biggest tax breaks and the poor making less than 19K a year get a tiny $19 in relief. Obama's plan is obviously one that takes into account the struggle and pain of the average American today. Even that Joe the Plumber guy would only have to pay $12 in taxes because he said his company makes a little more than 250K. He can afford $12. No tears from me.

Joe the plumber shouldn't take for any subsidized government loans, business deductions, or anything else he can discount from his taxes with that attitude.

If everyone had this attitude, we'll never get out of the economic mess that the Republican administration has created. We're either in this together or we're not... apparently Joe does not want to help his fellow countrymen. So much for their call to patriotism...

What a bunch of hypocrites!

It is regrettable that Joe the Plummer allowed himself to be place on the public stage and to be used as a poltical pawn by McCain / Palin for their self-serving political ambitions. As many fact checking sources and business and tax experts have cited that most small businesses in America would not – and I say again, would not ! – see an increase in their taxes: but rather, a reduction in the taxes to be paid on their net income.

How sad that Joe the Plummer was misdirected in his errant mission. Even in the face of the truth and undisputable facts, he allowed his political inclinations to be manipulated and himself to be exploited by sef-serving political oppotunists .

McCain says he won't raise taxes and he will balance the budget the budget by the end of his term. But if he fails to balance the budget during the first three years, then his deficit spending will result in higher debt which is the same as raising taxes, because the debt has to be paid for with taxes. Bush raised taxes by more than five trillion dollars, the biggest tax hike of all time.

Ken .... a very narrow perspective. If you open your ears for a moment McCain said he would balance the budget. by the end of his first term How?

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. No wonder he's voting for McCain...keeping it all in the family...

OK Folks, lets be realistic.. regardless who's smoke & mirrors you want to believe.. mark my words, within 6 months, whoever is elected WILL be on TV speaking to the nation saying something along these lines... "My fellow Americans, I realize during my campaign I pledged to not raise taxes, actually to cut taxes. But, due to the economic situation in the world and America today we have no other choice, in order to sustain our National Security and provide basic Social Services we simply must increase taxes.."blah . blah, ;blah.. and Washington politics and any “change” rolls right out the window !!

What bank is loaning Joe money today ?

If nothing else, the dialogue suggests that “Joe the Plumber,” the Everyman voter who became a totem and talking point for both candidates last night, might one day be “Joe the Solar Guy.”

If you don't understand the difference between taxable and non taxable income, please don't comment here. 2 percent of small businesses would pay 3 percent more taxes under the Obama plan, which is actually just restoring the Clinton tax code. Seriously, you republicans can keep freaking out about supposed socialism though. If I believe that McCain is a nazi fascist, does that make it true?

That guy just opened himself up to the IRS. Next you will hear that he has been indicted for lying on his taxes.

If he was a plant for McCain, that WAS NOT a very smart idea considering the possible consequences.

If a plumber is making that much money, he has been ripping some people off. I see why people detest plumbers. The probability is that Joe the Plumber has also over charged an IRS employee. Lets see what happens next.

Joe the plumber apparantley is a Mcain surrogate......And now he is a celebrity ...Joe The FAKE

Joe the plumber is an idiot. He doesn't even have a plumber's license? Yet he's worried about $250K income he doesn't make? Get a grip.

So, turns out McCain's October suprise is Joe "sick-crack" the Plumber? give me a break.

Yet another dumb person trying to make a name for himself.....and of course he has to be a Republican....how about that!!!!
It just seems all these Republicans have lost their minds.....or what little is left after being ardent followers of McCain and listening to his rantings and then Palin's stupidity!!!!
Still, as they say "little things please little minds".......I would say that fits the whole campaign in a nutshell.

ENOUGH ALREADY WITH JOE THE PLUMBER!!!

ENOUGH ALREADY WITH JOE THE PLUMBER!!!

ENOUGH ALREADY WITH JOE THE PLUMBER!!!

ENOUGH ALREADY WITH JOE THE PLUMBER!!!

I'm not suprise of McCain's tactics but in reality this is what I heard:

Joe the Plumber doesn't relate to my life at all. I'm the average person making 50 – 60K a year. Warren Buffet said, why should someone who makes 50K a year be taxed the same as me who is worth 56 Billion dollars. Warren Buffet was right and so is Obama.

If Joe the plumber is making 250K and doesn't want to share the wealth with his employees who making less than him, then he is a selfish person. Joe should want everybody to experience joy the same as him.

Anyhow, I just heard Joe the plumber say, he was called by the Republican party to be at the rally in Ohio, so I'm not surprise to hear he was planted the McCain party.

Obama/Biden '08.

Regarding Obama's Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, CNN just Factchecked Mccain's claims and what did they find? The bottom line: McCain's claim only works by using an overly broad definition of what counts as a "small business" – and even with that definition, fewer than 2% of business owners would be hit by Obama's proposed rate increase (493000 out of 35 million filers who are considered small businesses) . For those who are affected, the increase would be levied only on a part of their earnings, not all of them (only the part that exceeds the cutoff, for most people that translates into $1500 more in taxes or 3% extra). These were the conclusion drawn by independent studies published by the Tax Policy Center.

Felicia – of couse small businesses are capable of making over $250,000 a year, but that isn't the point. First of all, most small businessmen and women do not pay themselves $250,000, which is what we are talking about here – individual income tax. Business taxes are a whole other issue. As for construction, my town has more construction companies than doctors, probably because everyone seems to be moving to the mountain west, but, most of these companies make mega-bucks, yet refuse to provide healthcare for their employees, sick days, vacation days, or travel allowance for gas. They may pay their employees a good hourly wage, but it is not enough to purchase an insurance policy with a reasonable deductible. From whom much is given, much is required. Sound familiar? For those businessmen and women who will not provide benefits to their employees while paying themselves huge salaries, they should be made to pay more.

Even if you are correct, it is still "spread the wealth" socialism. Why raise taxes on ANY business and punish those who make more money?

Here is some advicee...check to see if Joe is even registered to vote in Ohio and also check the public records and view his delinquent taxes.

You will be surprised of the information that you find!

He did't vet Palin so why would McCain vet Joe the Plumber?

No one should be unfairly taxed, but really, who does Joe the plumber think his hard earned money should go to – Haliburton?

I don't think he is a serious "average citizen" and I am amazed that McCain paid him so much lip service during a debate that was his last opportunity to connect with average Americans.

Another missed opportunity by McCain.

Not that I was surprised......

Taxes- A Fact of life

And by paying taxes...that is how a country functions. And the larger a country gets (population etc.) Taxes can only go up. And who does it hurt the most? Right now, currently, those at the bottom and in the middle; those who make less than that 250K here in the U.S.. Those who bring home an annual income of more than 250K only make up LESS THAN 3% of the U.S. Population. With 250K, you can live comfortably, even in the richest counties like those in N. VA for example, even with the tax increases. Yes you may have worked hard to earn that money, but you have the power to do more for others with that.

Be greatful. Do more. Stop whining. You are making my ears bleed.

I think people need to stand for something and uphold those principles even when it is sometimes more temping not to. This country stands being self achievement, and the "American Dream". We can not only stand by that principle when the streets are paved with gold , but all the time. If you don't feel that way, then it is not the right country for you- you have you forgotten about why and how we broke from England?? Three words-Boston Tea Party.

Attention: A Woman In California For Obama:

Congrats on insulting us backwoods people from Ohio. I especially enjoyed how you turned the issue from politics and taxes to questioning Joe's patriotism and calling him a coward. As for why should we all not focus on this guy, apparently you haven't been watching your news out there in California. Ohio is a SWING STATE!

I am going to pull my Kids out of College and put them in a Plumber Apprentice program. Wow! $$$250,000 a year Plumbers woo hoo. If my kids can make that much money as plumbers. Heck I will be happy to pay their tiny tax increase under Obama. Face it Kids. Joe the Plumbers real name is not Joe. He is not licensed as a Plumber and there are plans for him to be put on show at the McBush Rallies.
Joe the Plumber was a plant. Just like the Black guy at the McBush speech that was yelling about Rev. Wright. He was a local Republican Radio Program Host. Obama has plans for our economic recovery. McBush has gimmicks.

Obama Supporters....let's not celebrate too early, we still have a lot of work ahead of us over the next 20 days. Once your state starts early voting, volunteer to help get people to the polls. we need most of us to vote early so that there won't be any 'funny business' at the polls on Nov 4. Trust me I know, I live in Florida. Make sure your College kids have Absentee ballots available to them if they haven’t registered at college. If for some reason you can't vote, help out by providing transportation to the polls to at least 10 Obama voters. This is still not over yet. We have to be prepared for an October surprise. Some international event that could help McCain. Don't forget Bush is still in office and there are a lot of things he could do to try to help McCain, so we have to work very hard these last 20 days. And finally, let's be respectful of McCain and his supporters. We don't want to look or act like some of those people at the Republican rallies. We're better than that. We will usher in a whole new Democratic Revolution that will change this world for the better for generations to come.

That One & Biden 08 & 12

Joe the Plumber = Keating's grandson
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.

i truely belive that this joe the plumer was a republican setup to try and catch obama maybe saying something to joe plumer that could hurt him, this guy makes no senceon what he said , in my opinion the guy was a plant , and if he is checked out , he will most likly be a plant , he might be a plumber but i do not belive he makes any where the $ 250,000.00 he is talking about and should be in vestagted as much as mc cain is with the poeple that obama had met. you will find joe the plumer was a plant ,and the republican party should be held to explain themselfs ken

Excellent review of the small business tax implications of Obama's plan. Methinks McCain doth protest too much!

Confused-the plan is for 250K BEFORE taxes.

I would like someone to explain to me how Joe the Plumber is going to make 250K when currently our country is in a position where nobody is spending? The only "small business" that stands to make that kind of money these days is some sort of security firm (security meaning protection of others' welfare), or your local street pharmacy.

ONE NATION

Check out NY Times article about Joe the plummer.

I also think right now people are stating to feel the "recession", which is anyone was paying attention is greatly attributed to companies that are struggling. So how is bankrupting businesses further going to help individuals who don't own businesses when it has been demonstrated over the last year one affects the other! Maybe if you don't believe in personal achievement you should move to Russia

Sooo, Joe The "alleged" Plumber plant is a jerk. Lies and deceit is all you get with McCain/Palin.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

Joe the Plumber does not relate to my life at all. I'm the average person making 50 – 60K a year. Warren Buffet said, why should someone who makes 50K a year be taxed the same as me who is worth 56 Billion dollars. Warren Buffet was right and so is Obama. If Joe the plumber is making 250K and doesn't want to share the wealth with his employees who making less than him, then he is a selfish person. Joe should want everybody to experience joy the same as him. Anyhow, I just heard Joe the plumber say, he was called by the Republican party to be at the rally in Ohio, so I'm not surprise to hear he was planted the McCain party.

Obama/Biden '08.

The problem with McCain's charges is that he's full of it.

I hear McCain supporters say, "No tax and spend" Sounds nice, but the problem is that the money is already spent (borrowed)!!! 10 Billion each month for Iraq and let's pile everything else on top.

The "well-to-do" have enjoyed an extraordinary tax-cut and countless loopholes to stash their money away.

Sorry folks, but the waiter has come with the bill. Conservatives love to say "Freedom isn't free", well "my friends", it's time to pay up!!

JOE THE PLUMBER WAS PLANTED BY THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN.

American economy and the American dream has always been based on capitalism... so for all of you Obama supporters, please explain to me how "speading the wealth" or as Michelle Obama said in April "give up a piece of your pie so that someone else can have more" is supporting capitalism and not socialism?? Wake up people!

Someone wrote ,if McMcains running mate was a light bulb ,they would vote light bulb!Good grief! Two things I can not tolerate is laziness and stupidity. There is no excuse for either.Please you dont have to be stupid,for goodness sake,get your head on staight and get informed!
peg

I am a business owner with 20 employees and my business makes more than 250k a year. So if I am profiting well after all my employees' pays are paid out (including mine). I do not think that it is going to hurt so much after all. I pay a bit higher taxes, fine.... but think about this... this money goes to the public who are making less... but they in turn would increase their spending and that will increase my business... I think it will work... infact that will be like a lilttle rebate for more business. The economy will flourish. I dont mind doing that. I think I will vote for Obama after I thought about it a lot. I surely think this would be good.

Think about it.

This guy is nothing more that another Republican gimmick! I don't believe one word they say or do. I hope Americans can see through this stuff because to me it's all clear as a bell.

Obama/Biden

Reading the comments on this page, I think something needs to be clarified. We are talking about taking a nominal amount of money from joe. Joe already gives up a 3rd (that's 85K) of his income to the government, we are asking to raise that to almost half!

Let's get something straight here: 1. he has no plummer licence 2. he whants to own the company he works for

don't you have to be licenced to be work as a plummer?

where is he getting the money from buying the comany?
Is McCain buying it for him?

How did McCain know that much about this joe?
Tell me I am not the only one that sees something not right here?
What is it with McCain and Palin about this " Joe's"?
joe six pack now joe the plummer

Joe the plumber is a fraud. Planted by McCain. He was too poised and shrewd. And he apprearently is connected to McCains pal Keating.

And here is some unfuzzy math for all Joe the Plumbers. Obama's tax increase is only applying to the NET taxable income ( after all expenses have been subtracted from the gross sales) that exceeds 250,000. So for Joe the plumber to be significantly affected by Obama's tax plan, he would have to be looking to buy a business that grosses quite a bit more than 250,000, more like about 300,000 and up. If the plumbing industry is that lucrative in that part of Ohio, then Im pulling my son out of college and slapping a wrench in his hand.

Oh, and by the way, those voters that haven't made up your mind yet keep in mind McCain wants to tax your healthcare benefits. A first time ever that any President has ever wanted to do this.
Since all the focus has been on "Plumber Joe" then keep in mind McCain is also a war monger. War! War! War! Drill! Drill! Drill!!
We need to end this war! Iraq has a $78 billion surplus and the US gov't is still giving them money!!!!! as we speak and our 401K money is going down the drain. Who needs this kind of thinking?
Start thinking about what the candidate wants to do and stop thinking about what party you are for!
For God's sake people have been dropped from their insurance because they are high risk and sick and out of money! Wake up
you uncaring people!!
Keep in mind McCain cohorted with Phil Graham who called America "a nation of whiners." McCain has admitted he knows nothing about economy and he has admitted he is a deregulator. He is in large part why we are where we are today.
Do what is right!

Go Obama

I make more than 250,000 per year and I don't have a problem with paying more in taxes.

If some of us, including companies don't pay more, how do you think we will EVER get out of the GAZILLION dollars of debt we have today???

To hear John McCain talk, you'd think that Barack Obama was going to personally come to your house, take your money and hand it out on the street corner...

And to all of you spewing about "redistribution of wealth" please shut up unless you ACTUALLY make enough to pay extra taxes.

Even my 95 year old white mother from Mississippi is voting for Obama because McCain's tax credit plan offers NOTHING for seniors and Obama's plan does NOT tax seniors making 50,000 or less per year.

Mccain campaign is making calls to people in Virginia and leaving messages about Obama involved in terrorist activities to scare people.

HOW DESPERATE IS REPUBLICAN PARTY! SHAMEFUL.

joe the plumber. lucky dog, you got a business making $250,000 a year. Smile and pay your taxes, geez you are making more money than most people in this country. Plus you must have made a few bucks more doing your thing to discredit Obama's tax plan.

To "CONFUSED" Is the tax plan for 250,000 net pay or gross pay???????????????????/ anyone know

LOL!! If it wouldn't be 'net pay' then would it?

WAKE UP AMERICA.. IF OBAMA IS ELECTED WE ARE GOING TO SEE AMERICA WORSE THAN EVER BEFORE>>

Okay Ken, you said:

"it seems to me that everyone is missing the point that McCain was making, and that is that if Obama is elected, your taxes will end up going up. How else do you think that he is going to pay for all of the promises to the American people he made."

Then answer this question for me. How is McCain going to afford all of his tax CUTS? We are already a zillion dollars in debt, how are we to pay that back, or start paying it back, and have tax cuts? Would you like our county to continue borrowing from China? What's wrong with doing something for AMERICA for a change?!

Oh no not more Joe.....could Joe be a plant? Joe a Republican...just happens to go out and talk to Obama....McCain just happens to pick up on Joe. Oh no said it ain't so Joe.

Bottom line, if you're raking in a quarter-million you should pay higher taxes... I don't care if you're getting it picking up trash, fixing pipes, or breaking bricks.

If you read the whole story here, you will realize that McCain's claims are outlandish. McCain is lumping in everyone who files Schedule C,D, or F on their tax returns as small business. But as the story points out both Obama and McCain file Schedule C because of royalties on their book sales – and they are certainly not small business owners.

Secondly, the amount of tax that would increase would be the residual amount over the threshold – Obama wants to up the top bracket from 33% to 36% – so the money that is earned up to that threshold stays the same – its the OVERAGE that gets taxed higher – NOT THE ENTIRE 250K.

Lastly, when you factor in the deductions for business expenses and all, the amount of businesses that would have a taxable income of $250,000 or more is within the top 2% of businesses.

Plus, Obama is offering a credit for each new job created – so there are tax breaks for small businesses.

Bottom line, the Republicans and John McCain are trying to use typical Republican scare tactics into making people believe that Obama is going to tax the hell out of everyone. He's not. Most people do not take in more than 250K and will see better tax relief.

