October 18, 2008
Posted: 11:30 AM ET

From
McCain wants Joe to campaign with him.
McCain wants Joe to campaign with him.

MELBOURNE, Florida (CNN)- At a rally in Melbourne, Florida Friday evening, Senator McCain revealed he had called Joe Wurzelbacher.

“I talked to him this morning for the first time ever,” said McCain. “And I want to tell you his sprits are good and he’s a tough guy. He is what small business people all over this country are all about. They are tough and they are good and they want to get ahead and they want to keep their money.”

McCain did apologize to the Ohio resident for thrusting him into the media spotlight on the night of the debate according to McCain press secretary Brooke Buchanan.

The night before he called, he appealed to Joe on CBS's “Late Night with David Letterman.”
“Joe, if you’re watching, I’m sorry,” he said into the camera.

Buchanan did say that the Arizona Senator invited Ohio’s most famous voter to meet up with the campaign but did not set up any specific stops.

McCain has a rally in that state on Sunday but Buchanan said she didn’t know whether Murzelbacher would appear.

When asked why he called Joe, Buchanan said, “I think he just wanted to reach out to him.”

Whether Joe is there in person or not, he is certainly a star at McCain events. McCain urged others at the rally to contact Joe and share their support. “Send Joe an email and tell him you are with him, ok,” said McCain.

And the crowd definitely seemed to be full of Joe supporters as well as John supporters, with people at the Melbourne rally were wearing tee shirts with a picture of a name tag on them that said, “My name is … Joe the Plumber” and holding signs about Joe like one on stage that said, “Joe’s dough, not Obama’s.”

Filed under: John McCain


The Blog Planet - Jim’s maverick professional experiences   May 28th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

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Josh   October 18th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Maybe he will invite him to join his cabinet along with Liberman and G Gordon Liddy..

you   October 18th, 2008 9:50 am ET

I don't think any canidate has ever put a name on a shirt or banner that isn't on the ticket…….? We all knew this "plumber" guy as soon as he was investigated. Did McCain and Palin ever get that report?

Alfred okyere   October 18th, 2008 9:44 am ET

mic

Obama/Biden 4 North Carolina   October 18th, 2008 9:34 am ET

John/Sarah may God bless you 4 the good things you're trying to do 4 our county. The W.Bush days are over the Amerian people have suffered and your time is running out and with all do respect it's time for you both John@Sarah crank the bus up and go home and let Obama/Biden come thru and run this county and check out what Obama/Biden is going to for our county and everyday people like ourself just trying to make it!

the real Mario   October 18th, 2008 9:26 am ET

A failed presidential candidate hires a fake plumber. How rich. I hope McCain can give Sam the Sham plumber one of his houses and some seed money so he can live out his American dream in the Obama administration.

roger, brooklyn, new york   October 18th, 2008 8:20 am ET

john this is my message for you, the ss mccain is sinking. as you have hit an iceberg called the american people who is fed up with your lies, ill vision and no really answers to our problems. as for your crew is shows your judgement as erratic in choosing sarah, your backroom advisor like joe the turncoat. and now joe the fake plummer who as just reveal is not what he say's he is and didnt pay his taxes. now explain these tactic you have employ, people once admired you, not anymore. guess you are to senile and going thru manic depression on why you will not be president. sorry but there are a number of us who dont see you as the solution for america. the writing is on the wall from an ungreatfull nation who has suffered for eight years.

joe from nashua nh   October 18th, 2008 8:14 am ET

I can't believe mcain its turned into a circus iam glad iam a obama/biden supporter

anthony   October 18th, 2008 7:58 am ET

I watched Lou Dobbs last night he was trying to insinuate the Obama campaign and the media had wronged this man somehow. I think he might be losing it! Its the McCain campaign thats exploiting this poor man who lied about trying to own a business, doesn't pay taxes, and for some reason doesn't understand Obama's plan would help him get to where he wants to go in owning a business.

Emma, Za   October 18th, 2008 7:52 am ET

McCain that was a bad one with the Joe
pull off story. I am really disapppinted in ya. thums up Obama. You got it all, a deserving president with your nation at heart,

jaydubau   October 18th, 2008 7:14 am ET

In summary, as the toilet is flushed, we are seeing Joe, John and Sarah swimming against the the tide reaching for anything to stay afloat. All puns intended. Go Obama08 for 8

Samantha Riverdale GA   October 18th, 2008 7:07 am ET

This thing with Joe/Sam is just sad and shows the Republican Party will stoop 2 anything 2 get elected. This Palin lady doesnt have a brain and I dont know how she was even elected Mayor B4 Gov. Because she lacked Public Speaking skills THEN! I diskike McDummy's lies and him never anwsering questions about the economy. We Single Parent Women R suffering the most! Obama/Biden ~2009~

Steve kumwenda   October 18th, 2008 6:32 am ET

Am so disgusted with mccain. He seems to be a old grampy man who seems to always want people to believe what he says wheather its a lie or not. He is really out of touch . Maybe he torture as p.o.w has damaged his reasoning or hes too old.

shanoya   October 18th, 2008 5:14 am ET

This election has to be by far the most pathetic event In history…who knew that when you get out strategized instead of changing strategy you make a complete fool of your Party and campaign. john mc cant..sara failing..joe the bummer good job. the sad thing is the american people are only patriotic if we are so foolish to beleive in this awful ticket choice as sane.its not just the economy stupid.. we are stupid ..stupid.