If you do make 250K, then you should be able to pay a little more taxes and still live a very comfortable life. If you can't, then its your own fault for not managing your money better.

The Bush tax cuts along with ridiculous spending by the Republicans is a major reason we are where we are, and if we are to truly get off foreign oil and rebuild the healthcare system, its going to take money. Obama is not trying to steal your money – he feels that if you make a lot more money you are in better position to help the economy grow.

I currently earn $120,000 a year and live comfortably. If I made DOUBLE that amount, I'd be extremely comfortable and would gladly pay slightly more in taxes knowing that I would be helping the economy and still able to maintain a good lifestyle.

Does 'Joe the plumber' know the difference between Revenue and Profit?

On October 12 in Ohio, Senator Obama mistakenly used the term revenue when referring to profit. In the U.S., income taxes are paid on profit not revenue.

So, if the business you work for is already making a profit of $250K, you are making really good money. That means your annual could be well above $250K, many of your own workers are making good money, you have already paid your direct costs, overhead (salaries, office expenses, rent, etc.) and you still have a profit of $250K. And based on that profit (not revenue) is what you are going to pay taxes on.

I am curious, what's the revenue of this company that Joe wants to buy? And much is he going to pay for it?

NEWS ALERT! NEWS ALERT! Joe the Plumber and his partner aren't even licensed to do plumbing.

It has just come out in the news that neither Joe the Plumber form Holland, OH nor his business partner Al – from whom he wishes to buy the business from – are NOT EVEN LICENSED to do plumbing work in their area.

This should be fun to watch them wriggle. Now he can look forward to getting his license for the next few months through the city/state.

It seems to me that businesses and corprate america have already got there tax break to the tune of 2.5 trillion of taxpayer money in the last month. So it would also seem fair that they should pay a little more in taxes the next decade. By the way if you call Obama a socialist because he wants to "share the wealth" then after what the Bush administration did in the last month should be called Communism.

Joe the Plumber is related to Charles Keating.

OOPS!

yeah, Joe the Plumber(who isn't really a plumber) is going to find the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow which allows him to buy a plumbing business that profits over $250,000 a year. What a joke. I guess I'm in the same boat if I win the lottery.

Same tactic, different dude spouting it!
Most of American's have lived in fear the past 8 years, Mr. McCain wants to continue that! Get scared! Fear Obama because of what he's going to do to you, your family and our "great nation".
Here is some news for you John, the country hasn't been great for a long time.
John McCain sounds more like a fox news broadcast. Push fear and have nothing substantial to back it up with.
If Obama does not win the white house, more and more people of the world will realize just how dumb people in America actually are!

We all know self-employed and small business lie about their income. They get to write off every little thing they spend. They go out to dinner with friends and write it off a business expenses. They write off cell phones that are used for personal calls more then business calls.. They don't report cash payments either. So they appear to make less when they write off everything under the sun. If you believe either of these candidates can cut taxes, look at the deficit and ask yourself how?

Why doesn't anyone get this?
All of us middle income people have been paying too much tax for the last 8 years, so why would you want to keep paying that. Under Obama's plan you will get more money from your paycheck.
Is it because the Republicans have you brainwashed? The rich are paying very little in taxes as we speak and they want to keep that going forever. You think they care about people who make $50,000 a year and their paying more taxes? They only care about what their going to get. McCain has 13 cars and 8 houses. He doesn't want to pay more taxes along with his special interests and his favorite cronies!
Wake up America! Don't be fooled by greedy Mr. McCain. He didn't even vote for children getting health insurance. Last night he mentions "precious children," face it, he doesn't care about anyone but his greedy self and his gov't Republican friends!

Taxes are paid on NET PROFIT, not gross profit.

Therefore, at a tax rate of 10%, Joe The Plumber's business will have to make $2.5M to NET $250K in profit.

What is he using, platinum pipes for McCain's 8 houses????

Ughhhhh, McCain can you please stop with the lies? And you call yourself a god fearing Christian. And Joe, if you make $250k as a plumber then I wasted six years in college and grad school. You are a plant obviously. I know lots of small business owners and they don't gross over quarter of a million.

Can we now please get back to job creation, health care, banking and financial regulation??

More Republican lies. How tiresome.

This is for Sweetie who hates the tax and spend philosophy, When your house burns down or you're robbed and the Fire department and police department (paid for by your taxes) aren't there to help or your child is not allowed to go to school because there's no money to pay the teachers or turn the lights on in your(paid for by your taxes) school, and people start invading this country because there are no armed services (paid for by your taxes) I'm sure you will be the first to complain.

When did Bruce Willis change his name to Joe and become a plumber?

Have you forgotten the National Chamber of Commerce supports Obama/Biden and said so nationally not too long ago ?????

THINK IT WOULD BE A BIT BETTER IF OBAMA WINS THE PRESIDENCY BUT NOT MUCH BECAUSE HE'S STILL AN "INEXPERIENCED BOY", MCGRAMPA MIGHT RUIN THINGS MORE THAN THEY ARE, STILL, DAMAGE IS DONE, MARKETS ARE ON THE BASEMENT AGAIN

I really don't want another President that can't pronounce words or put together a rational thought before speaking. We heard the same thing from Bush 8 years ago and look how well that worked out. I'm also getting sick of hearing the word "maverick". I mean really, everyone is some kind of political "maverick" these days. Constantly saying that you cross party lines to work together and that you have been fighting against every single bad thing that Bush has done is ridiculous. Apparently all the "fighting" that John McCain has done in the past 8 years hasn't been worth a thing, or it's just not true.

Also, being from Ohio I'd like to apologize on behalf of "Joe the Plumber". Although I'm not sure he was a plant by McCain, he sure sounds like it. Look, you make more money, you pay more taxes, that's how it is. I know not everyone agrees with it but too bad, move to another country if you're so appalled by the idea. I love the objection of rich businessmen to paying more taxes when they've risen to the top of corporate ladders on the backs of others, not their own merits.

I'm not really sure if it matters who is elected next month, which is very sad. At least I won't have to listen to any more smear tactics, finger pointing and back stabbing for a while.

joe the plumber.if you dont want your name thrown around.then dont let lieig mcbush use it if he used my name iwould sue the liar JOE THE PLUMER YOU ARE JUDGED BY THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

McCain probably lies to his own mother.

McShame was trying to scare small business people. small business people should really try to see the truth through this..i think Obama's plan is in their favour.

Ok People Joe Plumber does not earn $250,000 as a plumber now. He wants to purchase the plumbing business that he has been working at. The business is earning 250,000 per year. Get a grip and actually read and open your ears.

Joe the Plummer, or Karl Rove Stooge! I'm goin' with the stooge.

More BS from the McSame campaign. 19 days and we won't hear from him or Daily Scandal Palin anymore. Woohoo!

I do hope that Joe is checked out. If he is a plant the American people should be informed

Joe is a republican rich guy wannabe and will be a loser all his life voting against himself and then blaming "others" for his failures.

Sorry Joe, I don't buy it.

I saw "Joe the Plumber" myself on CNN this morning - he said that what he was asking Obama was a hypothetical and that he does NOT foresee his business making more than $250,000 at this time. He concurred his taxes would NOT be raised; however, he was asking about if, IN THE FUTURE, his business succeeded to the point of making over $250,000.... So McCain's constant badgering was not based on a real example, but a hypothetical.

Hope Joe employer still employ him after McCain gave him a big settlement to challenge Obama.

One thing that many people fail to take into account is that the $250,000 figure refers to taxable income, not total income. A business can deduct business expenses, so employee salaries, gas for the trucks, cost of parts, rent for facilities are all deductible. If Joe the Plumber still makes over $250,000 after deducting his business expenses, I would be very surprised. If by some miracle, he manages to exceed $250,000 after all deductions, he would be doing fantastically well. More than likely, the total value of the business is greater than $250,000 – but we don't tax business value unless you sell your business (and even then, only the difference between cost of sale and what you bought it for originally get taxed at capital gains – if you sell it for less than you bought it, you get a tax cut due to capital losses).

If Joe the Plumber ever gets his business up and running, he gain more under Obama plan. You also recall Obama saying that for each created job you get 3000 dollar credit so if Joe the Plumber creates five new jobs, he get 15, 000 tax credits which will probably wipe out the taxes that he will be required to pay. However you look at it, Obama has a plan for everyone, McCain has a plan for only the rich to get richer. American people better wake up and smell the coffee because if McCain wins, we are all screwed.

can't wait to quit my job! start "spreading the wealth around" now! why work and keep your earnings when you can do nothing and get other people's money? beautiful

Take it from someone who worked for Charles Keating and Bob Wurzelbacher in the early 80's. The Keatings are originally from Cincinnati and it seems like quite a coincidence that this guy with the same (somewhat unusual) last name as Keating's son-in-law showed up at the Obama's speech and just HAPPENED to be photographed shaking hands with him...... Hmmmmmm, I smell big money republican bait at work.

John McCain is good for finding stories to tell to people. Like the one about the P.O.W who made the American flag and was punished and then made another out of his shirt........that story originated during WW2. A plumber making $250,000, sounds like a plant. Is McCain trying to create stories. I agree stories are a great way to relate to the people, but Americans know BS when we hear it. No more crooked politics.

Sounds like a hose job to me.
Regarding "I am not President Bush"
McCain is correct, he's not George Bush.
Amazingly, he is worse.

I must become a plumber in USA cause they out earn Canadians by two hundred grand a year.In Canada they are taxed on what they earn not what their gross sales are.Yeah i know it is similiar there I am just saying what the ....................!!!!!! are they talking about.He is obviously going to do better with Obamas tax proposal

CONFUSED October 16th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Is the tax plan for 250,000 net pay or gross pay???????????????????/
anyone know
..............................................
It has always been gross, why change it know. Dems never have, neither has the Government or IRS.

If you have a little bit knowledge of the tax, you will know

the higher tax for corropration = the higher price of the products or services = the less jobs in America.

the cut tax for 95% of american and creating the more jobs is just talking point.

Ya and my husband is "Joe the Pizza Maker" sooooo

This guy is just as smart as Palin.
I hope you enjoy your 10 minutes of fame. I know how jealous you are that you can not hold a light to Obama, Go back to school and get your dipolma and think of registering to vote in four years.

I have always been grateful to be born in the United States. I have been an IT professional for over 30 years. Last year for the first time, I broke 6 figures. My taxes went up and I was restricted on 401K contributions. We had no problems with paying the additional taxes. What a privilege it is to live here! As an older worker, I was laid off 2 months and to-date we have lost half of our life savings. My husband was diagnosed with a chronic health issue. In our situation, we are not young enough to rebuild our wealth. We have grave concerns about our once carefully planned future. We are still so lucky. I would never mind paying additional taxes. We have to care about everyone in our country. The American Dream may be having a home and discretionary income. It should not be about acquiring unbridled wealth. Think about your community and our society.

We need to work together.

How do you explane "Pro Life- Pro War" I some how beleave killing is killing. See what napalm does

McCain has said in the past that he thinks only people making at least $5 million a year in salary are considered rich, so it's no wonder he thinks that taxing people and businesses making more than $250k would be such a huge hit.

What really amazes me about most of this discussion is the fact that most of America is so greedy they're willing to trade the Freedom of the American Dream for Socialist policies that throughout history have proven themselves to fail and fail miserably. Problem is most Americans have extremely short memories, EXTREMELY SHORT. There is no way for most to learn from history as their memory won't allow them to go back 10 years... Anybody remember the Clinton years, we were in a decent recession coming out of his administration, today we are still dealing with the fallout of that DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIONS SOCIALISTIC program... THE CURRENT MORTGAGE/FINANCIAL has it's root in Clinton Administration policies and Obama is far more liberal and leftist leaning... His record speaks for itself.

You think things are tough now, Joe the Plumber COULD make $250,000 a year if... he continues to grow his business, adds employees, adds services... EMPLOYING those who are currently "Unemployed and Hurting" As a small business owner, today I don't make $250,000, but the potential is there as my business continues to grow. I employee 8 people part-time and I am in the process of adding 2 full-time. I have struggled for 7 years to get to this point, I have taken part-time jobs of my own at night to help make the ends meet, I have gone with limited sleep, struggled over making my house paymetn and meeting payroll; Senator Obama's plan insults me... When I "make it", and this is Joe the Plumber's point, I should be penalized for my hard work, I should be able to enjoy the rewards not be forced to give it away (excuse me... REDISTRIBUTE MY EARNED WEALTH)

I have a question, were is the unemployment level today? It is roughly 6%, out of that 6% – 4% are unable to work due to age, health, or other issue that have them unemployable. That leaves 2% true unemployment, out of the 2% how many really want to work verse how many would rather collect a check from the Government? So are we down to 1% who want to work? Currently there are jobs available, they may have to relocate or do something that is "below" their previous level or standard, but they can go to work at something until they find the position they would like to have.

There are several other points that make Senator Obama an extremly risky choice as President, but that is for another post on another discussion... IF YOU HAVE ANY SENSE AT ALL YOU WILL RUN FROM SENATOR OBAMA.......... PLEASE

i'd like to make 250K in 2 years... dudes thanks to "W" we are all going to pay, and pay and our kids too, and our grandkids too!!! thanks "W" we will miss YOUR mavrick ways.

Ok, I am going to keep this very simple and clear. If you own a business that is listed as an S-Corp, the net income of the business shows up on the tax return of the owner. However, if a business has positive net income it does not mean there is cash for the owner. The positive is used for taxes, debt retirement, investment back into the business, etc. So, you could easily have a business with a positive net income of 250k or more in which the owner receives little or none of that in the form of cash in pocket. If taxes increase for these business, they will hire less people, not invest in expenditures, such as hardware, machines, etc, which drive the economy. Businesses that are creating 250k or more are the ones that are doing the majority of the hiring. Supporting the poor is great....that is what charity is for....not government; that will undoubtedly squander hard-earned $$$ of business owners in programs that have not and will not work.

The fact is, more social programs cost more money. He will have to get it from all of us. Just say NO to Barak by not voting for him and his socialist agenda.

Cant you guys see that this guy (Joe) is part of a last dish effort of the republicans. What was he (Joe) doing at a Obama rally???? When Joe is a conservative and prefers McCains idealism. I believe (Joe the Plummer) is a plant by the Republicans. Enough Said....

Obama/Biden 08

What really amazes me about most of this discussion is the fact that most of America is so greedy they're willing to trade the Freedom of the American Dream for Socialist policies that throughout history have proven themselves to fail and fail miserably. Problem is most Americans have extremely short memories, EXTREMELY SHORT. There is no way for most to learn from history as their memory won't allow them to go back 10 years... Anybody remember the Clinton years, we were in a decent recession coming out of his administration, today we are still dealing with the fallout of that DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIONS SOCIALISTIC program... THE CURRENT MORTGAGE/FINANCIAL has it's root in Clinton Administration policies and Obama is far more liberal and leftist leaning... His record speaks for itself.

You think things are tough now, Joe the Plumber COULD make $250,000 a year if... he continues to grow his business, adds employees, adds services... EMPLOYING those who are currently "Unemployed and Hurting" As a small business owner, today I don't make $250,000, but the potential is there as my business continues to grow. I employee 8 people part-time and I am in the process of adding 2 full-time. I have struggled for 7 years to get to this point, I have taken part-time jobs of my own at night to help make the ends meet, I have gone with limited sleep, struggled over making my house paymetn and meeting payroll; Senator Obama's plan insults me... When I "make it", and this is Joe the Plumber's point, I should be penalized for my hard work, I should be able to enjoy the rewards not be forced to give it away (excuse me... REDISTRIBUTE MY EARNED WEALTH)

I have a question, were is the unemployment level today? It is roughly 6%, out of that 6% – 4% are unable to work due to age, health, or other issue that have them unemployable. That leaves 2% true unemployment, out of the 2% how many really want to work verse how many would rather collect a check from the Government? So are we down to 1% who want to work? Currently there are jobs available, they may have to relocate or do something that is "below" their previous level or standard, but they can go to work at something until they find the position they would like to have.

There are several other points that make Senator Obama an extremly risky choice as President, but that is for another post on another discussion... IF YOU HAVE ANY SENSE AT ALL YOU WILL RUN FROM SENATOR OBAMA.......... PLEASE

Joe Sixpack:
"those people" had the same opportunities you had?Come out of your cave, man. Opportunity is not a given right around here.

Okay is Joe the Plumber making 250,000 +? I have a problem feeling sorry for you Joe, I make 40,000. You think i can afford to have my taxes go up?

Say it ain't so Joe, not even registered to vote and not even really a plumber... and related to Charles Keating? Say what?

IT AMAZES ME HOW MCSHAME KEEPS "THROWING PEOPLE IN THIS ELECTION"

1. PROBLEM PALIN>>> LIKEABLE AT FIRST BUT THEN THE WHEELS CAME OFF.

2. NOW JOE THE PLUMBER>>> UUMM JOE HAS A SON AND I DON'T THINK THAT JOE WOULD APPRECIATE HIS BUSINESS BEING OUT THERE SO THE WORLD CAN MAKE COMMENTS ON IT LIKE WE ARE DOING RIGHT NOW....

3. I SMELL A LAWSUIT AND A BIG BLOWUP IN MCSHAME'S FACE.

LORD HELP US BECAUSE THIS IS JUST CRAZY AS HELL!!!!!!!!!