Kingsley a Republican   October 18th, 2008 4:29 am ET

Our candidates have lost their bearing. LETS Look the other way 4 a true direction b4 AMERICANS fall into eternal/ bottomless ditch. HELP US O LORD…

Inezz Neumann   October 18th, 2008 4:01 am ET

McSame has done it again, proven he is lacks the judgement and to be the President. He and Palin are playing to the right wing extreamist nut jobs in their party. They play to their fear. Don't they understand what a total turn off it is to see the party leaders stooping to this level of mean spirit. It is very ugly and he has ruined any chance he may have had.
" Ohio for Obama/Biden 08′

parthi   October 18th, 2008 3:59 am ET

Im not american. But im extremely frustrated that there are still so many Mccain-Palin supporters out there. What is America heading to.? Are these guys really nuts! If Republicans win, its disaster for America and the rest of the world. I cant imagine the scenario if Mccain is unable to continue office, then Palin would take over as Presidant. Oh My GOD! Presidant Sarah Palin!! I think i better find another planet to live in.

Democrats plssss do something! OBAMA-BIDEN MUST WIN!

Joe   October 18th, 2008 3:51 am ET

I don't believe Mccain has a clear vision for America. No consistent message, lurching left …right….try to attack…..try to be respectful….Joe the plumber….socialism….The Mccain campaign is simply confused and want to win this election and give us another confused four years….America is a very very great country. It desereve a great and steady leader who has vision beyond its territories. I believe Obama has that potential.

Jim in Bisbee   October 18th, 2008 3:40 am ET

I found out the McCain vetting process is being conducted by Rush Limbaugh's fact checker.

Prissy   October 18th, 2008 3:40 am ET

Gidget and the Geezer PLUS the Plumber. Sounds like a slap stick comedy to me.

AOA   October 18th, 2008 3:38 am ET

Joe the plumber…if listening…you are obviously not very smart….but then, neither is McCain or Palin so I guess you fit right in. Hard to see when you are being used and ruining your life if you have an IQ less than Palin's…that's 116 by the way…in case your are wondering. Though even you have to admit…that is thinking a litle too much:}

zen this   October 18th, 2008 3:37 am ET

what can i add? I doubt that this idiotic episode will move undecided voters to Mccain. The guy's a chump (but I'm sorry that he can no longer be an anonymous chump!)

Pat   October 18th, 2008 3:36 am ET

You've got to be kidding! I'm sick of hearing about "Joe the plumber". First of all, it sounds insulting to plumbers. It also is such a joke, because there is nothing about this guy that is genuine. He's probably in serious trouble with the law at this moment, not only for not paying taxes, but also for not being licensed and working under his boss's lisence. McCain "vetted" him as well as he did Palin.

Paula   October 18th, 2008 3:36 am ET

Proving once again he's unstable.

Roy   October 18th, 2008 3:35 am ET

Joe is a non-qualified plumber and John McCain is a non-qualified President. John wants to hang around with the guy who does not pay the state tax!!!!!! That's very LOW.

Thomas Weishaupt   October 18th, 2008 3:35 am ET

I'm observing this election fever from a distant Switzland. I would tell Joe not to follow Mr. McCain. This guy is selling your future to save his haven.
I did a little comparison on taxation. McCain's income (his wife's?) of 4.6M$ made him pay 1.1M$ in taxes. This is by far, far cheaper than the taxation in an average Swiss City as Zürich with a woldwide reputation as a tax haven. Here Mr. McCain would have to pay 1.6M$. Amazing. (In the best of the Swiss tax havens, where only millionaires live who are doing well, it would be only 965K$ …)
So, Joe Wurzelbacher, be aware, you are going to rescue Mr McCains own low tax haven in the US and not yours! If Mr. McCain pays 0.5M$ more taxes, you'll also be able to put something on top to get the country out of the mud, won't you?
And don't expect him having any money for your rescue except just right now, when he badly needs your voice. Would you take it and still know what to think and say?
Thomas Weishaupt, Zürich, Switzerland

RICO in Colorado   October 18th, 2008 3:34 am ET

So now MCcain and Palin are calling Democrats anti-American. It's time to respond to off-the-cuff comments. I will be voting STRAIGHT DEMOCRACTIC!

Nic   October 18th, 2008 3:33 am ET

Mccain is a true Maverick.He talks about people he never met or know a thing about.First his horrible running mate Sara Palin and the the funny Jeo…. i still have to ask Mccain this who is Palin going to reform when she get into the white house?Is that going to be you Mcsame because you,ve been there from foundation set.I haven,t heard any plan yet on how she will do that.Maybe with the eye gesture?I thaugt at his age Mccain should have know someone long enough to be able to .He is really and angry old man who,s temper will be like Bomb Bomb …..you know what,and probably would have a heart attack if the phone rings at 3.OOAM. MCcain please just spend the rest of your remaining years enjoying your retirement benefits that you,ve erned and let us the new generation have some work to do.You can,just hold on to the thrown like that .

Marie,San Diego   October 18th, 2008 3:31 am ET

Wow! I'm trying to make sense out of this. How in the world Senator McCain infused another questionable character to his campaign. This "plummer character" does not even believe in Social Security system and not only that, he failed to pay his taxes in previous years.

Another bad judgement?

independent   October 18th, 2008 3:29 am ET

Joe the plumber is Charles Keating's grandson? McCain's Lincoln savings and loan scandal good buddy? Keating 5, bad judgment Keating.

Aw, say it isn't so, Joe. Are McCain's handlers really setting McCain up for failure like that. First Palin and her secessionist anti-American pals and now the grandson of Keating.

No wonder McCain is so angry.

Kingsley a Republican   October 18th, 2008 3:29 am ET

Am sure our candidates have their please lets look the other way 4 true direction b4 its 2 late!!!

Ruthie   October 18th, 2008 3:28 am ET

We need a change and a new direction ….. Obama/Biden.

Marie,San Diego   October 18th, 2008 3:28 am ET

Wow! I'm trying to make sense out of this. How in the world Senator McCain infused another questionable character to his campaign. This "plummer character" does not even believe in Social Security system and not only that, he failed to pay his taxes in previous years.

Wanda   October 18th, 2008 3:27 am ET

It looks like Ohio, Florida, Nevada and Colorado will decide this election. It will be interesting to see if the people suffering in those states stick with what got them there or will they step in a new direction.
OBAMA&BIDEN

The nuts don't fall far from the tree   October 18th, 2008 3:26 am ET

Yeah your all nuts!
Joe the plumber NEVER said he was a business owner that's the problem with you Obama followers you don't REALLY listen.
He said he is a plumber that WANTS to buy the business he is working for.
Just because he hasn't got a ticket doesn't mean he's not a plumber.
My husband WAS a carpenter for 6 years working in that trade before he got his papers and was a licenced carpenter. That doesn't mean he wouldn't have called himself a carpenter during those 6 years!
Just because he owes taxes DOES NOT MEAN HE WON'T PAY THEM!
At the end of every tax year we owe Taxes that take a sometime to pay off. It happenes and yet OBAMA wants us to pay more!
Oh I know you'll all say but only if you make 250,000 or more THAT IS IB.S. Simple economics if you tax big business and corporations they just turn around and up their prices so WE ALL PAY. OR worse yet the move their opperations to China or India or Mexico and lay you OBAMABOTS OFF!
YOUR FRIGGEN NUTS TO THINK YOU CAN RAISE ANY TAXES IN THIS ECONOMIC CLIMATE!

RBH   October 18th, 2008 3:26 am ET

Some may call this desperation — I call it insanity. America has serious problems and we need responsible leaders to address these problems. McShame and Palin are incompetent policticians. They lie, cheat, and incite fear and hatred wherever they go. Even their own party is rejecting their behavior. They need to take a long, hard look at themselves.

Biff   October 18th, 2008 3:26 am ET

Mark my words…. this guy is gonna hit the campaign trail. when the election is done… his back taxes will miraculously be paid… he will have his plumbers license, and even though his boss may not be ready to sell his business…. Joe will "have the money" to buy the business…….

mark……my….words….

Joe the Puppet   October 18th, 2008 3:25 am ET

I think this shows that McCainn is out of substance and therefore he tries to make subjct from a tiny detail. The argument is vague and has no substance, but gets Obama on defensive. That is all McCainn wanted and surprisingly succeeded to some extent. But to take it further is going to backfire badly. In Joe´s case there is no substance really.

nathan   October 18th, 2008 3:24 am ET

haha…. looks like a lot of people attack Joe the plumber. Obama screwed up the plumber's question: what is american dream? Obama bring out – spread the wealth around! They starts to attack the plumber, LOL A president candidate attacks a plumber! This year's biggest joke!

Wade   October 18th, 2008 3:24 am ET

Attaching himself to a NONtaxpayer is just another example of poor judgement. McCain doesn't think before he acts and Sarah Palin doesn't think before she speaks. These two are just plain dangerous!

Vito   October 18th, 2008 3:23 am ET

What Mc-Cain can sell himself without the help of taxcheats? Good strategy.

2sense   October 18th, 2008 3:22 am ET

Looks like another senior moment for Senator McCain.

Travis   October 18th, 2008 3:22 am ET

Palin and The Plumber…now their's a combo!

Hilary B   October 18th, 2008 3:21 am ET

After it's already been revealed that "Joe" does not own his own business, McCain is still going out and telling people that he is a small business owner. Nice.

JOE THE NEW GIMMICK   October 18th, 2008 3:21 am ET

Just another gimmick from the McCain campaign. A distraction. Just like Sarah Palin. Just like his campaign suspension. Just like William Ayers. Just like ACORN. All distractions. 4 more years my arse.

Toole   October 18th, 2008 3:21 am ET

Why not?…..Palin hasn't done a whole lot for him. He's willing to try anything or anybody! Looking more and more desperate and foolish!.

INDEPENDENT WOMEN FOR OBAMA/BIDEN   October 18th, 2008 3:18 am ET

o.k. john mcshame!!! first it was the hockey mom, then joe-six-pac, now it's joe the plumber. in all seriousness, mccain you need to go somewhere and retire in one of yours seven or eight homes. right now im sarting to believe that you can care less about your country. if you want to sit in the oval office that bad….you need to be calling your clone GWB up and ask him can you visit him in the white house, because that's the closest you'll get to tha RED BUTTON!!!. mcshame please you and sara falin please just go away!!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN

Tina   October 18th, 2008 3:17 am ET

McCain and Palin are promising the moon. Many voters will fall for these promises. It's amazing how we are easily fooled and more easily led.
GO OBAMA!

ManchesterWatch   October 18th, 2008 3:16 am ET

Honestly, McCain should try and face the economy and talk more on it rather than just pick out Obama's policies or people from the Obama's campaign stuff.

Well what can i say, no ideas, no plans and wrong choice of running mate. If Obama doesn't have it to be president, then McCain should himself not be in this race as he "sure" doesn't have it.