Where did this Joe the Plumber come from, why were there national media in his house even during the debate?
This smells very fishy indeed.
This smacks of a Karl Rove stunt.

this is not the time to raise taxes on anyone.

Its time for government handouts to stop.

I have to balance my check book, Congress should too.

Earmarks = Govt. Bribes

Ok.. lets be realistic here. Given the amount that plumbers make about 50K a year. If the company is making over 250K.. that's probably split between multiple plumbers. So by the time payroll goes out.. and expenses.. they would be WAY under the 250K net profit. That kind of business would never have to worry about Obama's plan.. because business tax is paid based off net earnings, not gross.

If we listen to all the people saying that paying your fair, proportional amount in taxes is "un-American", soon we won't have an America to come home to. 8 years of selfish, irresponsible REPUBLICAN policies have destroyed this country. McCain is a Republican. Transitive property would state: McCain = Republican, Republican = Destruction of America. Therefore, McCain = Destruction. Basic logic. Anyone with an ounce of sense should be able to understand that. Democratic policies have always profited EVERYONE in this country – Big and little businesses, individuals and families. Make the sensible choice America.

$250k net is a far cry from $250 gross. If Joe's company is making $250k net after paying for his shop, his trucks, tools, supplies, power & gas, employess salaires, his own salary, etc. then he will be living the American Dream and can afford an extra 2-3% tax on the income his company earns above the $250k threshold.

The tax increases are not exactly increases but just allowing the tax breaks to expire, in 2011 I believe. Joe won't have to worry about his taxes going up for a long time.

I don't understand why neither candidate will address the budget deficit and national debt issues. Won't we need some additional tax revevues to pay down some of our foreign debt and balance a federal budget? Or do we just want to keep running in the red ink? What about the devaluation of the US dollar and the imminent inflation? An average "Joe the plumber" who make $50k a year might find that $50k worth much less in actual spending power.

Listen everyone,

Joe does not have a plumber's license let alone a business.
By the time he makes 250k, everyone's taxes will have increased.

Joe the Plummer was a Republican plant. Didn't work. NEXT!

So Joe is a member of the Keating family! WOW, CNN report this pls.

Was Joe a plant? He's never made $250,000 one year in his life and probably won't. So why was he feigning such interest?
Then, if all reported is true, he's not truly a plummer? So, what's true about him? Did McCain have him appear at the gathering and pose those questions to make a story for the McCain campaign? Sounds like a Palin tactic!

@Confused
Net Pay, not gross pay.

FROM WHAT I HEAR, JOE THE PLUMBER ISN'T EVEN A REGISTERED VOTER AND WHO KNOWS IF HE EVEN HAS THE WHEREWITHAL TO BUY A $250K BUSINESS...

THIS WHOLE TOPIC IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME

just like sarah was macains first stunt so is joe the plumer or maybe he was talking about mario and luige ummm.

To U-N-I-Verse

Good!!! Good!!! Good Ideas!!!!!!!

Either Joe Plumber has his hopes for his yet to be plumbing business a little too high or he's probably planning to include other "side deals" in his plumbing books. Say hello to the IRS Mr Joe Plumber!

There is a dent repair business in my town which I frequently drive by. They hardly ever have any visible customers or customer cars present on site. But they have all these brand new gleaming Chevy SUV's and expensive European cars parked outside with the business name nicely painted on all their vehicles. I say to myself, I don't know if you folks got a nice big inheritance or something, but the apparent success of the busines is not coming from fixing minor car dents – no way!

Things that make you go hmm!

Dealt – yes making good for the less fortunate is nice , BUT it's not the government's job to take from us and distribute to who they feel deserves it. That is called Socialism. As a American citizen I have the right to CHOOSE my own charities.

So, how much do think the McCain campaign paid "Joe the Plumber"? He was certainly, conveniently, used alot during the debate by McCain.

I ask CNN the following :

Where in the Hell do you get your Polls and why do they
differ from others. You want me to watch your Network but
your people lie for the left like the local networks.

Why can I respeck Lou Dobbs and not the Rest.

I want a truthfull Answer or will you put this under
the Rug and let me hanging with out an Answer.
I have asked the same thing of FOX.

It only takes one lie to become a lyer.

Respectfully
Euen Marshall Dover, Penna.

It's strange that McCain know what this guy is saying but does not hear the Kill him and other hateful words at his and Palins rallys? But let's look at this Joe for a minute.

Because this guy Wurzelbacher acknowledged today that he'd still like to eventually buy the plumbing company he works for but that he wouldn't yet be hit by higher taxes.

Saying "I want to set the record straight: Currently I would not fall into Barack Obama's $250,000-plus," he said. "But if I'm lucky in business and taxes don't go up then maybe I can grow the business and be in that tax bracket – well, let me rephrase it. Hopefully, that tax won't be there." Yea me too but what's the country going to look like after four more years McCain running the place just like bush? No thanks!

Anyway few owners are that lucky in business. In a member survey conducted late last year, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) found that only 14% of respondents said they had $200,000 or more in annual income.

"Most owners of small businesses have small incomes."

Let's not get fooled!

This guy in my opinion was a republican plant from the get-go. No credibility to this guy at all. The media should let this go; McCain has nabed you guys again with a non-issue.

I guess Joe the plummer wasn't vetted very good by the McCain campaign. According to Politico this man doesn't come close to making 250,000 therefore he would get a tax break under Obamas plan. he also owes local taxes and does not have a plummers license. In fact he will probably get in trouble now because he hasn't even started any apprenticeship program to be a plummer, but yet he has been working as one.

No one in America should make more than $250,000..., except for celebrities and politicians of course.

Mr McCain wants to expand the same failed Bush policies

He certainly served our nation with honor during war, but nowadays, when it comes to do the right things for our people, he is simply wrong.

Now, it is our time to make a difference, it is our chance to improve our lives

Let us vote for

Obama-Biden 08
Yes they will!!!

DESPERATIOOOOOOOOOOOOOON, WHY DON'T YOU COME TO YOUR SENSES??.....................

(SUNG TO THE TUNE OF "DESPERADO"

Don't worry Joe.., at this rate, you'll soon be sending all your earning to Obama, that way Obama can send back only what he thinks you need.

We are just two retirees who can now sit here and warch all of this on TV. And you know what we said LAST NIGHT? He (Joe) sounds as if he were a republican plant. Well guess what? Is he?

Joe the Plumber is full of it! Very Very few plumbers make 250 grand a year. Anyway he should take some of that 250 and get him some rogain for that cone head......................of course he could be making that money if he was working for kbr (tricky dick cheney's former company) overseas in Iraq. Another interesting point is to be concerned about Black Water who has lots to lose if Obama is elected. The religious right military group who has a private military who could cause many problems for this country. Think about it...........

Thanks to joe the plumber the polls are getting tighter this morning!

A recent Gallup Poll has Obama's lead down to two percentage points. Perhaps the reports of McCain's demise have been premature.

You know how the old man has a way of coming back from the dead.

Ken, Obama is going to pay for the promises he's made by not giving tax credits ( Mc Cains is looking to give) to corporations that make billions already. Mc Cain is going end up cutting all good programms for the sake of even more tax benefits to wealthy

Wow the CNNMoney.com article is very informative. It turns out the truth is that 98.6% of "small" business owners won't get taxed, and those who do only get a tax increase will see it only for the portion of their income that falls into the higher bracket. Once again, it shows that McCain is using false claims to incite fear. To paraphrase Hillary, 'Shame on you John McCain, shame on you!'

I wonder how Republicans think we can get this huge deficit under control without additional tax revenues? As a small business owner, I can tell you that you can cut until you're blue in the face and not make up that kind of money, especially with the war costing additional billions each month.

Remember people....Freedom is not Free. You're willing to offer up the lives of your sons and daughters but not willing to accept a 3% tax increase if you make over $250K per year?

How about Republicans can pay for the Iraq debacle and tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations (since I don't believe in them), and Dems will pay for programs that better our society (as Republicans don't want to), and we will see who pays more, and who does the most good for our country and society, for children and education.

PAY YOUR TAXES TO BAIL OUT OUR BUDGET DEFICIT= REAL PATRIOTISM

McCain or Obama as president will have to raise taxes to bridge the federal budgetary gap, no matter what they are saying now. The only difference is Obama is being honest and realistic about it. McCain a self professed novice to economic and public policy is in denial and just waffling around with some catchy idea that is not working. I am a businessman and things are bad and don't look good in the near future. WE NEED A STRONG AND INTELLIGENT LEADER THAT WILL BRING IN TECHNOCRATS TO RUN THIS COUNTRY. THE CHOICE IS OBVIOUS. OBAMA.

People have you lost your minds. This man stated and opinion and challenged Obama on his plan, he is an American citizen with the freedom of speech and now the Obama Thugs with the help of the media is delving into his background and digging up dirt on him because he simply stated his opinion. Is this what you want for the next 4-8 years an administration that belittles and bullies the citizens of this country an Administration that tries to destroy you if you do not agree with them, an administration that calls your racist if you do not agree with their policies? are we in CUBA or Russia or is this the United States of America, do you people have no sense? this is what you are willing to do to our country? Unbelievable!!

CNN needs to check out the relationship between Joe the Plumber who is friends of a family in New York who has connections with Charles Keating, a Keating family member. Does KEATING ring a bell?? Certainly!! That's one of John McCain's BIGGEST NIGHTMARES!!

JS October 16th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Obama makes me nervous, until McCain starts talking.
***************************************************************
Maybe that's because you have no clue what he's talking about.

McCain pretty much screwed Joe the plumber by bringing his name up because he says he wants to buy a plumbing company, but Obama's plan scares him off. Well, maybe if Joe were smarter, he would not have announced that he has no license, and doesn't have to have one because he works for the business he's trying to buy.

Not only does he have to have proper licensing for his business, but he's notsupposed to be plumbing anything unless he has taken an exam , and or has his plumber's license. Joe, Obama didn't call this oversight out for you, you and MCCain did.

I guess Felicia's uncle can't defend Himself ! shes feels the need to do it for him! or maybe he doesn't feel that way and shes lieing . be nice to hear from him! since its his buisnes..

Why do we have a section for Joe the plumber,.....really WHY!!!!!!!!!?????!!!!!!!

People aren't getting this are they? It's a stunt! McCain found someone to push the attention of the media onto so they wouldn't be talking about how Obama did.

Same thing with Palin! "Hey look over here! Nothing to see in the Obama camp! Looky looky looky!"

And everyone is falling for it hook, line and sinker.

Stop watching the stunts and pay attention to the issues people!!!

I am a diesel mechanic...........I cant imagine any plumber making a quarter million a year......I don;t know many "small business owners who earn that much.........this was a complete out of the blue set-up.....He (joe) is LYING.

I believe this Joe the Plumber guy was sent by McNasty to ask Obama that question. This guy does not even have a plumber's license, so I do not think that he will be buying the business anytime soon.

McNasty and Ms. Clueless will go to any length to try to win this election. Let's show them that we will not be fooled.

Obama/Biden 2008

JOE THE PLUMBER...YOU ARE SELFISH AND U CLEARLY DON'T UNDERSNTAND THE CURRENT TAX SYSTEM. incase you didn't know currently we are on a graded system too. rich people pay more. Under Obama they will pay 3% more. IT'S FUNNY HOW U DON'T TALK ABOUT THE TAX CUT U WILL GET UNDER OBAMA NOW BUT INSTEAD U CHOSE TO TALK ABOUT THE POSSIBLE INCREASE IN UR PAY AND THE POSSIBLE TAX HIKE...hmm i wonder why u so badly don't want that cut right now instead of the possible hike in the future..

Once again "Plumbers" have come into question in a political campaign. Let's get some in depth research done on this Joe guy? Find out what he's all about, no coincidence if he is in fact related to Keating..

Mr Universe is so right. I want more American to re-read his comments:

What's the matter CNN, don't like what I have to say about Republican tax philosophy? We'll see if you print this this time. It's certainly relevant to the topic here. Anyway, it seems like a lot of people have fallen for the great Republican lie: The claim that tax breaks for big business creates job, that if they have more wealth, it will rain down upon everyone else. Tax breaks for the wealthy DO NOT create jobs, because increased revenue does not create jobs. What's the incentive to hire someone just because you have more money in your pocket? That makes absolutely no sense. They aren't going to hire more people if there's no increase in customer's demand for their product, not matter how much of a tax break you give them. A demand for an increase in production is what creates jobs. If a company's profits increase, they don't reinvest it in more labor unless there's an increase in demand, they just keep the profits. And if there's an increase in demand, they'll hire more people either way because they have to in order to keep up with demand. That's why Republican policies lead to nothing more than increased income disparity and a rise in inflation. Demand comes mostly from the bottom up, which is why it makes more sense to give those tax breaks to consumers who then stimulate the economy by buying goods and services from those businesses.

MacBush and MacPalin and THE RUPUBS you lie to the American people alot. Obama is much Much MUch MUCh MUCH qualify and intelligent than mccain.

Vote for Obam/Joe ticket for you happiness.

I lived in Ohio (where Joe the Phony Plumber is from) for years, and he brings back scary memories of the conservative morons who live there. This guy was surely a plant by the local Mc Cain campaign robots. Here's why it's obvious.

First, he says he's a plumber, but has no license. If he's working under his employer's license, he's probably an apprentice and will be in no position to buy a company for quite some time.

Second, he says that the business he plans to buy makes "oh $270....$280,000 a year".. Is this gross revenues? Is it net after costs of doing business? Is this fictitious compay incorporated? If so,how many other shareholders are there? Or is it a partnership? Sole proprietorship? If so, is he keeping all of the net earnings or paying himself a salary? (Oh yeah...forgot to say I was a lawyer in Ohio)

As I understand it, Obama claims his tax scheme will lower taxes for individuals making under $250k a year. So ol' Joe would need to give Obama a lot more information before he could even answer the question.

Which is, once again. why I think good ol' Joe was a plant. Probably by the local Republicans and not by the McCain campaign. And I'm not worried, it he WAS a plant, the media will dig it up. And Republicans......quit your crying. McCain has lost the election, and if you can be objective for a second, the reasons are legion and obvious, Better luck next time.

Joe the Plumber is full of it! Very Very few plumbers make 250 grand a year. Anyway he should take some of that 250 and get him some rogain for that cone head......................

More doubletalk from the party who seems to have cornered the market on 'up is down, black is white, no is yes'.

I live in Texas…. and sure would love to see our state blue again, the way it used to be. I certainly intend to do what I can to help Obama, out this direction. The republicans here and on the hill have failed in every aspect … both in good governance and in their own ideology. Corrupt, Hypocritical (gay bashing while hanging out in mens restrooms, or chasing underage pages around)(proclaiming how great our wars are while refusing to serve themselves)(saying they support drilling but leaving all these wells here in Texas capped) Influence peddling, and DEFICIT SPENDING!!! They have habitually lied to our faces while doing the opposite of whatever they claim to be about.

I can't help but think that more and more folks in my family and around here are looking for an honorable way out of the republican party so they can vote democratic in the coming years. They have certainly been taken advantage of these last 15 yrs in Texas. Gig em' Barack!

I honestly think that "Joe the pulmmer" was planted by the McCain camp. McCain spent entirely too much time trying to bring home his point.

If this Joe the Plumber is such a good friend of John's maybe John should ask him to fix a few of his pipes as there's definately a few leaking or full of air!

Confused,

My understanding is that it is NET earnings. So work those deductions and you are in good shape. If I can manage to deduct my entire income every year – so can you. Just REALLY familiarize yourself with the tax laws (you know – like while you are in the bathroom because they are BORING and conveluted).

Geez people leave Joe alone, all he wants to do is buy a business and live the American dream!

Why should he after all his hard work be taxed to death to help those who are just waiting for a hand-out from the government!

Obama will raise taxes that is a fact. So for those of you what to ignore this reality, well go head, you'll be sorry sooner or later.

My vote goes to McCain. I do not trust Obama and he does not have the experience needed to fill the position of President.

McCain/Palin '08!

What constitutes a small business. I own a Barber Style Salon in a small town. I would be thrilled to be making $250. I don't know to many people that make that kind of money. I'm lucky to make $30K
In the lost of new construction I can't imagine a plumber making anything like that. Go Obama! Sarah Palin needs to point out to McCain that her child has downs syndrome not Autism. I have an autistic child and there is a big difference. They know how they got downs, they don't know how 1 in 150 children get Autism.

Ken, McCain will raise your taxes. He's going to have to raise someone's taxes if he plans on decreasing the deficit. He plans on continuting to finance 2 wars plus his Bush tax cuts. How the heck do you think he's going to pay for all of that if he dosen't raise someone's taxes????? How is he going to pay off the deficit in 4 years like he claims???? He wants to tax your health care benefits! He wants to include that $5000 credit as income! That's an increase right there!Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous that you trust McCain. It really shows me where you're coming from.

Seriously the conservatives are trying to spin silk from a pile of manure. We are tired of the direction the conservatives and their rich buddies have taken our country in, and the majority of us have had enough. Anyone who thinks my heart goes out to some guy who is supposedly in a position to buy a company that nets over $250,000/year is sorely mistaken. Only McCain and his campaign would latch on to this guy as representative of the "Average Joe." To McCain someone who makes less than $500,000 is a pauper. I've got a real shocker for you McCain...some of us can't afford to buy one mansion, much less a baker's dozen of them.

Funny how those that cry 2% is 2% too much don't indicate which group they are in.....we can probably all guess the answer to that one. I am in the 98% group and would love to have my taxes go down and the 2%'s go up, since they are the group that been enjoying the fruit of the last 8 years.

I love to look at these "fact check" stories.....98% of the stories from the McCain camp are found to be false/misleading.....but hey, we knew that already.

Turns out Joe the Plumber does not have a plumbing licence.

In another topic on Joe the plumber ATLANTA (Atlanta October 16th, 2008 11:56 am ET) wrote:

" BIDEN BIDEN BIDEN, your failure to understand business cracks me up. Labor Stats show plumbers make $47,350, round that to $48,000. If Joe employs 4 plumbers at $48,000 and 2 apprentices at $20,000 , an office manager at 40,000 and receptionist at $25,000 then he must make at least $297,000 to pay his employees..."

I hope most of the general public is aware that all above-mentioned figures counted as an expense, not as a profit/income. And we don't pay income taxes on our expenses Indeed, Ignorance and arrogance belong together

to Confused:
It is on Adjusted Gross Income. AGI.

Please don't let McCain hijack democracy by misrepresenting the truth with one misinterpreted, anecdotal example. Get the facts. Read the fact check attached to this article, vote Obama 08. Get America back on track.

If he has a business only making 250,000 and has employees, That is a small business.

Not if you take into fact the over head of just running the business, paying the employees, paying taxes at the rate now. The profit margins are not going to be much.

Now add in paying to health care for all employees, having the taxes increased.

Plummer Joe might want to Rethink the American Dream.

Working all his life to get ahead, then he finally gets to a place he would like to be. The Government is saying What you worked so hard for, we are giving it to someone else.

*Spread the wealth around"

(if a teacher in Chicago makes 85,000 to 100,000, a small business making 250,000 is hardly anything for a business.)

Joe, ever thought about $4.0 gas, unemployment, infalation....? Income Tax would be my least concern.

joe the plumber was sent by the mccain camp. The average of a plumber is 47,000. He is related to Charles Keating....Don't belive me, look it up your self

AdamW your info is totally wrong. A business that makes over 250. and under a million is going to feel the pinch with Obama's plan. He is raising the cap on payroll taxes and anyone on here that owns a buisness knows that quarterly's and workmans comp. are the 2 most expensive payouts on running a business. Alot of small buisness owners also pay for complete employee health care. This is more weight in gold for workers than getting one time tax credit. Alot of small business owners do make less than 250. in their own paychecks, but their business revenue that goes over that number will see an increase in a payroll taxes. How is this helping the small buisness owner when your using your refund to pay for your increase in payroll taxes. This is why I found Bidens business comments way off base.

OMG - I'm a small business because I file a schedule C for consulting expenses. I always just thought I was "self employed". Guess you learn something every day.

biden beat me to it-what plumber makes $250,000 net income???? i live in what is called north dallas, and most of the people in this neighborhood don't make that much. maybe they should become a plumber????

To the person who said that Obama will raise my taxes, I wish that he could. That would mean that I'm pretty well off and in that case I wouldn't mind paying more anyway ... It's not like I would miss it.

My name is Jo also but I"m a female who doesn't have any faith in McCain. He is like a broken record,repeat, and more repeat. Joe don't trust this man go, with your namesake and you'll go to bed and wake up happy with the world as your oysterand money in the bank. "God Bless", JO

Joe the plumber probably he is working for baracuda in Alaska for that kind of moneys.

I think "joe the plummer" was a mc cain plant. Biden is exactly correct, plummers who own their own a small business don't make 250,000. Perhaps the owner of "Rotar Rooter" may. Just another sign of McCains desperation.

The fact that "Joe" makes LESS then 250,000 makes it extremely funny for me that McCain made it an issue. Plumbers that I know only make a little less then 50,000 a year. It seriously looks like "Joe the plumber" was a plant for McCain's camp. Sad and not very effective when you get down to the actually numbers of it. He'd actually do better on Obama's plan then McCain. To each his own but dang the stupidity!

If you Dems could read you'd see he said he was thinking about buying a business that makes 250K , not he is making 250k, put the kool aid down and read. Once agian DEMS EMOTIONAL AND BLINDED ,REPS Take the time to read. And if you've never owned a business, your ignorant on the topic. Your break at Mcdonalds is over GET BACK TO WORK,Don't worry "MESSIAH OBAMA" will tell you what to do next.

Anyone watch the View today? Joy Behar pointed out that Joe the plumber would be much better off in a prosperous Obama economy paying more taxes than in a less prosperous McCain ecomony paying less taxes. Good point, Joy! I would rather pay higher taxes on a $500,000 income than lower taxes on a $250,000 income.

I've had a plumbing business for 20 years in Los angeles and I've never had taxable income close to $250,000. I quess Joe the plumber in Ohio dose better than Mike the plumber in Beverly Hills.Joe must be a republican he's full of it.

Enough with Joe the plumber ,...... He does`nt believe there should be a social security system , he is`nt a plumber , he has no license , .... All the networks talked about him this morning on the news programs , all the while the stock market had dropped 300 hundred points ....... Whats more important ? Joe , or the economy ? I say there`s more important things to be concerned about !!!!!

Joe,
Will you please dump McCain in one of the tanks you clean?Make sure you seal it tight.!

Look, I have a small business and I certainly dont take home $250K @ yr. I think Joe wanting to buy a business for $250K and other people that talk about their uncle making $1M dont understand business. After expenses we are lucky to take home 5% of our gross. So Joe would need to be turning over $5M @ yr. to make $250K. Maybe he shouldn't consider going into business.

If I am earning income in the bracket of more than US$250,000, I don't mind paying slightly higher taxes.

Looks, so many people are working ad hard as him besides many hours per day and they are far from this figure. If overall population are doing well and earning better income, business will prosper. It got to be bottom up as the markets are mainly middle income people.

Moreover, a big tax cut for the rich does not necessarily result in more hiring of employees. Which boss would spend more than necessary even there is a big tax cut. But with more businesses, more employees are needed to run the companies.

OK! How much did the McCain campaign pay Joe the plumber to approche Obama? McCain needed something to talk about at the debate and Joe was it.

—–my brother is plumber and he doesn't make that much…
plumbers make less than 46k a year.

mcbush is soooooooo clueless, out of touch and he's idiot.
i dont trust him or his running mate sarah palin who abused her power.

we need to

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacker or aka "Joe the Plumber, is hardly an "UNDECIDED" voter. It has been found out that Joe the Plumber's father is a big donor to the GOP, and is the son in law to Charles Keating!! LOL!! Joe the Plumber's father even worked at Lincoln Savings and Loan, when all h*ll broke loose with Keating!

From the Toledo Blade: "Court records from a divorce show Mr. Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006."

In other words, this guys would really get the most out of Obama's Tax Plan... but he will vote for McCain becuase Obama's plan is "too socialist". This is how clever people are.

THE REPUBLICAN DICTATORSHIP IS OVER!

MCCAIN AND PALIN ARE SOON TO BE HISTORY!

why

Who cares!!!! "Joe the Plumber" Not a Registered Voter

HEY JOE!

MY UNCLE IS A PLUMBER AND ONLY AVERAGES AROUND $80-$85K ON A VERY GOOD YEAR.

CAN HE COME WORK WITH YOU??????

If higher taxes for the rich is being socialist, then our tax system has always been socialist.

Increasing taxes on large corporations, actually HELPS small businesses compete with them.

Apparently most of you did not listen to Joe the Plumber. He said his intention is to buy the business that he curretnkly works for. THIS would put his income at over $250K.
The fact that more of you are not concerned about the socialist answer that Obama gave shows just how much kool-aid you've had to drink.
Taxes are meant for infrastructure and necessary government programs. They were never intended to redistribute wealth. If you like that apporach. I believe Sweden will be glad to have a new citizen.

When is John Mc Cain going to stop lying about Obama raising taxes?
Over and over again, Obama said individuals and small businesses that make less than $250,000 will not get tax increases. But over and over again Mc Cain keeps saying everyone's taxes will increase. We don't need another lier as president. The current one has gotten us in an endless war and a depression. Enough is enough. Send this lier back to Arizona.

For the love of everything sacred. You're ALL missing the point! You HAVE to pay taxes. Some of you act like it's a choice. We BUY into our society, we're not born into it! So many of you have this arrogant sense of entitlement oozing from you every word. Your taxes don't go to help the poor, you morons! They go to pay for the services you all seem to be taking for granted; roads (and not the ones to nowhere), schools, police, fire services, streetlights, the military, politicians, etc. Most of the services put into place are to protect us or make our lives better. These services cost money and the government needs taxes to pay for them. What seems to be the problem? Is paying a proportional level of tax too much for some people? Is the idea that if you make more money, you're somehow better than everyone else and should pay less taxes really the definition of the American Dream? Very few "small business" owners will pay any more taxes with Obama's plan. And even if they do, they will only pay more on what is over the limit of the preceding tax bracket. They won't get taxed on their ENTIRE income... People should really do more research before opening their mouths and closing their minds...

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 above is a copy and paste from Google go there yourself and check it out just put in the name.

JOE how much do you make?? we have to elect mccain because Joe needs a tax break. OMG!! another GOP stunt

Isn't this the same kind of stunt that "Swift Boated" John Kerry in the 04 election. A bought and paid for liar, bought and paid for by one of McCain's former POW buddies and extreme right wing nut job, comes out of the wood work. If Joe has no plumbing licence, he aint a plumber. Plumbers dont make 250K a year but perhaps the owner of a plumbing company might. This whole thing stinks and is the kind of crap synonimous with Karl Rove. I dont particularly like either McCain or Obama and wish there were other people running in their stead but that's the folks we must choose between, not to exclude third party canidates. I think as long as we have control by two parties canstantly at war with each other the big Losers in all this is the American people.

Say Joe. stuff runs down hill, pay day is on Friday and do- not bite your finger nailes. This guy is a fake just like the republicans fake white house news reporter Jeff Gannon how quick we forget.

According to the "Toledo Blade", this guy is not even a plumber: he doesn't have a license or plumber registration!

So even calling him "Joe The Plumber" appears to be inappropriate.

aby said "Our ancestors fled Britian because of government tax policy like this. "

1. Not all of our ancestors are from Britain. This is a point that is hurting your party a lot. You need to get past your WASP-centric view. In a few decades, non-whites will outnumber whites in America. This can be a problem or an opportunity- your choice. If you keep up the culture wars, your party will go the way of the Whigs.

2. The American Revolution was fought because Britain continued to tax the colonists without giving them representation in parliament. The whole thing could have been avoided by giving the colonists MPs who could vote against the targeted taxes being levied against the colonies. All they wanted was the representation enjoyed by those in Britain. This is what "No Taxation Without Representation" meant.

3. 250,000 is a lot of money in Toledo. You can live pretty fat on half that there.

It take money to run the country, that money got to come from somewhre. Uderder the repub, America is faceing her wrost economical crisist in over 70yrs, and $53,trillion in debt.

When I first heard about this I knew it didnt sound right. Like someone else said, this guy is counting his chickens before they hatch. Someone could say I am writing a book and going to make a million and you are going to overtax me Obama. Maybe its just I know a guy who says he is a plumber and he has a big political agenda he carries around is always trying to make bogus political points on arcane subjects.

I love it when you can read the facts and see that McCain will twist things to make his case ... often times still having to lie. Such is the case here where he claims the 50% of small business's will pay higher taxes under Obama's plan. People, get the facts straigt! Don't listen to McLame ... he lies and twists the truth. Get the FACTS and be educated!

McWar/McPutin typo I mean McPhailling will be planning a get away to that Island off Alaska to view what McPhailling sees all the time as " Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United State Of America .:"
What does Phailling drink in Alaska?

If thats true some Cuiseline will be selling tickets for that view.

When will the media stop worrying about Joe the so-called plumber? We have 2 wars, an economy in freefall, unemployment going up, and we are obsessed with what this one guy thinks? Big shock to come – he is a McCain supporter. Great – can we move on now?

And why not one question re immigration last night? Or should CNN ask Joe instead? Is Joe now running? Maybe he can switch spots with Palin (really, not so far-fetched). Please, let's move on. Enough with Joe and these silly distractions.

I think those who do not work hard should be taxed extra, because they are not carrying their fare share of the load. If we tax them extra, it will incent them to work harder to bring down their tax burden. And if they don't like it, maybe they will leave the country, as they promised to do if Bush got re-elected.

Ken and all you other Bushains who think McCain/Palin are the best thing since sliced bread need to pull your heads out of the sand. Look at where the country has been going the past 8 years and then ask yourself, "do i feel lucky"? If you want to keep heading in the wrong direction and watch the economy spiral out of control, please feel free to vote for 4 more years of the same with the mavericky maverick McCain/Palin. If you want to see the country turn itself around and get back on track with the economy, please vote for Obama/Biden. Even if you choose to vote for the maverick, it won't matter as McCain/Palin are done since everyone knows Republicans don't know how to balance the budget. How else would you explain the deficit now compared to the surplus we had when Bush took over in 2000? As for the possibility of Palin taking over as President, I think we all know what would happen then. Remember that when you go to vote in November and vote Obama/Biden instead!

I saw the interview with Joe this morning, and he nullified his view by saying that he didn't believe in Social Security. My mother would not be able to survive without her small portion, and I would have to take of her which I can't afford to. Next, I have been in construction for 40 years, and he could certainly make his only company, not buy one and he will still not make $250,000 a year. I have worked very hard my entire life and built many houses. My companies best year was recent and my salary which I took from the company was only $100,000 and the company made $150,000 which better be kept in a safe place for hard times. (Which is now) Joe is of the republican base whose mind was already made up. I am an Independant who made up his mind this morning after watching Joe. I will vote for Obama.

Looks like McCain understands the economy and taxes even less than we originally thought. How unfortunate for him.

Obama is not going to punish small businesses. In fact, if you take into account the money he will give back to them for hiring American workers, odds are most small businesses, who don't outsource their jobs, will see either no net increase in taxes or a reduction in the amount of money they pay. They might hit a higher tax bracket if they make a lot of money, but once they deduct the money from all of their new hires, they'll end up breaking even or even making more money.

McCain just doesn't get the economy. He doesn't get taxes. How has he survived in the Senate for so many decades?

hes not a plumber? hes related to charles keating? hes not even registered to vote? hes a republican plant?

Did I just hear that Joe the Plumber is related to Keating? Should have known there was a "stinker" in the plumbing!

SIMPLE ECONOMICS PEOPLE. HOW CAN JOE THE PLUMBER BE SUCCESSFULL IF JOE THE CUSTOMER CAN'T AFFORD HIS SERVICES. HOW CAN JOE THE PLUMBER HIRE NEW EMPLOYEES AND EXPAND HIS BUSINESS, WHEN THERE IS A LACK OF DEMAND FOR HIS SERVICE.

'joe the plumber' ..... a real gem mccain! NOT

from the toledoblade.com

"Joe the Plumber" isn’t a plumber — at least not a licensed one, or a registered one. A check of state and local licensing agencies in Ohio and Michigan shows no plumbing licenses under Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher’s name, or even misspellings of his name. Mr. Wurzelbacher told reporters Thursday morning that he worked for Newell Plumbing & Heating Co., a small local firm whose business addresses flow back to several residential homes, including one on Talmadge Road in Ottawa Hills.

According to Lucas County Building Inspection records, A. W. Newell Corp. does maintain a state plumbing license, and one with the City of Toledo, but would not be allowed to work in Lucas County outside of Toledo without a county license. 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. Mr. Wurzelbacher said he was hired by Mr. Newell six years ago and that the possibility of him eventually buying the company was discussed during his job interview. He said it’s his understanding he can work under Mr. Newell’s license as long as the licensed contractor works on the same site. Mr. Wurzelbacher said he is working on taking the Ohio plumbing contractors’ license test.

Court records from a divorce show Mr. Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006. In December, 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.

Conservatives posting here are going on and on about "socialism" but in the decade of America's greatest fear of the rise of socialism here–the age of McCarthy, the 1950's, guess what the top tax rate was. It wasn't 33% or 36%, it was 90%!

If it wasn't socialism then, it isn't socialism now.

NO SMALL BUSINESS MAKES NETS PROFITS THATS WHAT WERE TALKING ABOUT THE NET AND THE PROFIT OVER 250000 PROFIT IF YOU DO PLEASE TELL

The reason Obama and Biden now don't like Joe the plumber, who makes well under $250,000 per year, is because he made the comment that it is not right to tax someone who makes more money a higher percentage. Why should someone work harder than others and then have to pay more taxes.

It's a question the Democrats don't want to talk about. Biden thinks it's patriotic. So by there standards, those who carry the burden of the load as far as productivity goes, should also carry the burden of the tax load. Those who loaf, get a free loaf.

Even the Bible tells us not to put new wine in old skins, so with this election. Our country is too raw from all of the woes right now, we don't need a washed up viet nam vet we need new ideas . I just feel sorry for John McCain, he needs to go home quietly with his wife, and reestabish a relationship there, because it is clear there is none. And as for Palin, she needs to go someplace and sit down. I expect her to say she wants"world peace" at any turn. Joe the plummer needs to register to vote, and then actually vote.

Sammy Joe the Plumber has an issue with paying taxes PERIOD. Forget about possibly higher taxes.
I guess the fact that he'd be better off under Obama is irrelevant anyways - he doesn't want to pay for taxes period. I see where Sammy Joe is coming from: no government at all.
Sounds like he's ready to join up with Palin's AIP.