ROCKY   October 18th, 2008 3:14 am ET

If we elect McCain/Palin for 4 more years, I don't think we'll have to worry about any retirement, pension or 401K accounts……..we'll all have a zero balances.

Pooch   October 18th, 2008 3:12 am ET

McCain apologizes to "Joe" on the Letterman show for "thrusting him into the media spotlight", but then encourages people to send Joe email. I'll bet Joe loves spam. Guess McCain isn't all that sorry after all. The guy vacillates wildly.

Obama has warned us how erratic McCain can be.

kenny   October 18th, 2008 3:11 am ET

Wow Mcsame for will really have a company after midnight on Nov.4th

Kathy Hayes   October 18th, 2008 3:11 am ET

CNN amazes me.
Obama decided to walk down Joe's street.
Joe didn't go looking for him.
He dared to aask a question and it was not his question or anything about the man that any one should be interested in.
It is Senator Obama's answer that is at issue here.
When it's against the law to ask a question you can be sure Joe and all of us will be sorry the media didn't ask the right questions of Obama.

Chiqs   October 18th, 2008 3:11 am ET

McCain why all over sudden "Joe the plumber"?
Instead of focusing on really important issues you are giving the spotlight "Joe the plumber"…………..it is evident the Arizon senetor is so desparate………….. he is now clinging on anything.
Please leave Joe alone mr. McCain…..You are totally out of ideas ……………

Michael   October 18th, 2008 3:10 am ET

Another dumb move on McCains part.

Rethugs Strike Again   October 18th, 2008 3:10 am ET

Read it here first. The Republicans are behind the voter registration fraud. They paid people to fill out forms with phony names.

Jillian   October 18th, 2008 3:10 am ET

McCain proving once again what an idiot he is. He'll attach himself to anything or anybody who will give him a vote.

DGee   October 18th, 2008 3:09 am ET

I thought it was a little bizarre that CNN ran a story earlier today saying that McCain blamed Obama for dissing Plumber Joe (although I still don't understand what Obama supposedly did to diss him.) He also wants us to believe that Obama is somehow responsible for forcing Joe into the spotlight and for causing his home to become a media circus. Hmmmm….who was it again that brought up Plumber Joe repeatedly at the debate on Tuesday? Then McCain encouraged the American people to email Joe at home to apologize for his inconvenience and for the invasion of Poor Ol' Joe's privacy. So a bunch of strangers jamming up Plumber Joe's email is supposed to make up for Joe's lack of privacy?

Oh, Joe……..say it ain't so!

This story is becoming more and more ridiculous by the minute. Just another of the diversionary tactics that we've all become so accustomed to.

sanchez   October 18th, 2008 3:09 am ET

@ Legion … LOL! That's the best comment I've heard in a long time … in fact, I do too.

Rob indetroit   October 18th, 2008 3:09 am ET

"STOP TALKING ABOUT JOE THE PLUMBER".,

Chris from NY   October 18th, 2008 3:08 am ET

CNN is biased towards Obama. They play McCain's claims over and over again and even did a biased investigation on McCain's claim of voter fraud. CNN never say anything good about Obama except for people that support Obama that come on the show. McCain appeared in a video following his visit to an ACORN event and all of a sudden ACORN is the devil while McCain is saint Barnabas. McCain seems to be buying free air time at CNN when all his inuendos are given so much attention on this network. That's why I stopped watching CNN. I now watch MSNSBC. I only come here to blog after all you don't post my comment most of the time. And if that continues I may avoid this site all together. For your information CNN I am not the only who noticed this. A frien of mine from outside the country expressed same concerns.

fatcat   October 18th, 2008 3:08 am ET

McCain thurday after wednesday debate you and Palin talk about joe the plummer all day in your rally. But Friday the truth comes out. Joe turn out to be a liar and Palin say Friday enough about joe i"ll tried of saying his name but McCain invite him to a rally sunday tell me are you two working together!!!!! i this want to know MCcain if you did not talk to joe before the debate why did you bring him up 21 times and i make less than 40k a year i pay my teaxes if you keep cutting taxes how are we going to pay you McCain!!!!!!!! and the war!!!!!! i forget we will keep getting it from chian thank

Ray from CA   October 18th, 2008 3:08 am ET

Read this Experts from the article:

"McCain did apologize to the Ohio resident for thrusting him into the media spotlight on the night of the debate according to McCain press secretary Brooke Buchanan.

The night before he called, he appealed to Joe on CBS's “Late Night with David Letterman.”
“Joe, if you’re watching, I’m sorry,” he said into the camera."

"Whether Joe is there in person or not, he is certainly a star at McCain events. McCain urged others at the rally to contact Joe and share their support. “Send Joe an email and tell him you are with him, ok,” said McCain."

He says sorry for thursting him into the media spotlight but, A) he is asking him on the trial. I'm sorry but, now he is really going to be in the media same with his family!

and B) what the heck Mccain?! Send him an email. wow.

Susan   October 18th, 2008 3:08 am ET

McCain and Palin are now calling the Democrats anti-Americans. I am now voting STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC this year. It's time the Republicans pay for their off-the-cuff comments!

Ted van Tol   October 18th, 2008 3:06 am ET

Why, Obama promissed he have to pay NON taxes.

jt   October 18th, 2008 3:05 am ET

McCain focus on something that matters to hundreds and thousands…you are losing control…

Brian   October 18th, 2008 3:04 am ET

Does anybody remember that girl that asked John McCain about why health insurance companies cover Viagra but not birth control pills and John McCain had no answer?