I LOVE IT WHEN A REPUB STUNT BACKFIRES. Once again this is a huge hit on the unintentional comedy scale.
McCain/Phailin: SNL's best friends!!!!!

Turns out that "Joe the plumber" isn't quite what McCain is making him out to be:

Here are the goods on Joe the Plumber and further proof McCain is a lunatic:

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.

You can google this with Keating 5 Wurzelbacher.

And Joe not only doesn't even have a plumbing license, but he's had liens placed against him for non-payment of his taxes.

I hope the media crawls all over this! Great way to bring up the Keating 5 again.

Hey Plumberboy maybe you should get a new job....Like a crap
salesman !!! Sounds like you have a mouth full of samples !!!

With a good accountant, he wouldn't pay very much in taxes at all.

President Obama and V.P. Biden the Baton Rouge,La. supporters and supporters around the world for Obama are eagerly awaiting the victory of positive change. We (my family and I) along with the supporters from around the world can't wait for Nov.4.2008 to get here. The Baton Rouge supporters for Obama/Biden would like to invite / welcome you and your family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Please don't worry about the lies, your supporters in Baton Rouge and around the world have your back.

Obama / Biden 08'............................................

nobody likes to pay taxes but it's a necessary evil to perform a necessary good. It is imperative that the burden be exerted as evenly as possible. When Bush implemented the tax cuts for the wealthy it was supposed to stimulate employment and growth it didn't have that effect. McCain is wrong on every issue and he attempts to blindside Americans who aren't really paying attention.

Joe, how much "gas tax" are you paying under Republicans?

CONFUSED, I believe it is the "taxable income", which is net.

It's about time Obama starts telling out of his own mouth just exactly what is plans and purposals really mean to us if he is elected. Too much of his generic ideas have deep hidden meaning. When he told joe the plumber that he would spread the wealth to a small businessman who may make $250,000, that tells all Americans you can have a dream of your own business but when that business starts making the magic number of $250,000, With Obama as president, he would tax it–how else does he mean he would spread it around?? What happened to the idea as Americans we can dream and everyone has the same opportunites for those dreams to come true? Where in that dream did it ever say, there would or should be restrctions how big you can dream? Many peoples dream is to become very rich-richer than making $250-000-If Obama's lame economic ideas about spreading the wealth go into effect all small businesses that would make $250,000 would never grow beyond this point. Infact, they may fold if the owners have to lay off or let go employees to avoid huge taxes which are really penalties for gowing too big in Obama' warped viewpoint....and by the way, Obama admits that he makes over $250.00..I haven't heard him voluteering he would give up andy of his money and give it to the poor like he loves to preach in his rallies. Most of his ideas other than tax and spend are designed around growing government. They are definitely socialist ideas. Remember the whole "big brother is watching us?? Well, if Obama is elected, he's back.

Here is something y'all didn't know:
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.

This whole Joe the Plumber thing was a PHONY SET-UP!

Its amazing that everybody is talking about taxes..

Yes I love to get a tax cut... but what did we loose in return

1) The current GOP increased national debt by 5 Trillion ...
2) Health Care costs more than doubled in last 8 years
3) We are waging 2 unending and costly wars
4) from budget surplus to defecit
5) American schools trailing back
6) Soaring trade deficits
7) Medical and scientific research move to Europe and Asia ( stem cells etc)
Job losses
9) biggest financial meltdown in our lifetimes( I lost atleast 10 times more in stocks than the tax cuts I got)
10) America is no longer viewed as a leader in the world
11) bunch of Liars are ruling the country now( Dick Chaney, Rumsfeld, Tom delay, Scooter Libby, Mark Foley ....)
12) 88 cents = 1 euro when McBush took power... not its 1:35 cents...
13) the list goes on and on and on

Bottom line.... I dont believe that there will be significant tax increases... but even those small increases will eventually pay due to wage increases and better society and less national debt

I think Jimi Hendrix wrote a song about Joe the Plumber many years ago... huh?

Hey Joe,
where are you going with that... PIPE in your hand?

To those who are saying they don't want to pay the government but want to spread the wealth themselves: Who will build the roads and bridges we all are using? Who will run the public transportation system for us? Who will run the schools for our kids? Who will protect our lives and families and defend us from aggression? And HOW?

MCGREEDY HAS VOTED FOR THE LARGEST

INCREASE IN TAX DOLLARS IN THE HISTORY OF

THIS NATION. THEY DIDN'T INCREASE OUR

TAXES. THEY JUST BORROWED THE MONEY

AND WE NOT ONLY HAVE TO REPAY IT, BUT WE

HAVE TO PAY INTEREST ON IT. MCLIER CALLS

THE DEMOCRATS TAX & SPEND. HE & BUSH

ARE SPENDING $10 BILLION OR MORE PER MONTH,

ON THE IRAQ WAR ALONE. DON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN.

All of these comments are so funny. If anyone took the time to read the link provided in the article above, they would see that this is a moot point and not all that important. My daughter and son-in-law qualify as a small business because he's a music teacher who gives lessons on the side as well as playing in local gigs around town, so he files a Schedule C which, under what McCain is saying, makes him a small business. I'm a realtor who also files a Schedule C and that makes me also a small business. Neither one of us would pay any more taxes under Obama's plan than we do now. So, again, McCain's lying to the general public. Will he ever tell us the truth? Don't think so. He couldn't get elected if he did.

And what's with the 'Obamabot' name calling?

YOU IDIOT REPUBLICANS THAT ARE SAILING ON THE SHIP OF FOOLS.

PS to Obama and Biden and their attack dogs...Joe the plumber is not running for president. Just thought you should know. But the plumber seems to have a better understanding of what is at state with rising taxes than the dems do.

What is this? McCain's answer to Willy Horton?

Look- the claims just don't hold water. You are not taxed on revenue, you are taxed on profit. If Joe was smart- the business would own his house, his cars, etc... That is what almost every small business owner I know does. They put it all in the business's name. Then, they put themselves on the payroll and take out a super small salary- just enough for spending cash- because all their big expenses are paid for by the business. They end up hardly getting taxed at all.

Joe doesn't need a tax break- he needs an accountant to show him the ropes.

It now appears that "Joe the Plumber" is neither a licensed plumber or registered to vote!

Did anyone notice McCain had red lips? This would be called stage makeup. Maybe a little tan would have helped. Just the shade Cindy uses.

Joe The Plumber was a planted at Obama's rally by McCain!!!! $250K as a plumber...Please!!!

I watched the debate last night. I watched McCain getting angrier as Obama hit him to tell the truth. Then the moderator asked about the negative ads. And a few moments later McCain was off on a personal attack on Obama. Not stating his views or his programs, just pointing out that he thinks Obama is bad.

I have a two year old grandson who is a little like McCain at this stage in his little life. If my grandson has a problem with anyone he points at the and yells, "Bad man. Bad Man" over and over. Unlike McCain I expect my grandson will outgrow this childish habit.

By the way, years ago I worked as a bouncer in a Texas bar. When I would see someone making faces like McCain did last night, I would make a special effort to keep an eye on them. They were usually the unstable sorts who would start fights.

SCARY Casper the Ghost

talking about taxes

and can't calculate taxes

don't want HIM calling shots on

new tax regime

and that ditzy running mate!

ANYbody could get buy off $$ from the oil companies

for priviledge of getting rich off Alaska protected resources

IF Small Businesses are DOING SO GREAT......HOW COME THEY HAVE TO KEEP BORROWING MONEY TO PAY PAYROLLS??????

Did anyone catch Joe's interview with Catie Couric. he said: "Obama tap danced around the question–like Sammy Davis Jr.–Hold on there Andy! John McCain knows the meaning of the last phrase.

THE REPUBLICAN PLANT "JOE PLUMBER" DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A JOB, HE DOES NOT PAY TAXES, AND HE'S RELATED TO CHARLES KEATING! JOHN MCCAIN JUST CREATED ANOTHER SCANDAL FOR HIMSELF USING A NON-TAXPAYING CITIZEN!

Shawn Shaffer, aby, Anna: You need to read proposed policy and run numbers before spouting anti-Obama tax plan BS. Don't take anecdotal comments from your uncle Dan as the gospel. Do your research. Don't be a sheep.

sign of things to come. anyone who questions BO will be attacked and discredited. he wants to buy the business and make $250k per year. he has dreams to be independant and employ other people by taking a risk. don't steal from him. why didn't the libs send their bush tax cuts back to the irs. walk the walk.

the repub plant comment, hmmm. i guess all the haters in the mccain rallies are dem plants. give me a break you hacks!

it will be a long time before I ever support a dem.

THIS COUNTRY HAS ALWAYS RUN ON HIGHER TAXES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HIGHER INCOMES. IT IS IDIOTIC TO THINK SOMEONE MAKING $20,000 SHOULD PAY THE SAME TAX AS SOMEONE WHO MAKES $70,000 OR MORE. ALSO CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY THE REPUBLICANS HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM WITH THE "WEALTH BEING SPREADED AROUND" AS OBAMA TOLD THAT JOE THE PLUMBER GUY.

Joe the Plumber? what about Fred the baker? TIme to make the donuts

GO AND VOTE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

.

Just to throw this out there, my father makes over $250k a year, and he's not a lying, cheating or stealing member of the community. He makes his money because he worked very hard and he climbed the corporate ladder. So yeah, he can afford a few more dollars in the taxes he has NEVER dodged, but having that extra money doesn't make him a bad guy.

I'm voting for Obama and so is he, but stop making my dad sound like he stole his way to success.

Joe the Plumber is turning out to be Joe the Fat Cat stool.

This. so called 'Joe the Plumber', DOES NOT REPRESENT US.

We DON'T have enough money to BUY A BUSINESS.

My husband, an Auto Body Man, barely makes enough to pay the bills, let alone, buy a business.

So, GO AHEAD JOE......BUY THAT BUSINESS......As the Republican You ARE, IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY, ISN'[T IT??????

Joe the Plumber? what about Fred the baker?

Joe the Plumber is a fake. he was set up the McCain campaign to pull a fast one.

CNN, get with it already. There is no plumber by the name of Joe Wurzelbacher licensed in the state of Ohio. There is no Joe Wurzelbacher registered to vote in the state of Ohio. There is, however, a Richard Wurzelbacher who is a major contributor to the GOP in Ohio. Once again, you've all been duped. When will the press learn NOT to take everything a Republican tells you at face value? Investigate BEFORE you report.

Obama makes me nervous, until McCain starts talking.

Whether or not Joe the Plumber was a plant, I guess McCain's tactic was to scare small businessmen. I sure hope this tactic doesn't work. If this is an issue for business people, they should seek more details from each candidate. Also keep in mind that those of us who are not rich will have more money in our pockets to spend on small businesses if Obama's tax plans are implemented.

Is the tax plan for 250,000 net pay or gross pay???????????????????/
anyone know

"Read My Lips, No New Taxes". Remember what happened to that campaign promise?

Same thing with McCain. Neither candidate KNOWS what they will have to do once they enter office, because they have NO IDEA how bad things really are until they actually look at the books. McCain is going to have to rise taxes as well. If anything, he will be raising taxes by taxing healthcare benefits as income.

I own a business that generate $10m in revenue and employ 60 workers and management staff. My business loss $1m a year... I would love to trade the Joe the plumber position of making a net profit of $250K and might get tax break from Obama tax plan because I create job and provide health care for my employee...

This guy is a fake. He was set up by the Mccain campaign to ask the silly question to Obama. he does not have the money to by any business.

Wonder if hes related to Jeff "the plant"Gannon?He looks a bit like him?

Last night McCain talked about the woman that was at his rally who called Obama an "Arab."

I look back and see a plant, as he stated that he has rebutted everyone who has said negative things about Obama at his rally's and used her as his case in point. There were only two times that McCain didn't laugh and go along with the crowd and it was this week.

What kind of idiot would let themselves be used for someone else's political gain?

-–my brother is plumber and he doesn't make that much...
the plumber make less than 46k a year

McCains followers are like lemmings going over the precipice. They'd rather cut off their noses to spite their faces. We cant afford to continue what obvoiusly is Not and will NOT work for America.
Obama/ Biden '08

McCain made a HUGE mistake trying to use this guy as an example.

He makes WAY under 250k, as he's admitted, meaning he's an example of one of the 95% of small business owners who will do better and pay less taxes under OBAMA's plan.

To think that a small business can not make 250,000.00 is outrageous.
My uncle has a small business and made his first million 3 years ago. He is in construction. Lives in a small town. How insulting to those business owner's that they are not capable. You get out of your business what you put in. These men and woman that work hard to build a business and put others to work should not be taxed.

Calling a hard working man a loser.. wow

I can not believe some of you people out there.....

If "Joe DA Plumber" makes over $250,000, then I have spent three years pursuing a degree in Computer Science for nothing. I just could have become a plumber!! Yeah right!!

Read the Article on cnn Money. It is well written, and it goes to show how the McCain campaign continues to LIE LIE LIE! LESS THAN 2% OF SMALL BUSINESS WOULD SEE THEIR TAXES INCREASE UNDER OBAMA'S PLAN, NOT 50% AS MCCAIN CLAIMS! Share the article with all of your friends. Let the truth be told!

Ken you don't understand the point. Plumbers do not make $250, 000.00/year unless they are frauds. If yours does get a new one and vote for Obama.

I find it interesting that so much dirt can be dug up on one individual just because he asked a question of Senator Obama. I am married to a small business owner that does earn over $250,000 a year. Together we make over $350,000 a year. You know why...because we have spent the last 30 years of our lives building careers (no college) and have been true to ourselves, paying our taxes on donating well over 10% to charity. No one gave it to us, no money was left by deceased family members, we worked, we saved and we earned. Maybe if the American people would get back to the principles we were raised on, everyone would be working hard and saving rather than living way beyond their means. How many of those "less fortunate" still have cell phones, smoke, drink and the best case we can be presented is to take our hard earned money and "spread the wealth." I don;t know whether or not Joe is a plant and I relaly don;t care, what I do agree with is that I want to decide who I give my money to and not the government. And just in case your wondering...I have been a Democrat for 35 years and have always voted!

AdamW...

The taxable income is gross income, not net income. And if Joe the Plumber's prospective business makes $250K a year, how much do you think Joe the Plumber will actually bring home? I agree that taxing companies that make a huge amount of money at a higher rate is fair game, but a business making $250K is not that big of a sum.

Planted or not, the concept that McCain was raising is true.

You should fact check Joe himself!

He is from a major republican family and is a direct relative of Charles Keating! Why does CNN not report this?

Hey- That one is Karl Marxs friend too-please say something factual and intelligent sometimes...I like reading the posts but you are beginning to annoy me.

Joe the Plumber is not even a registered voter.

There must be a area in the tax that someone gets to pay. The little guy must not carry all the weight of such a great nation. Mccain need not look to become President ever, because the republican label is truly useless especially now.Oh by the way Where is the bimbo they brought from Alaska and her bulldog husband who seem to like to ruffle feathers. Well if he needs and office he can build one in Alaska and get Mccain a sdie office next to his.

Please people Joe the plumber did not say he made 250.th. dollars in that interview. He said if he buys the business it will put his income in that bracket down the road and asked if he will get taxed and Obama said yes. He also asked if he will have to pay more business's taxes if his company earns more than 250. and Obama said yes. Obama did tell him if he makes 500.th. profit the first year in business he wouldn't have to pay capital gains tax.

As far as Bidens comments again he gaffed up. Joe the plumber has been working at this same business for 11 years. You mean in all that time he makes the same amount of money a year when he was first employed. I don't think so Biden. The 44 th. for plumbers is a base pay only when you first start. Its sad for Biden to think that the Am. people are that ignorant.

Joe plumber is working for Republican party and confronted Obama in Ohio.
check all his credential, why he is worried about money which he has not made it yet?

North Dallas- We Made less than 20.000 dollars last years . they said we made to much mony and we payed at the end of the year we didn't ge a tax return, we make house payments car payments and have a teenage son. You are the one that sounds upset, maybe Its because Mccain is a looser!!!!

This guy Joe the Plumber is a fake. he does not earn $250.000 per year. This was set up by the McShame campaign.

That's not new as far as thge Rethuglicans go...lie, streach the truth, distort, falseify...anything goes. Lord, give me a ballot, I'm oh, so ready to get this ober with.
That One & Say it ain't so, Jo 08-12

According to the Kiplinger Tax Letter vol. 88 No. 19 dd. 9/19/08:
"Most Filers would benefit from Obama's plan because he would retain the Bush tax cust for singles who haveh AGI of $200K or less and couples with AGI of $250K or less. He wants to make permanent the four lower marginal tax rates, and would let these filers keep marraige penalty relief, and the $1K child credit and the 15% top tax rate on Cap gains and dividends.
Obama wants high-incomers to pay more tax. The top rate on dividends and long-term gains would increase to 20% for joint filers with AGIs over $250K and singles over $200K. Filers with incomes abouve $373,100 would pay 39.6% up from 35%. And those making over $250K would pay more Social Security Tax.
Middle and low-incomers would fare better thatn the wealthy under Obama. They'd get a new credit to offseta a portion of payroll taxes. The earned income credit would be expanded and the child and dependent care credits would be fully refundable. Plus, senior citizens with AGIs of less than $50K would pay no income tax.
By contrast, filers in the upper brackets get more tax cuts under McCain. . . "
These are TAX EXPERTS. Sounds like Joe could use some tax and business advice to make a go at his dream. Bet he'd do better under Obama anyway because people would be able to afford to hire him!