Or that guy who asked him how many houses he owns and John McCain still refuses to answer?

Or how about that man who asked John McCain about George W. Bush's plan to stay in Iraq for fifty years and John McCain answered him, "Why not a hundred?"

Or that grad student that asked Sarah Palin about Pakistan and she (mistakenly) agreed with Barack Obama's stance even though John McCain had gone out of his way to show that that exact same view showed Barack Obama's naivety just the night before.

Imagine if Barack Obama had brought these people up ad nauseum at a debate and then invited these people to stump for him at rallies? Happily he won't.

Jake   October 18th, 2008 3:04 am ET

If we get four years of this guy, we're screwed.
OBAMA/BIDEN in 2008

braggingrights   October 18th, 2008 3:03 am ET

Joe the plumber is non existence! the joe you see is a head skin washing Karl Roves dirty loins in front of the public! the guy is phony planted by Mcain goons to divert attention!!. Mcain is running the worst campaign ever in United States History! Picked the wrong VP, picked the wrong advisors ! God forbid if Mcain wins USA will be one big country with a third world Economy!!! no offence to the third world! just a reference!

Justin   October 18th, 2008 3:03 am ET

What a mess the Republican ticket has become.

Kyle   October 18th, 2008 3:02 am ET

Palin and now the Plumber….what a combo!!!! What in the he** is John McCain thinking?

GO OBAMA!

John in DC   October 18th, 2008 3:02 am ET

I read that some Republicans are organizing support to push Joe/Sam to run for Congress representing his district. This tells us everthing we need to know about the people supporting McCain and defending Palin

cyrusk   October 18th, 2008 3:02 am ET

Joe, Plumber or not Plumber?

First off, This guy is a fake and fraude.
– 1st, he claimed to be a plumber, But he is not. Plumber is someone who is licensed

2nd; He claimed to want to buy the Plumbing company that he works for.

Fact check::
How in the hell a simple worker (not a licensed plumber) is going to buy a company that he thinks make a net profit of more than $250,00. per year?? Beat me. Unless he has some inheritance money under
his mattress or something, because he owes back taxes.

The idead of this silly"joe the plumber, came up, when McCain said that , poor Joe, he has to pay more taxes when he buys the company.
But Joe, the laborer (notn the plumber), is not in the position all of a sudden to buy a business that nets more than $250,000 per year,
Such a business would cost several million Dollars. Where does joe, the laborer gets that kind of money? Probably from his grandfather, Charles Keating.(lol)

Gypsy61   October 18th, 2008 3:01 am ET

Palin continues to attact Barak Obama's character!
Who is Sarah Palin-governor tapped by Oldman John McCain only once? tapped is right! Has anyone even heard about the John and Sarah relationship that gave her the down syndrome baby that she could not tell Tod about for awhile? Trouble in paradise with Cindy McCain? Is that why Cindy McCain looks like a spaced out barby doll standing behind John at the rallies? Is it true that Cindy McCain is using drugs according to the tabloids? He left Carol McCain in her crippled state andran around with the young heirest before he even devorced Carol! Infidelity! Surely it is nothing for him to tap Sarah inspite of all the money cindy has?
If Obama's daughter was a pregnant teen, surely that would have not gone over like Sarah's pregnant daughter prancing around!
Tod needs to check out the POKE he may have!
You all really thing Sarah Palin is in anyway qualified to run the White house? Please!

Randy   October 18th, 2008 3:01 am ET

"Joe the Plumber"- "Joe Six-pack" sounds familar?
Typical Republicrats baloney!

Tom   October 18th, 2008 3:00 am ET

Palin isn't working out as well as he thought so he's now turning to this guy for support. What an idiot!

economist   October 18th, 2008 3:00 am ET

What the hell has the republican party become?

Robert   October 18th, 2008 2:59 am ET

ncobama…….you had better check your facts about Obamas plan being better for you than McCains. I think you will find that Senator Obama has been misleading people. Did you know that during the debate he 100% mislead the public on what McCains education proposal is??? It is just what Obama does…..he is a bigger BSer than McCain. You folks are plain old naiive and unaware of the baloney that Obama hands out. Guess you are just what he ordered….followers!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and way too stupid to understand what the point was with Joe the Plumber. Dummies!

Ryan   October 18th, 2008 2:57 am ET

McCain is running out of options……

Robert Anthony   October 18th, 2008 2:57 am ET

I wish the press would investigate just how this common Joe happened to show up when Obama was in town. Then, the fact that McCain first invokes his name several times during the debate, then complains that it was Obama’s fault for all the attention this common Joe was receiving, then to go back on national TV to say he was personally sorry that he used this common Joe’s name, then to suggest people to email this common Joe to show your support, to now inviting him to meet up on the campaign trail. What next Mr. Filp Flopper? Is he going to be a ranking member of your cabinet? I guess that is one way this common Joe will get his tax lien removed!

Erin C.   October 18th, 2008 2:56 am ET

McCain is a very angry man full of hate that will stop at nothing to get his way. John McCain is officially dangerous.

Johnny V   October 18th, 2008 2:56 am ET

Wow, look at all the panicked Umbama worshipers whining and gnashing their teeth.

Hilarity…

McCain – Palin -2008

Uba Frankiln Obani   October 18th, 2008 2:55 am ET

Certainly Obama is going to WIN, it doesn't take much imagination to realise that he has won already.