BTW unrelated. I am a woman, and Sarah Palin is in NO WAY a role model for me.

Joe the plummer would do far better under the Obama plan....even if he had to pay a little more tax, his customers would have more money and thus his business would do much better and his overall income (and everyones) would rise.

McCain's lies are astounding.

How dumb does he think we are?

When will he stop?

Joe the plumber is a plant who would be lucky to make 75,000 a year.

And he is not even registered to vote!

Stop repeating the plumber story, McCain. It makes your eyes blink and your nose grow.

Why attack Joe the plumber? If anything he gave BO the opportunity to further explain his plan and debunk stories coming from the other side. Talk about crazy!

Joe the plumber isn't a "plant" or a "tool", he's another dumb racist American that could not balance a checkbook. It's sad that McW didn't even look into it enough to know that in Joe's wildest dreams, he will never owe more taxes. He's just too stupid to realize it.

Probably I posted the previous comment prematurely. Honestly, I file my taxes jointly with my wife and our annual taxable income is more than the Obama magic figure. We are immigrants and came to this country relatively late in our life. No, we are not stealing any American jobs because we both work in a field where there is a scarcity of American workers. Like all Americans, we also have our share of mortgages and bills to pay. Still, we make much more than what is required for a comfortable living and retirement – at least that is what we think. Any, we are just too happy to pay our taxes at the rate the government deems necessary to efficiently run this country. We consider that to be our payback to the society which is giving us so much.

This Joe the Pummer thing sounds so dumb it's beyond belief. HOW MANY PLUMMERS DO ANY OF YOU KNOW THAT MAKES OVER 250K A YEAR. NONE!!!!!!!!

He tried to put a face to a certain group of average Joe's but the problem is that it wont hold water because every plummer is going to think to themselves, hmmm "I dont make anyware near that amount of money so WHO, John McCain are you talking to because its not me?"

The fact of the matter is that John McCain refuses to accept the fact that 95% Of Americans make less than 250k per year. YES McCain, we dont have as much money as you and Cindy. Shocker right?

As informative as I found this post, there is one point about business income that seems to be missing from the discussion, and which might address Joe Plummer's concern. That is the difference between income and revenue. Many small business owners seem to confuse revenue with income when it is only the latter that is taxed. I used to run a law firm where my annual revenue was well in excess of $250,000. However, after expenses, it never came close to that amount. If Joe's business clears more than $250,000 after expenses, he really can afford a slightly higher tax rate.

It was just reported on MSNBC that Joe the Plumber does not have a plumber's license. So much for dear ol' Joe!

A McPalin "Plant"

You Phony...... Joe, you were going to vote for McClown regardless of what Barack had to say..... You know you dont make 250K a year & if you do sit down & shut up because you are not struggling like the majority of the country.

It was just reported on MSNBC that Joe the Plumber does not have a plumber's license! So much for dear ol' Joe.

Joe the plummer would do far better under the Obama plan....even if he had to pay a little more tax his customers would have much more money under Obama and thus his business would be far more profitable.

THIS JOE MUST BE BUSY ALL THE TIME I BET HE GETS NO SLEEP HE WOULD HAVE TO NOT SLEEPTO MAKE ENOUGH TOO BE TAXED UNDER OBAMA'S PLAN.

I love you guys, the question you should really be debating is... Why should any American pay more than any other American ? We need to step away from this "from each according to their means, to each according to their needs" stuff. That's communism, its nothing more than spreading misery equally to all people !

Isn't it fun to watch the Obamabot heads explode?

Really, CNN, did you have to go to so much effort to try to smear a typical small businessperson to protect your Obama?

What's funny is how the Democrats on this board whine about the necessity of raising taxes to help the poor - but I haven't seen a one of them say that they gave the Federal government more than they were required to last year.

his grandfather is Charles Keating

Joe is a joke! He thought he had Obama that day, Obama stopped and spent a good 10 minutes with this guy explaining to him that his taxes WOULD NOT GO UP..This guy does not own a business yet!
and he has no intentions of voting for Obama... He wants to call Obama's tax plan socialism.. Well Joe if we keep doing the same thing we have been doing, like jJHN mc cain wnts the government will have to support all of us.. SO THERE IS YOUR SOCILISNM JOE... II'M VOTING FOR THE SMART GUY, .AND THAT WOULD BE OBAMA!!!

Joe Plumber ! You should go with Obama. "Income Tax" alone is not just the issue for you. Think how much you are paying for gas now, vs 8 years ago? Think of the other inflation that has costed you so much in your business? Think how much you have paid for (directly or indirectly) for the useless war during last 8 year? I suggest that you look at the broader picture. We have seen enough during alst 8 years and paid many forms of taxes. Its a time for change. OBAMA 08

THE MAJORITY OF SWING VOTERS AREN"T BUYING $250k BUSINISESS

Is this man named Joe also Joe six pack !!!!!

CNN, why do you lean so much on fact-check.org? You do realize that it is run by the Annenberg Foundation and Obama sat on the board of the Annenberg Challenge. Which way do you think it is going to spin the facts? Or maybe you know.

MCCAIN IS A LIAR! HIS KARL ROVE TEXTBOOK FOR DISTORTION AND FEAR WILL NOT WORK THIS TIME!!!!!!

If McCain is not going to TAX any one; he is also giving healthcare tax credits etc., he is going to cut ear marks that is only $18 billion, how on earth that he claims that he will balance the budget in next 4 years, by claiming a spending freeze; show me where on earth new $500 billion will come to balance the budget while we are fighting 2 wars, rising food costs, inflation, etc., NO GOOD NEWS... some one has to pay more TAX... i think, if I make more than $250,000 I dont mind paying more tax for this country. This is not sharing wealth; this is paying TAX. Democracy's run on TAXes that the GOVT collect. McCain get real, sharing wealth means, writing my some percentage of WEALTH to government not paying few extra percentage of TAX.. McCain where did you study Economics???

How many of you foolish Americans on here are complaining about Obama taxing people who make over 250,000 a year? How many of you will honestly EVER in your life make that much a year? Be sensible. Even people with medical degrees make a bit over 100,000 maybe even 150,000. Most Americans will never be considered wealthy- that is a simple fact. You can work all your life, make a good living, but the odds are you will not be rich. If you DID in fact make that much, hes not going to tax you into the poor house. Stop complaining about something that has nothing to do with you.

Yep, Joe the Plumber

He charged me $200 to fix a pipe and didn't even clean up after himself.

Materials: lest than $5
Time: 10 minutes

I think Joe could afford to pay a little more tax (even if that was true).

Cnn Please do the story on how Joe The Plumber is a Republican plant put out there by John Mccain I thought something was up with this guy something is Fishy here

If John McCain is for both saving the taxpayers money and private health insurance, why doesn't he opt out of his federal government-run health insurance plan. He will save the taxpayer money and, according to him, have a better health care program.

Wow...if he were related to the Robert Wurzelbacher from Ohio who was VP at the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan during the Keating 5 scandal he could get all the money he needs. hmmm...coincidence, huh?

another idiot looking for his 15 minutes of fame regardless of how stupid it makes him look. He should be fired since he is not licensed and the business he works for is now on the hook

Joe the plumber just said on TV that he was contacted by the McCain campaign to show up at the rally.. Enough said.. so he was a plant by the Republican party.

Having worked for both the IRS and private business owners and self-employed owners, I can say that most do not report what they actually make. There are dozens of tax deductions they can get for a variety of things. Not to mention, I would say that plumbers, electricians, etc. take cash in that is not reported. Not everyone does that, but a huge majority do. Joe might be making $250,000, but I guarantee he is not reporting all of it.

Joe is a republican not an independent as claimed. He does not even make over $250,000, so his question was not even for his own personal information ...so what was it for? I would like to see CNN do a report on this man and the purpose of this whole issue right that magically appeared right before the final debate. Joe was a plant .... Also why is John McCain not considered anti-American for not wearing a flag pin? It was certainly a big deal when Obama did not wear one.

This guys is not even registered to vote!!!

For the "Joe Plumbers", Joe Neighbors, and the rest us.....If any individual or family has a taxable income of $250,000 they are certainly not paying their fair share in the tax system. Why, would I say that. Simple, they have discovered the ways (with their Accounts) to shelter their money and claim deductions that the real average American would never dream of using. So if any individual or family that makes less than $250K gets additional tax cuts I'm all for that.

Obama/Biden '08

Joe doesn't even have a contractor's lisence!

This guy won't make $250K as a plumber. He must be smoking the pipes! Please.

a plumbing company making a NET PROFIT of $250,000 should be taxed higher, period.

think about it, Joe will be pocketing a quarter of a million dollars living in Ohio and even with higher taxes, he'll live comfortably.

don't cry for joe the plumber.

cry for joe the unemployed that will have a hard time making $25,000.

Now if joe the plumber is saying total REVENUE is $250,000 , then its a whole different matter.

Folks, the devil is in the details.

OMG! we're talking a 3% hike to people making over 250K. I'm sorry you wont be able to afford your $40 lattes but people are losing their homes.

When are republicans going pick a side? Either you are straight capitalists or you have strong christian morals. You cant complain about your objection to being mild inconvenienced in order to help the less fortunate and still claim the moral high ground.

It is so amazing that McCain does not even flinch while he looks the American voters right in the eye and lies. He and Palin lie with such ease it is unnerving.
McCain lost the debate big time last night and right now he is out there telling his supporters he did really well. He must be hoping they did not watch it.
He appeared angry, rude and not the least bit Presidential. Obama never lost his cool and treated McCain with respect he did not earn.
PS John, Palin's child has down syndrome. He mis not autistic.

Of course Joe the Plumber wants to be Joe the Plumber Owner, they charge $100.00 per hour for the work. while Joe the Plumber Worker gets paid $20.00 per hour to DO the work.

It seems to me that everyone is missing the point that McCain was making, and that is that if Obama is elected, your taxes will end up going up. How else do you think that he is going to pay for all of the promises to the American people he made.

I personally do not trust Obama and that he is not going to be able to make the promises that he made to the American people come true.

NOBAMA 2008

McCain/Palin 2008

We had a small business, a grocery store... we didn't even make $2000 per month... we closed the business... a business owner that makes $20k a month in profits is a medium business not SMALL business!!!

Adam W you poor misdirected soul. God Fearing Christians are the most generous and giving people around. They just want to be able to do the giving without the government taking it and giving it to who they think best. Don't drink the Kool-aide son. Your reality is very misguided.

Joe the Plumber did not make 250,000 as per his own admission. So why was that a big thing for JOHN the Lying McCain.

Say it ain't so, Joe!

Now, it appears that Joe the Liar not even registered to vote!

My father told me to go out and get a real job and stop listening to Rush Limbaugh all day.I told him I want to be just like Rush,drop out of school,and start my own radio program and become filthy rich getting morons to believe my BS.

Hey Joe the Plummer – why don't you release your tax returns to the media and prove that you make more than $250K? Also provide evidence that you are registered to vote. I bet Joe the Plummer does not even have health insurance and rushes to ER everytime he gets sick. So you may want to disclose if or not you have health insurance. Are you familiar with all of the issues this country is facing today? I bet not. If you are so Patriotic a Plummer, why don't you go fix the plumming problems in Iraq and Afghanistan for Uncle McSame?

If Joe the plumber makes $250,000 by the time he deducts at least the one exemption (himself) and more if he is married with children, his standard or itemized deductions, any business expenses, any payroll expenses, his adjusted gross income is now below $250,000 and he will not see a tax increase.

Anybody know why William Ayres hasn't been asked for his take on his name being brought up? It couldn't be because,if he starts talking ,the mainstream media might see their candidate lose, could it? We heard from everyone who ever claimed to have known Bush 4 yrs ago when he was accused of evading service.

Good Ole Plumber Joe doesn't even make $250K a year..figures..McCain is a real clown...

Don't miss the point. Imagine being poor all of your life and working like the dickens to better your situation. You work hard and you catch a break or two and you find yourself making more money than you ever thought possible. Then, BAM! the government slaps you back down by taking your hard-earned money and giving it to someone else. The point is, how is that fair?

Joe the Plumber doesn't make a QUARTER of a MILLION dollars a year.

Joe the plumber makes less than a FIFTH of that.

Joe the Plumber would SAVE MONEY under Obam's tax plan.

The BS Express is off the rails on this.

Is Joe in the Plumbers Union?

Hey History Guy: "Spread the Wealth" according to Obama . That's the

"COMMUNIST MANIFESTO IDEOLOGY"

Everytime Obama speak, I expect KARL MARX to peek out from behind the podium. You nitwitts are too thickheaded to see it.....

We Need MCCAIN the Candidate For The Free People...

The bottom line: McCain's claim only works by using an overly broad definition of what counts as a "small business" – and even with that definition, fewer than 2% of business owners would be hit by Obama's proposed rate increase. For those who are affected, the increase would be levied only on a part of their earnings, not all of them.

I am a registered democratic i have voted in the last three elections and primaries, I have owned a small business the amount of taxes that a small business has to pay is unreal, but there is one thing that really bothers me is this. I always thought and was led to believe that if you work hard, plan for the future you would be ok. I still believe that, this election and Barack Obama has proved to me democrats dont want to work they want someone else to work and have it taken away to give to someone that does not work or work hard enough. This is a failed experiment in economics other countries tried it it did not work.

Go Obama

Joe is living in a dream world. He doesn't even have the $250,000...yet he is worried about it already. Maybe he should focus his attention on trying to earn the money first.

And with an Obama/Biden administration, no small business owner can expect to make $100,000.00 a year considering the added weight of more taxes. They would turn entrepenuers into share-croppers.

Good grief. If I knew that as a plumber I could earn over $250,000.00 in taxable income I would not have worried about The Army, College and Grad school. I would have just quit high school, and started doing plumbing work. If you look closely here something is below the surface.

Look, we’re in the biggest economic challenge since the Great Depression. Our political leaders has failed and lied to us time and time again. We need fresh, new, and well taught out ideas to jump-start this economy. I’m a veteran of the United States Army and a soon to be college graduate and we can’t offered with the continued spending. My mother always told me that life is not always fair, but it does balances it self out. We need a president that’s going to have to balance the books, get other countries out our pocket book and create a surplus for our economy. To me everything else is irrelevant.

joe is a fraud

Hey I just heard this guy is not even a licensed plumber. So how can he make that much money.

Well, according to Joe the Plumber, those of us who don't make $250K don't work hard like he does, so we deserve to pay more of our check in taxes than he does. He doesn't feel he should be penalized for making more money, but he does feel that WE should be penalized for making less.

aby, your logic is a little twisted don't you think.

The American dream is EVERYONE those earning less than 250k and those earning above 250k.

On another note: What is wrong Sen. McCain? He needs to fully check people out before he starts running his mouth. I work in the pest/termite industry and have direct contact with plumbers. They aren't netting 250k a year.

Joe the plumber, please vote for McCain. We the democrats do not need your vote. In fact your vote would just muddy the water. Please vote for McCain. Thanks
Obama '08

People need to pay more attention to what Obama is actually saying. How many plumbers do you know that make over a quarter is a million a year?

I wanted to respond quickly to a comment about the last Joe The Plummer article, but the postings were closed. Username Genius All wrote that Joe the Plummer can only employ 5 employees at $50,000 per year before he is hurt by Obama's tax plan.
Genius All, please get an education before you start posting mindless comments. Quick accounting lesson. Gross Receipts (Everything you take in) – Expenses (outlays of the business for production of income) = Net Income. Employees salaries are expenses which you take from the total money that you receive in order to determine your net income. Net income is what is taxed. If Joe made $1,000,000 in gross receipts and paid $800,000 of wages to employees the net income that he would be taxed on would be $200,000; below that $250,000 threshold that you are oh so worried about.
Also on your flat tax idea, another uneducated comment. Do me a favor. Look at your paycheck, figure out exactly what you pay in federal income tax (don't add in 401K contributions, state taxes or any other taxes), take the total you pay in federal income taxes and subtract from that the money that you receive back in your refund. Take that number and figure it out as a percentage of your total salary. I'm willing to bet it's between 10 and 15%. Now go do some research on a flat sales tax and see the rate proposed if we were to have a flat tax. Flat tax advocates estimate a 20 to 25% sales tax should be implemented on everything you buy. For the average american paying 10 to 15% of thier wages for federal income tax this isn't a good idea. Why would you want to pay a higher tax rate? If you are in a very high income tax bracket then this would lower what you pay in taxes and be a good idea. Everyone has the right to views and opinions, but please make educated decisions before you start shooting things off that you heard from someone else.

The truth can be so annoying when you're trying to make a point.....
I'm glad Joe the Plumber is being taken care of – now what about the rest of us? Are we now going to campaign based on what you're going to do for one man?

I'm a small business owner and I was not impress with McCain pretending to look out for the small business owners. McCain was never worried about us until the Obama/Biden ticket started focusing on us in the first place. McCain tax plan is just to give more pillows and sheets to the the riches fat cats.

ANOTHER CHEAP STUNT BY McCAIN AND HIS SORRY CAMPAIGN. JOE THE PLUMBER IS NOTHING MORE THAN A PHONY ORCHESTRATION, A CARNIVAL ACT. SHAME ON YOU McQUACK. BY THE WAY DID EVERYBODY SEE McQUACK'S ROLLING HIS EYES LAST NIGHT? JUST LIKE ROLLING DICE.... SNAKE EYES. HE WAS MADE UP LIKE A STIFF , EMBALMED, SMILING CADAVER. LIP ROUGE AND ALL.

So let me get this straight........a guy who DOESN'T own the small business says that he won't be able to buy it if Obama gets elected because he might make the business successful and be forced to pay more taxes.......RIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT.....

Okay, does anyone else hope this guy doesn`t buy the business considering he will obviously run it into the ground because of his stupidity......

I'd rather have a president who put in "a PLANT" (and bye the way, Joe Plumber is a real guy...no lie...he lives right next door to me and he makes a lot less than 250K) than have a president who's FRIENDS with a TERRORIST or a CORRUPT organization like ACORN.

Liberals...OUCH!

CNN, thank you for publishing my previous comment, you pleasantly surprised me.

Regarding Obama's Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, CNN just Factchecked Mccain's claims and what did they find? The bottom line: McCain's claim only works by using an overly broad definition of what counts as a "small business" – and even with that definition, fewer than 2% of business owners would be hit by Obama's proposed rate increase (493000 out of 35 million filers who are considered small businesses) . For those who are affected, the increase would be levied only on a part of their earnings, not all of them (only the part that exceeds the cutoff, for most people that translates into $1500 more in taxes or 3% extra). These were the conclusion drawn by independent studies published by the Tax Policy Center.

I think this just goes to show how out of touch McCain really is. He owns 7 houses, 13 cars and thinks "rich" is people who make $5 million a year or more. In John McCain's world, he probably thinks plumbers make $250,000 rather than $43,000 as the BLS reports. So, the kid behind the counter at McDonald's–oh he's making $100,000, the cashier at Walmart oh, I'd say about $150,000. That is why he just doesn't understand that Obama's plan cuts taxes on 95% of the people in this country. When you have a warped perception of what people earn, then it is easy to come to the errors that McCain keeps coming to.

To aby;

actually our ancestors fled England because of religious intolerance (I wonder which party today is most often identified with religious intolerance?) The issue on taxes only came up when the colonies were not allowed to send representatives to parliament, but were still taxed. Finally, Obama's plan means less taxes for 95% of America. McCain's does not. If higher taxes are bad, then McCain's plan is worse than Obama's because it will mean higher taxes on more people.

I'm glad to see you clearing up the misstatements about the % of small businesses that will be affected by a tax increase; however why doesn't CNN clarify for voters the opposite end of the spectrum– the "tax cuts" under the Obama plan that will be given to Americans who file tax returns but owe and pay NO taxes at all? Will these people actually get a welfare type of refund on top of having to pay no taxes?

If Barack Obama's goal as President is to 'spread the wealth around,' perhaps his unconditional meetings with Hugo Chavez, Raul Castro, and Kim Jong-Il aren't so crazy - if nothing else they can advise an Obama administration on economic policy

It doesn't matter who Joe the plumber is- it matters what Obama said to him- He had every right to be there and ask the question. He got the answer he expected.

Spread the wealth around.

If Joe the plumber makes $250,000 then I am pulling my kid out of college to send him to trade school, it will save me money and he can take care of Mom & Dad, if and when Dad can retire from his 25 year at the job making 58,000/YR. Joe's Mom & Dad must be so proud of him, he is for real right?

Here is the reality.

If you own a business that makes 250k a year and up and you are the sole employee than you ar eprobably personally earning enough to pay your taxes and live a great life so long as you ar enot a gluttoness American.

If you have employees then you are not personally earning 250k so you wouldn't be in that tax bracket. On top of that neither would your employees so they would get breaks as well. On top of all that because you own a business in AMERICA you will get business tax breaks. So all in all you will be doing pretty well.

Don't let McCain confuse you just because he repeats the same nonsense over and over.

And let's be honest. Since when is "spreading the wealth around" such a dirty sentence?
Seriously. Aren't these supposed to be good wholesome god loving Christians that are dedicated to helping their fellow man? In one breath they want these christian values and then in the next breat they want to be hardcore capitalists. The two don't work together- sorry.

To those of you talking about poor Joe making $250,000 and how Obama's taxes will affect him, please read this entire article as it shows how Obama's plan will almost certainly not affect him. And, as a side note, to those making a quarter of a million dollars a year, sorry if I don't cry a river for you for having to pay a bit more in taxes.
To the 'No Taxes' people in the world, all this tax cutting has brought us is failing schools and infrastructure. I don't like taxes either but I realize it's the price you pay for civilization.
And to Shawn, your argument as stated is confusing to me. If Joe takes home $250,000 in a year, he isn't putting that into the company anyway, so how would lowering his personal taxes make him more likely to hire more people? If I am not mistaken, if he reinvests in his company with that money, he wouldn't be above that tax bracket and wouldn't have to pay the small amount of extra taxes anyway – so actually, he might be more likely to hire more people at good pay to keep himself just below that tax bracket. But I'm not an economist so I could be wrong and am willing to listen to your argument.
'Trickle down' economics for 30 years has only widened the gap between rich and poor and has brought us more poverty – if it hasn't worked in 30+ years, it's probably not going to work!

DO you really BELIEVE that Obama will not raise your taxes? Democrats in the house and senate do want to raise your taxes.

People kept including Pelosi, Reid into this campaign...If McCain want to run against those people let him come back when he his 80 yrs old maybe he will be smarter then. Republicans held the senate for 6 yrs out of the last 8 yrs...The never saw this problems coming. McCain claimed he warned the senate about Fm & FM 3 yrs ago. It was his Republican controlled senate that denied him and not Dems....Americans now know that the only time there was surplus in the last 28 yrs was when a Dem was president.

I hear continued calls to focus on the 'real' issues, such as the current economic crisis, and away from matters of character, judgment, and leadership.

Why do you think we're in this crisis?

I saw the interview with "Joe the Plumber" on the Today show this morning. It was said that Joe did not disclose who he was voting for, but towards the end of his segment he made a comment that if Sen. McCain won he would get a few more minutes of fame and that if Sen. Obama won he would probably be just a footnote. Well I think it's obvious who this character is going for. Enough with guy already! But he doesn't even begin to represent the majority of people who continue to be disenfranchised and ignored in this country. I say to heck with this guy and on with the elections. If people believe that McCain has their best interest at heart, they are sadly mistaken. McCain is going around with this country first business, well apparent to me that was not the case when he chose Palin as his running mate.

Um, plumbers charge an arm and a leg. What's he complaining about? They should have focused on those of us who have to "pay" Joe the Plumber! Some of us have to go borrow the money to pay Joe. Besides anyone who makes that kind of money and/or can afford to own 7 houses CAN NOT identify with the middle and low income people. Do they really know who to make $25 last until the end of the month? Do they? Quit taxes the heck out of people with little checks and maybe we will have money left over at the end of the month.

Give senator McCain a break he has already stated he doesn't know anything about the economy and his financial adviser Phil Gramm has told him the country is a bunch of whiners and only in a mental recession.

It is possible Senator McCain won't have to put Phil Gramm in charge of his economic policies since maybe Bush's economists would agree to stay on and keep the ship at an even keel.

You had to wonder if some of the TV commentators, Pat Buchanan for one and several others, were actually watching some other debate (or just totally incapable of any objectivity) as was substantiated when the public’s reactions came in. John McCain seemed very un-presidential as being nervous and even angry, as if on the verge of losing it at any moment. While Barack Obama seemed totally presidential as being calm and engagingly pertinent the whole time. The contrast was that McCain seemed totally stressed to make his political points and criticisms, while Obama impressed as genuinely directing himself to the people and to the issues important to the people. There wasn’t any doubt that Barack won the debate and that he came across as the better choice for president, in fact it wasn’t even close.

This is very clear. McCain is basing his accusations on his general perspective of a small business. What is wrong with you people? Read and do your research first! If Obama was Republican and McCain had been a Democrat, I would still vote for Obama. He is just the best person for the job. Think of what's best for the country. I am a first time voter for Barack Obama!

You missed the point. Whether Joe the plumber will or not be affected is secondary. The point is that Obama said he will "spread the wealth around". This is communism, stupid!

There is no Joe the plumber......MCcain this is a cheap tactics. Your body language and face impression showed that YOU WERE LYING. Stop lying...this will not put you in white house . I am surprised that a presidential candidate could lie so much and had so low in character.
How can we trust you, you have not come with ONE STUPID reason.
OBAAAAAAMMMMMAAAA...... YOU ARE THE MAN..
I am not a politician...a simple army officer who served with pride and gave his best years to his nation....very proud for my country.

Americans should be honest with themselves by answering this simple question. How come our economy is now tanking and in reccession with all the tax cuts that Bush and McCain have given to the rich for the past 8 yrs?

THIS IS AMERICA, THE LAND OF THE FREE.

Joe Plumber can have a business if he wants to, he can make as much as he can if he wants to, he can DO WHAT EVER HE WANTS WITH HIS MONEY TOO.

He does NOT have to spend, spread or give it ($$) away if he does NOT want to.

HE CAN ALSO VOTE HOWEVER and FOR WHOM EVER HE WANTS TO.

THIS IS AMERICA, HE IS AN AMERICAN, THIS IS OUR ( the voters) COUNTRY. WE DO NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW THE "pied piper".

I didn't know he might be a realtive of Charles Keating, hmmm. I'm for raising taxes if it helps this darn economy.Our income is over $250,000 and I'm willing to"share the wealth".

What is so wrong with being a liberal? Why so full of hate? We have different views and that's what makes America great.

Look we had a conservative in the White House for 8 years and look where we are at now? Time for some changes. I was leaning to vote for McCain, but he makes no sense to me. Then picking Palin just offended me. This is not the same McCain. I was fooled twice, no more.

I just don't understand why the McCain camp keep lying. Do they not see that people are more informed these days and will not go for just anything?

OKAY.... I don't mean to be RUDE, but this guy JOE is not solving the economic issues. He's gotten his 15-minute of fame, NOW let's get back and FOCUS on the issues i.e., JOBS, PENSIONS, HEALTHCARE, WAR IN IRAQ, ETC.

Joe the Plumber is NOT what I'm worried about..... stop wasting time on this guy, let's start focusing on the issues.

There are other Joe's in the world.... Joe the Carpenter, Joe the Teacher... Joe the waiter, Joe the Bus Driver, Joe the Garbage Collector, etc. This Joe the "plumber" is more blessed than most other Joes, so WHY are we focusing so much time on HIM and NOT the others who are truly struggling?

ENOUGH WITH JOE THE PLUMBER!!! He's more blessed than other Joes, so let's NOT make this all about him.

VOTE,VOTE,VOTE. OBAMA. then Joe the plumber can have his business without a headache.

Race has a major part in this election, but not for me. Simple, if McCain's running mate was a light bulb I would vote light bulb.

There are real differences between Obama's and McCain's tax plans. Smart people can disagree with the plans. Why then, does McCain feel the need to distort both his plan and Obama's? Why not tell the truth and let people decide?

Read the link on this article and see that the increase is next to nothing (under $2000) for those near $250,000. The changes in health care tax policy McCain proposes would cost a small business owner more than that $2000 and encourage us to stop offing coverage for our employees.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for stating the facts CNN. It would only be a 2% raise. Even Forbes Magazine has it at 2-3% for small businesses and people of that income bracket. Mcfool and crew needs to stop trying to dumb down Americans.

This idiot was on every news station. This is the face of greedy, people. If you make more than a quarter of million dollars, you need to pay your fair share.

95 of the US people don't make that much. He needs to stop crying like a little girl and be happy that he is blessed. Moron!

The interesting thing that Obama said to Joe the Plumber is that any business with over $250,000 in REVENUE would have higher taxes. REVENUE should not be confused with PROFITS or NET INCOME. PROFITS are what is left after expenses are paid.

REVENUES-EXPENSES=PROFITS

If he did mean REVENUE, then yes the tax plan is very scary. While Joe's business might have $250,000 in REVENUE, he will then need to deduct expenses like salaries, cost of materials and health care to get to PROFITS. After paying all of his expenses he may only have $30,000 of the $250,000 left to support himself and his family.

Can anyone clarify this point?

Once again, McCain lies about a plan that he apparently didn't read or understand. Great article from CNNMoney.

Do anything, say anything to win a vote, A.K.A. Win at all cost. Ain't that what Bush did to Al Gore? Bush went so fare as to steal the election. We had enough of this ideology. TIME FOR CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!

Less than 3 weeks to go! GOP, can you say landslide victory?

YES WE CAN!

And the McPlant is not even a registered voter. Wow...this was the best example McCain could find....very, troubling and sad.

I cosign on that American Dream!

Please CNN can you tell us the truth about Joe the plumber. He is any kin to Charles Keating 5? The American people need to know that McSane is a liar and a nut case.

CNN, thank you so much for answering the question I had. I appreciate the detailed comparisons of both plans and how EXACTLY that would look like if he were to file as a small business owner.

I just hope the rest of America reads this informative piece. My opinion, its not fair to attack Joe the plumber. No need to get nasty with Joe, he has a very solid concern. These questions are important and the important thing to focus on is to get ALL the facts straight when dealing with these important policy issues. Let the issues speak for themselves.

Once again, thanks CNN!

ALL REPUBLICANS ARE RACIST. THEY DONT CARE IF MCCAIN IS BS THEY JUST WOULD NOT VOTE FOR A BLACK MAN. THIS WAS A SET UP TO BRAINWASH MORE PEOPLE. I HATE THIS COUNTRY. NOTHING BUT LIES. CALLS OBAMA A TERROIST WHEN BUSH IS IN IRAQ KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE OVER OIL.

Beah; and the fact that they don't have an education and skills is my fault so I should be penalized for making money to support my family. These people you refer to had the same opportunity I had.

What really happened between Joe the Plumber and Barack Obama.

Michelle found a leak in her hot water tank and called Joe the Plumber. Joe fixed it and handed over the bill. Barack saw the bill shouted, "Hell, I am an Honor Roll graduate of Harvard and a senator, but dont make this kind of money as lawyer or as a senator".

Joe replied, "Yes, that is why I resigned from senate, burned my law degree, and took a plumbing diploma from my local community college".

Guess what Obama is thinking now ... (to hell with presidency)

Joe the plumber apparantley is a Mcain surrogate.
His home doesn't look like he makes 250K..
He said in another MSNBC interview that he is making much lesser than 250K currently.
Also, he is planning to buy a business having income of 250K..

Ron

There seems to be a large misunderstanding between revenues of $ 250,000 a year and pre-tax gross income of $ 250,000 a year.

My brother runs a small carpentry business and his revenues (even in a good year) rarely run greater than $ 350,000. When he calculates his pre-tax gross income that figure drops to half $ 175,000.

Obama is correct, most small businesses' TAXABLE income is well under $ 250,000.

Joe's sory sounds fishy to me. I am not sure his qualified to be more than just a plumber. He doesn't seem to have any business acumen.

Can someone answer me this...just how much will someone who makes $250K per year pay in taxes? Wil they pay an extra few thousand? Maybe $10,000?

The republicans act as if these people will lose their entire pay check. As if they will be taxed up to 99% of their income. Let's keep some things in perspective people...their taxes will go up, but at $250K per year, they won't be hurt as much as someone trying to get to the $30K mark would by getting a tax hike.

Someone should find out more about Joe's and the plumbing company's background. I have a feeling Joe is just making this up. Can he reaaly afford to buy the business and is that business reaaly earning more than $250,000?

I'm predicting that Joe wished he never spoke up because someone will probably check him out and reprot that he is a phony.

It appears to me that John McCain is becoming senile, he's very erratic, and did not speak well at all last night. I don't know what the CNN panel was watching, but certainly not what I saw and heard. McCain never even began to win or be predominate in this debate. Even McCain would not say his VP is ready to be President. He knows fair well she is nothing more than an ignorant woman with no morals or ethics at all. I am a Republican, but again, after last night, and the campagin McCain/Palin have been running, I will vote for Obama. At least he stuck to the policies and plans he believes in, and as for McCain, with all the years in Washington, he has heard and done nothing,

Right! Obama does not like Joe the Plumber so he must not be real!

People $250,000 is nothing to sneeze at! My mother is a doctor and my father has his PhD and is a professor and they combined didn't hit $250,000!!

If you're making that much money, no matter how hard earned it is, giving up a few more dollars in taxes won't change your ability to pay the note on your BMW.

MCSHAME AGAIN STOOPS TO ANOTHER NEW LOW! HE'S A TOTAL TOOL JOE THE PLUMBER!! MCSHAME PLANTED THE TOOL!

When you have a record deficit, the only way you can get it under control is to raise taxes and cut spending.

Think of it in comparison to your personal budget. Are you really going to pay off those credit cards by cutting back on the money going toward your bills?

Remember Bush Sr and the "read my lips" comment? Then he had to raise taxes and lot to Clinton the next election for making that promise and then not following through? By being realistic, I am not easily fooled nor am I dissappointed when my taxes get raised, which either candidate will have to do once elected with our current financial condition.

Joe the Plumber is a tax evader just like some Republicans do.

Personally, I think Sen. McCain should thoroughly read Sen. Obama's tax plan and he will see that only a small handfull of "small businesses" would actually see a hike. Also, those do that do see a hike in taxes will only be paying less than $2,000.00 more in taxes. First of all, I don't see what the big problem is with raising or paying taxes. Pres. Clinton raised taxes, lowered the federal deficit, and oh yea, people were actaully way better off than they are now. Taxes, especially slightly higher taxes is what keep necessary programs in this country alive.