Josh   October 18th, 2008 2:54 am ET

Since they're turning us into a socialist state, the Republicans should learn a few things from the Soviets about how to choose a proletariat hero to elevate to icon-status.
Steel workers: Manly, strong; good. Plumbers: butt-crack showing, work around excrement; bad. Come on, John, didn't you learn anything listening to Radio Moscow for six years?

Kate   October 18th, 2008 2:52 am ET

Can't you just picture Sarah Palin and Putin having a Foreign Policy discussion??!!?. Heaven help us all!!

SC   October 18th, 2008 2:52 am ET

McCain,
Don't simply call Joe, the plumber, to join your campaign. Be sure to call a locksmith and a truck driver to join your campaign too.

dewayne   October 18th, 2008 2:51 am ET

Joe needs to go to college and get an education. He is about 45 years old and talking about some one plan will not help him get a job. When does he plan start his buisness. Loser

Mandy   October 18th, 2008 2:51 am ET

Once again McCain has attached himself to a loud mouth idiot who he'll later regret knowing!
Will he ever learn?
GO OBAMA!

Junior   October 18th, 2008 2:50 am ET

McCain election campaign is a joke. Now he needs to use a Joe to get himself elected. Man, what will he try next. May election day come very soon and get Obama elected.

Sad State of Affairs   October 18th, 2008 2:50 am ET

Thumbs down, this has started to turn into a national disgrace!

Mike from Texas   October 18th, 2008 2:49 am ET

Ok here's Joe the plumber admits he does not or have not paid his Federal, State and local taxes and is having major legal problems and John McBush wants him to travel the country and represent the Republican Ticket; OMG is the best that John McBush and Company can offer the nation, I have now made my decision to Support Senator Barack Obama and Joe Biden for the Presidency of the United States of America, and yes I'm a longtime Republican now supporting Barry/Joe Senator's Obama & Biden are correct this Nation does not need another four more years of the Bush policies and mismanagement of the Republican Mythology.

Zaley   October 18th, 2008 2:49 am ET

After seeing and hearing what the Rebulicansare all about, I have lost all respect for them. I will be voting straight Democratic this year.

TINA   October 18th, 2008 2:49 am ET

IS'NT IT A SHAME THAT McCAIN COULD STOOP SO LOW JUST TO WIN AN ELECTION.TALK ABOUT COUNTRY FIRST! THE MAN WILL LIE THROUGH HIS TEETH FOR ANYTHING.AS A MATTER OF FACT IT IS A DISGRACE THAT A CHARACTER LIKE THIS WOULD WANT TO RULE THIS GREAT NATION OF OURS.
SHAME ON YOU MR McCAIN
SHAME ON YOU SARAH PALIN
SHAME ON YOU JOE THE LYING PLUMMER
SHAME ON ALL THE SO CALLED "INDEPENDENT "CNN REPORTERS WHO HAVE DONE EVERYTHING TO HELP McCAIN WITH ALL THE TRASH HE VOMITS YOU ARE ALL AS IRRELIVANT AS HE IS.

Greg, San Francisco, CA   October 18th, 2008 2:48 am ET

Joe is not a legitimate plumber (no license) much like John McCain is not a legitimate contender for the Presidency of the United States (no clue).

Olivia   October 18th, 2008 2:47 am ET

The last shredd of respect I held for McCain is now gone.

Jane   October 18th, 2008 2:46 am ET

John McCain is looking more and more desperate and his running mate is looking more and more foolish.

Gabe Louisiana   October 18th, 2008 2:46 am ET

Well, McCain has to get Joe the plumber to win this election for him . Maybe Joe the plumber should be running than you, John McCain. Maybe he can give us better understanding of your policies, because you not giving any. I 'm leaning toward the other side and you worried about Joe the Plumber. What about Gabe from Louisiana, a red state!!!!!!!!

Jill   October 18th, 2008 2:45 am ET

Sarah Palin has a big mouth and an empty head.

Christopher   October 18th, 2008 2:45 am ET

A vote for McCain is a vote for 4 more years of George Bush. By then we ought to have hit rock-bottom.

RJ   October 18th, 2008 2:45 am ET

McKlan needs to produce some funny/interesting drama for the 24/7 newscycle. Otherwise the TV networks will go back to stock market and economic issues which is not good for him. So he is going to do these clownish things until the election day and pull his way up in the polls. Obama should continue to focus on the economy until the end. This guy Joe will end up like Palin. who wants to see this guy on their TV more than 2 days? If people don't punish the negativity coming out of McKlan/SHALLOW PALIN campaign, then we will see much worse campaigns in the future Presidential elections. Karl Rove tactics should be buried this election cycle if the country needs to unite and focus on issues facing all of us.

Patrick of Canton, Ohio   October 18th, 2008 2:44 am ET

And predictions for person with the highest write-in votes:

Yes, you guessed it, Joe the Plumber.
Elect Joe the Plumber, hey might as well, it's either Tony Rezko's pal or Charles Keating's pal. Did I mention he's a plumber?

No Country For Old Men   October 18th, 2008 2:44 am ET

McCain your old stuff is getting back up and starting to smell like you want to be alone on a windless day. You need Joe the plumber
to unclog your pipe, you betcha!

McCain you smell so bad you make a stop sign say Go!

I'll smell you later.

Obama & Biden 08′

william delaware   October 18th, 2008 2:43 am ET

what was all that snorting mccain was doing during the debates the other night? And what was with the blinking??

More importantly, if McCain doesn't thoroughly investigate the people he surrounds himself with, what does that say about his fitness to be the chief executive? He doesn't do his homework.

aldha   October 18th, 2008 2:42 am ET

McCain is pathetic and seems to be clutching at straws. Instead of sticking to the issues like Obama, he uses gimmicks and cheap tricks.