It's obvious to me that McCain could not really explain the details of Obama's Tax Plan becuse he didn't really understand what he was talking about. He just isn't smart enough to be President!

I like the way the republicans ignore the fact that in the last 28 years the only time we've had a budget surplus and prosperity in this country was the 8 years democrats held the white house...

Joe the Plumber....what a republican joke!

So Joe, you make $250K (a quarter MILLION $) a year doing plumbing work? What, are your pipes made of gold?

And you make so much, STILL you're annoyed about paying just a little more so that 95% of the rest of the country could maybe get some relief?

I got news for you pal....you are SELFISH. Plain and simple. Now go vote red, which you were going to anyway.

look – its not like if you make over 250,000 you're going to be taxed to death or anything. and be honest – if you have THAT MUCH MONEY, can you afford to pay an extra couple of hundred of dollars each year in taxes? YES YOU CAN

Obama and his side kick Ol' Joe are both your typical tax and spend liberal democrats. The two sees no problems and have no guilt about taking your hard earn cash that you can surely use to feed, cloth and educate your family and freely giving it away to others. Many who don't wish to get off their butts and work for a living like the rest of us.

Who can better distribute weath across this nation? I know it's us the American people by our spending in the community. We just need to keep more of OUR MONEY in our pockets than to pi** it away in taxes to govt free loading programs that has a bottomless hole.

If anybody thinks Obama is going to spend all this money and implement all these new programs without raising taxes, well, you're in denial. The LAST thing the people of America need in these tough financial times are higher taxes.

Once again Sen. McCain makes up his 'facts' to fit whatever message he wants to convey. Problem is, we really don't know what the message is because he has no policies to really promote.

Hi Joe,
I am a small business owner. Sure I make six figure BUT NOT $250,000.00 PER ANNUM.

I am not worried about paying too much taxes under the OBAMA plan. I also donate money to different charities. If I have millions I wouldn't mine paying more because I know a lot of hard working Americans that don't make a lot of money because they don't have the skills and education to advance them in their company especially now that the job market is very competitive. We should encourage all young Americans to get their education because they are the future.

If so few small businesses would pay the higher tax, why would Obama push for it in his plan? It must be a lucrative part of his tax plan for him to bother increasing taxes on so few small businesses.

The people of this country literally cannot afford to have Obama-Pelosi-Reid running the government. How many of Obama's answers started with "We need more funding for..."

DID ANYONE SEE ON POLITICO THAT JOE THE PLUMBER HAS A LIEN ON HIS PROPERTY FOR NOT PAYING BACK TAXES! REALLY?!

MCCAIN/PALIN TICKET TO NOWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More fear tactics by McCain. More lies.

what a crock. I know several small business owners and I asked each of them if they were worried about Obama's tax plan negatively affecting their business, because they must make 250'000. All I got in response was a a laugh. I wonder if it's because they don't make anywhere near 250 K

Well, I'm poor now, but when I win the Lottery I don't want to have to pay a lot of taxes so I am going to vote for the guy who will ensure that I stay poor until I win that Lottery. Huh?

Shawn Shaffer,

If you actually read the article, under Obama if Joe does ever make 250,000 dollars his taxes would only go up by approximately $1500. That is hardly going to stop Joe from hiring another employee. With and income of $250,000 a tax increase of $1500 is hardly a stress put on that person. Give us all a break and get your facts straight.

Joe the Plumber and Obama the Lawyer – both on stage. People need to remember Obama is a lawyer, practiced in arguing and technique, years of knowing how to frame and contextualize issues. McCain is pure straight talk – McCain is Joe.

Hey Joe Biden has a three letter word for us. It is JOBS. A nice three letter word

Hey Joe, I am from the Midwest and where I live "JOBS" is a four letter word. But then I didn't go to the IVY LEAGUE school that you and OBama did.

Makes one wonder about OBama's choice for VP doesn't it?

I know this guy. He is not what you think. He is a plumber yes. He is named Joe yes. But he does live in a "semi-gated community" of Holland that has and will continue to keep a seperatist lifestyle of whites only. I live in the area and believe me, taking this guys opinion as fact or even the "common mans" view is not the view of all of us. I may not agree with all that Barack Obama has to say but I do respect the fact that he went into this area of town to campain even though if he were living in the Toledo area he would not be able to find a home in this area except for the govt. housing that is outside the village and down the road. Don't be fooled by McCains campain spin on this one.

Joe the Plumber smacks of Karl Rove, no?!?!

McCain does not realize yet and it could be an age thing. And I don't say that to discriminate against someone's age, but, I don't think McCain realizes that we are in an information age and everything can be fact checked and pulled up in an instant. So during the debate there were people checking everything he and his opponents have said. What I would like to know is how is it a woman can be running for VP because accused of breaking an ethics violation and is still being investigated. She and her spouse by the way and not a word on the news. That is what's amazing to me. Oh and by the way give a speech at a convention to people who want to take Alaska back from America. That is something I don't understand. Yet a man who committed an act when the candidate was a little boy can be on the news every nite.

It just figures that the McCain campaign would be wrong about this to. They have been wrong or tried to change everything else that Senator Obama has said. Senator Obama needs to get the message out that he is the right choice for small businesses.

It's funny how liberals are so scared that Joe the Plumber and Obama's blatant endorsement of wealth redistribution are going to affect independents that they're willing to tell Joe how he'd REALLY be affect even though nobody's knows what his income is of his financial situation. This is typical Obama, though.

The great thing is that this hit Socialist Obama right at the core of his beliefs. Obama wants to cap excellence and thinks that it's people's duty to give their hard earned money to the government so Obama can establish a welfare state. Independents are NOT going to support that, so I expect Obama to lie about all this in the very near future once his poll numbers get hit.

McCain likes to scare people. He considers himself to be some kind of warrior, and scaring ordinary people in order to get their vote is right up his alley. Voters should check the facts, not listen to a desperate, blustering man.

I worked for 36 years for the state of Minnesota and had a very high level position commensurate with my education (MS degree) and I earned $65,000 when I retired in 2001. I pay 25% tax on my Social Security benefits.

I find it hard to feel sorry for Joe the Plumber who probably had 2 years of education beyond HS and an apprenticeship. He also can take some pretty good deductions if he is an employer.

I heard that he has been a member of some off the wall party. McCain is desperate and is bringing the crazies out of the woodwork.

American Dream; This is for you... You're right the American Dream is alive and well and so is the future of America unless, that is, we put America back into the hands of the democrats. If you will, read the statement Jon McCain said last night regarding "Joe the Plumber." He didn't say Joe made $250k. He said small businesses making 250k like the one joe works for and is trying to buy. Get your screwing facts straight!

"You see my house. I don't have a lot of bells and whistles in here, really. My truck's a couple of years old and I'm going to have it for the next 10 years, probably. So I don't see him (Obama) helping me out."

Joe The Plumber is an honorable man and represents the views of hard working Americans. Obama does not beleive in the American dream if he wants to raise taxes on households that make over $250k.

Obama will turn this country from a Democracy to a Socialist nation. Redistribute the wealth to people who do not want to work..

Im a Joe Plumber American for McCain......

Nice try John.

McCain is a liar and a fraud. All he has are scare tactics because he has no vision, no policies and no running mate. If we elect him we might as well change the constitution and allow Bush a 3rd term.

Joe the Plumber just does not want to vote for Sen Obama, regardless of the fact that he would actually be financially better off under Obama's tax plan. Either he is a dyed in the wool, already had that koolaid Republican, or there are other reasons besides taxes why he cannot support Obama.

So McCain and his campaign are once again distorting the truth.

for the last 8 years the rich gave gotten richer and the low and middle income have gotten poorer overall. That's a fact. McCain's plan will just continue that trend while Obama's plan will make it more even.

The rich benefit under McCain, the average middle and low income benefit under Obama. Plain and simple

This election is over. Everybody vote and let's move forward... together.

Wurzelbacher is his last name: it's the same as the last name of Charles Keating's son-in-law!

Keating's son-in-law, Robert Wurzelbacher, served a 40-month prison sentence in 1993 in connection with Keating's Lincoln Savings and Loan collapse. Since then, who knows what he's been up to, but there is a Robert Wurzelbacher who lives just outside of Cincinnati, owns a wood company, and donates to Republicans.

Meanwhile there is a Joseph Wurzelbacher who owns a painting company in Cincinnati! Along with a septic tank repair company!

Moreover...this con artist isn't even registered to vote!!

Joe the plumber is right to worry about rich people.

it seems that Joe has a lien from the state of Ohio for unpaid taxes . . . and he's not an "undecided" but a registered Republican who voted for McCain in the primary . . . . and he may in fact have a close relative who has given lots of money to the Republican party. I love bad campaign ploys that go awry. I think Steve Schmitt and Mark Penn need to go bowling (and stay out of politics).

Why isn't the media checking out "joe the plumber"? In about 15 minutes online, I was able to find out he has a tax lien against him for a little over $1000. (kind of weird for someone who makes $250k), lived in Arizona last year according to divorce filings, no record of being registered to vote in OH or of a plumbing license.
Sounds like a HOAX to me.

America simply needs to reorganize our government and adopt a fair tax system without loopholes and escapes for certain groups. Joe The Plumber is a "Not in my backyard" type of guy supporting whomever maintains his easy existence while ignoring the needs of our nation while he is comfortable. Just let his business tank and he'll vote Democrat in a heartbeat!!!

What about the report just now coming to light that points out Wurzelbacher is Joe's last name...AND it's the same as the last name of Charles Keating's son-in-law!

Keating's son-in-law, Robert Wurzelbacher, served a 40-month prison sentence in 1993 in connection with Keating's Lincoln Savings and Loan collapse. Since then, who knows what he's been up to, but there is a Robert Wurzelbacher who lives just outside of Cincinnati, owns a wood company, and donates to Republicans.

Meanwhile there is a Joseph Wurzelbacher who owns a painting company in Cincinnati! Along with a septic tank repair company!

More GOP lies.

There seems to be some internet info that this Joe Wurzelbacher already owns three businesses and might be related to Robert Wurzelbacher --of Keating Five fame.....

hope CNN is looking at this to see if true.....?

I have owned and know owners of small businesses. Incomes rarely reach $250K for the individual owners. Joe is an exceptional plummer, but probably not the norm.

So much for my idea of having my plumber do my taxes next year!

First, I have never met a plumber in my neighborhood or state for that matter that makes over $250,000. Second, if joe the plumber wants a business and has over $250,000, they why does he not have a business.

Wow. May be I should consider changing profession. Me and my wife both with masters degree combined dont make more then $250K.

"Joe the Plumber" might not make $250,000 now but he has that dream and to know he's going to get penalized because of a number kind of puts a damper on that dream and that is un-American.

The extra taxes might be the difference in whether he hires a full-time employee or not. Wouldn't it be better for Joe to hire an employee who would also pay taxes and help the economy?

According to Obama, the American Dream ends at 250,000 per year. You're free to be successful up to that point... but as soon as you make anything over that amount, you're a target. The governmnet will take your hard earned profits and dole them out as they deem necessary. Exactly OPPOSITE of what the American Dream is supposed to be. Our ancestors fled Britian because of government tax policy like this. But then, Dems choose not to acknowledge history that doesn't support their socialist agenda.

Joe the plumber has unpaid tax liens and is a registered Republican.
The rumors that he's a McCain campaign plant must be investigated.

Here is a tid-bit of information y'all didn't know...this whole Joe the Plumber thing is a PHONY SET-UP by the Republicans!
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.

We all remember Jeff Gannon im sure.

Folks,

I am a plumber and have a little education. I have reviewed both McCain's and Obama's tax plan, and Obama's tax plan would help my business.

A small business to me is someone making less than $300,000 a year. I have worked for 22 years and I don't make anywhere near $200,000 in a year. I have 2 guys that work for me and I pay them $70.00 a day to help me. I would be able to hire a few more people under Obama. Furthermore, McCain is a negative man. I like Obama's plan. Joe the Plumber stop all this crap. This guy is rich.

JOE THE PLUMBER CAN VOTE FOR MCCAIN WE DONT NEED HIM.
WITH MCCAIN IN OFFICE TAX WILL BE THE LEAST OF JOE'S PROBLEM.

What's the matter CNN, don't like what I have to say about Republican tax philosophy? We'll see if you print this this time. It's certainly relevant to the topic here. Anyway, it seems like a lot of people have fallen for the great Republican lie: The claim that tax breaks for big business creates job, that if they have more wealth, it will rain down upon everyone else. Tax breaks for the wealthy DO NOT create jobs, because increased revenue does not create jobs. What's the incentive to hire someone just because you have more money in your pocket? That makes absolutely no sense. They aren't going to hire more people if there's no increase in customer's demand for their product, not matter how much of a tax break you give them. A demand for an increase in production is what creates jobs. If a company's profits increase, they don't reinvest it in more labor unless there's an increase in demand, they just keep the profits. And if there's an increase in demand, they'll hire more people either way because they have to in order to keep up with demand. That's why Republican policies lead to nothing more than increased income disparity and a rise in inflation. Demand comes mostly from the bottom up, which is why it makes more sense to give those tax breaks to consumers who then stimulate the economy by buying goods and services from those businesses.

Once again, McCain is WRONG! Thanks for your investigating CNN

First of all, let me say as a TOTAL Obama supporter, I thought this was Obama's worst debate. However, he was brilliant in his response to Mr. Ayers. McCain was stopped in his tracks and could not even think of another question. Having said that-it does not mean I thought McCain did any better. He was so angry and bothered throughout the whole night. I can't understand why anyone would one him to represent us with world leaders with his bad temper and attitude. He looked like an angry bigot who was trying hard to contain himself. Did anyone else notice how Cindy finally reached out her hand to Michelle? I know it was hard. The Obama's could teach the McCain's a lot about etiquette.

As to the present ticker: who cares about this guy? He WOULD NEVER vote for ANY man or woman of color anyway. This is such a non-issue. If he so proud of the USA-why isn't he over there dying in Iraq? Obviously, a coward who has wrapped himself up in a flag. So now we all should focus on some man from the back woods who is desperately trying to promote McCain? I didn't even watch his comments nor do I care.

To have a presidential candidate say to a taxpayer in this country, 'spread the wealth' should horrify ever American. Welcome to socialist America, this is what we have to look forward to with Senator Government as president.

My family owns a small business (restaurant) in Centreville, VA and we make nowhere near $250,000/year. If Joe the Plummer makes that kind of money, I'd say he is doing pretty well for himself and in my opinion he can afford to pay a little more tax so families like mine can get some more help to keep our heads above the water in these hard times. I also like the idea that Obama will give $3000 credit for every new employee that we hire- that is a big help for small business.

McCain's mention of "Joe, the Plumber" immediately brought skepticism...If he is going to mention "Joe", be real. It's just another in the long line of statements & choices McCain makes that make truly no sense at all.

Joe the Plumber is a Republican, donates Republican, a relative of Charles Keating, and McCains mamouth obscure specific-case distraction in last night's debate. A distraction so McCain could whittle down his time that he wouldn't have to talk about the economic issues that the ENTIRE country faces.

This guy is a registered Republican and has a brother that lives in Wasilla, AK. GOP PLANT!

another example of CNN being LIBERAL.
and watch, I bet they won't publish this comment...business as usual for CNN and the LEFTISTS.

More McCain lies......and then he uses this loser as a plant. Nice.....this guy has been found out as a fraud already and does not even make over 250k....

Veterans for Obama

Bet Joe will make more that 250K now – with all this free advertising....

Okay, if I hear McCain tell us one more time that Palin has a good understanding of special needs children I think I am going to scream. She is just getting started with her special needs baby. She has no clue what it means to have a special needs child until she has to reach out to her community and educational system. Until she has to fight for her child's needs and rights first hand, she and McCain should not even put this in their political arena experience!

Hey Joe the Plumber!
Are you even registered to vote??
Is that why you wont tell the Press who you are voting for?

McCain is confused between buying a business worth 250K and making 250k per year …totally different things and tax brackets. McCain has no grasp of simple economic concepts.

Joe is so FAKE.

He would NOT pay more taxes under Obama, because he does NOT make more than 250.000 right now !! (he just hopes that somewhen will happen)

Considering everything coming out about Joe, they should be fact-checking HIM.

This was very helpful. McCain is such a liar.

America, please wake up.

OK, plumbers make “a mint” starting with the exorbitant amount they charge just to wink at your broken pipe. However, the “Joe the plumber” story which McCain and camp are now harping on needs to be flushed. Plumbers and professionals of similar ilk are not the only items on the agenda right now.

2% is 2% too much!

We do not need a Tax and Spend Administration at this time!

McCain/Palin-08

Apparently this Jow the plumber believes quite strongly in not redistributing some wealth. You knnow, governments don't make money... they have no business, they're not supposed to gamble wildly in the market... their revenues come from taxes. The system should be proportional, low enough not to suffocate people, distributed enough so that each pays some according to what they earn. that's how governments can spend money on roads, hospitals, schools, pay for emergency services, police, research, etc..

Joe the Plumber probably enjoys some of those services. But then he plans to go on enjoying them and not cobntributing to them. He says "that's not the American dream". I always thought the american dream included making money, yes, but also making good. Apparently I was naive. Pity...