Palin reminds me not of a pit bull, but a toy terrier barking at a big bold labrador. The toy terrier is excited and thinks she is making an impression, but the labrador is unaffected, calm, cool, and does not even look at her. He walks with dignity towards his goal.

homeless   October 18th, 2008 2:40 am ET

Yep, My house was fixed by Joe the Dumber *&#*)^%# plumber. Now it's flooded with B.S. and Homeland Security via FEMA can't help because Joe won't pay his patriotic taxes.
So now we have Larry, Curly and Moe out stumping for the Republicans.
Makes sense since Laurel and Hardy are already in the White House.

Small Town Librarian   October 18th, 2008 2:40 am ET

This is proof that Cindy isn't the only one in the family who's on drugs.

Paul   October 18th, 2008 2:39 am ET

Hey, I'm not old. If McCain wants to cut Medicare, then I say go for it…I trust the old geezer!

Lacy R.   October 18th, 2008 2:37 am ET

I think the people will have to experience more hardships and suffering before anything changes in this country. We have to hit rock-bottom before we wake up or even get a clue. We have to loose all our pensions, 401K's, and retirement accounts before we wake up to what was really important. 4 more years ought to do it…………
OBAMA*BIDEN

Larry in MI   October 18th, 2008 2:36 am ET

This doesn't come as a surprise to me, since I believe this whole "Joe the Plumber" thing was all set up by the McCain campaign.

Even professional wrestling is better scripted than the McCain campaign these days…

Wayne in CA   October 18th, 2008 2:36 am ET

well this joe whatever person seems to fit the McCain/Palin campaign to a tee…lies…doesn't have proper credentials to call himself a plumber…doesn't believe he should pay his taxes…and the only black person he can relate to is sammy davis jr..

what a joke…once again we see the GOP propping up a cardboard cutout..

Joshua College Station Texas   October 18th, 2008 2:36 am ET

I guess Sarah isn't authentic enough.

republican lady   October 18th, 2008 2:35 am ET

Shame on you john, shame on you. you should have used someone who's a legitimate businessman with an income of 250k and doesn't evade taxes to make this current ploy of your campaign look credible. since you picked palin "the pitbull" as your runningmate, I really started to doubt your judgment. as a longtime republican, i'm voting for a democrat this time.

Alan B   October 18th, 2008 2:35 am ET

You have got to be kidding me. We are now making hero's out of unlicsensed plumbers. This smells like a set up, it looks like a set up. By the way his name is not even Joe–Hey John looks like you vetted Joe the red neck as well as Sarah McDumb!!

saint paul mn   October 18th, 2008 2:34 am ET

ok, so this tells me several things:

the kind of people desperate, irrational mcbush would sorround himself with: a vp who has absolutely NO clue about a thing in the world, who calls people racists, terrorists, yet has hsuband who want AK suceed from the US..

he plants "joe," at one of Senator's Obama's rallies, then says ohh Joe,.. the plumber… i don tknow you, yet we all know 1) no a license plumber, 2) owes taxes to the very government he wants grants from 3) is totally a republican and trained by no other than limbaugh, and rove..

ok, so Mcsame is not only

Angry
Irrational
disrespectful
lying
he is desperate
he allows for racism
he encourages reactionary and racists attacks agains a respectful Senator
he rolls his eyes while the presidential debate, (can you imagine this wacko at the UN, he would be shooting people)
he calls a presidential candidate "that one," imagine if he had said that to Clinton or to Edwards, or any caucasian person?? imagine.. he really has white privilige and gets away with abuse of power
he has no clue how to balance a budget
no clue how to run a campaign, besides lying and using horrible people to lie for him

he has 7+ homes, count that………….. SEVEN
he has 13+ cars, count that ………….THIRTEEN
he is 72+ years old, count that………….SEVENTY TWO PLUS
he is not healty……………………….. he is not well,

he is not our leader
he does not represent true republicans, or conservatives

he is the worst of the worst
NO WAY JOE NO WAY PALIN NO WAY MCBUSH

jpegs   October 18th, 2008 2:33 am ET

Not only did McCain call Joe the Plumber, he also "robocalled" thousands of people with messages of hatred and fear, filled with the usual GOP lies. So much for running a clean campaign!

C   October 18th, 2008 2:31 am ET

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ASK JOE THE PLUMBER IF HE CAN AFFORD HEALTHCARE UNDER MCCAIN'S HEALTH CARE PLAN… NOT!

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ASK JOE THE PLUMBER IF HE CAN AFFORD HIS INCREASED ENERGY COSTS WITH A $300 MCCAIN TAX CUT…NOT!

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ASK JOE THE PLUMBER IF HE CAN AFFORD TO GO AFTER HIS PLUMBER LICENSE WITH AN ALL AROUND SPENDING FREEZE WHICH INCLUDES EDUCATION AND RETRAINING… NOT!

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ASK JOE THE PLUMBER IF HE THINKS HE'LL ENJOY HIS SOCIAL SECURITY AFTER IT IS GAMBLED IAWAY N THE STOCK MARKET UNDER MCCAIN…NOT!

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ASK JOE THE PLUMBER IF HE THINKS THIS ECONOMY WILL TURN AROUND AFTER MCCAIN COMMITS US TO A PERMANENT OCCUPATION OF IRAQ… NOT!

STILL WANT TO VOTE REPUBLICAN JOE?

Eniall   October 18th, 2008 2:31 am ET

WOW are people that dumb to think the media will never find out their dirty little secrets? I mean come on, "JOE" ScHmOE

Todd   October 18th, 2008 2:29 am ET

McCain and Palin will say and do anything to attract a vote, and many Americans are falling for their off-the-wall hate comments. Proving once again that we are so easily fooled and more easily led.
OBAMA/BIDEN for change!!

Shirley-Ohio   October 18th, 2008 2:28 am ET

He has not business, he has no license to own a business, he works for someone else, owes taxes, so why again is McCain bowing down to this man. I don't get, he is a lie just like the McCain-Palin ticket. Wow I cannot believe they are pushing this with this fake plumber

Paul   October 18th, 2008 2:27 am ET

Joe the Plumber is not a small business person. He works for a small company ( that's not licenced, and he is not licenced to do plumbing work in the Teledo area he is from). He is no in any financial situation to buy or even start a company on his own for the moment. He owes back taxes. He will get a TAX CUT under an Obama plan.

Alain   October 18th, 2008 2:26 am ET

Sad…very sad. The 3 Stooges (Scarah, John-John, & Simple Cindy) have now adopted a 4th….."Sammy Joe"!

donna34   October 18th, 2008 2:26 am ET

Sounds like this JOE THE PLUMBER was a fraud from the beginning, he isnt making 250,000, which would be AMAZING for a plumber, now the state is saying he isnt even LICENSED in the state …… And the poor guy has John McCain to thank for bring him out in the open , yet again the REPUBLICANS have ruined another life ……..

Deke   October 18th, 2008 2:25 am ET

It's amazing to see how many Americans will believe anything that is told to them. After eight disasterous years under the Republican party, voters are willing to vote in another four more years. People need to suffer alittle more before they wake up.

Edd   October 18th, 2008 2:25 am ET

Aint't that sweet now. This whole Joe deal is nothing more than a dead fish. McCain is just grabbing at whatever cheap sideshow antics he can grab. This is NOT the kind of leader we need.

senja   October 18th, 2008 2:24 am ET

God Bless America. Have we met our end days? Ludicrous, absurd,
an international embarrssment. Thanks Mccain for ruining America.
Wake me up when this is over.

vanessa   October 18th, 2008 2:24 am ET

For all the mccain supporters who have stated that mccain is only down 2% in the gallup polls are sadly mistaken! there is a difference between REGISTERED voters and LIKELY voters. Do the research next time. It is Obama 50% and Mccain 43% among REGISTERED voters!

James   October 18th, 2008 2:22 am ET

Joe the plumber , Keating Five , John McCain , Sarah Palin , Republican Party .

Hummm NO THANKS

Patricia   October 18th, 2008 2:21 am ET

MCCAIN PALS AROUND WITH TAX EVADERS!! LOL! GO MCCAIN! YOU'RE A WINNER!!
OBAMA BIDEN 08′

Nir   October 18th, 2008 2:21 am ET

This coordinate plan called "Joe the Plummer" was another try to stir from the main issues.

McCain and his campain has no case, no message and mainly now direction to go.

Just random noise to get the public confused and off the main issues.

We're not buying that ! We deserve better !

Kate   October 18th, 2008 2:20 am ET

I know this is NOT serious…it can't be. It just can't be! My God, this is so absurd as to be unreal.

Oliver from N.O.LA   October 18th, 2008 2:19 am ET

I sincerely hope voters can see through this transparent attempt to obtain votes by any means necessary. Joe the "Plummer" is fictional. However, McCain talks about him as though is real. When challenged his camp says it not who Joe really is or what he really does, it what he represents. Well, he is not a small business owner, he is not a plummer and he did not pay his taxes. So give me something real and I will deal with it. This fictonal representation is for the birds

Brian   October 18th, 2008 2:19 am ET

McCain will say and do anything to attract a vote.

Zane   October 18th, 2008 2:18 am ET

It looks like Ohio, Florida, Virginia and possible Colorado will decede this election. It will be interesting to see if the people suffering in those states stick with what got them where they are today or will they step in a new direction.
OBAMA/BIDEN

rbs   October 18th, 2008 2:18 am ET

McCain: … AND I WANT TO ANNOUNCE THAT JOE WURZELBACHER WILL BE MY NEW RUNNING MATE — BECAUSE I PUT MY COUNTRY FIRST, AND WE'LL BE A COUPLE OF MAVERICKS … ME, A SENATOR WHO WAS WILLING TO BUCK MY PARTY ON OCCASION, AND JOE, WHO GOES BY JOE EVEN THOUGH HIS NAME ISN'T REALLY JOE, WHO PRACTICES PLUMBING EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN'T HAVE A PLUMBING LICENSE, AND WHO COMPLAINS ABOUT HIS TAXES BEING TOO HIGH EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN'T ACTUALLY EVEN PAY HIS TAXES. NOW THAT'S WHAT A MAVERICK DOES!

Linnae   October 18th, 2008 2:17 am ET

I keep feeling as if McCain and the people he surrounds himself with think they are above the rules/law. Both McCain and Palin have been involved and found to be at fault in actual ethics scandals (as they jump up and down, screaming about Obama's unsavory "connections"). And now their feature talking point in the last weeks before the election, to show that they're in touch with Main St, is to drag this guy out who decided he doesn't need a license and doesn't have to pay his taxes in a timely manner. I'm not interested in 4 years of "leadership" from people who think they're above what the rest of us are legally and morally bound to.

Huh?   October 18th, 2008 2:17 am ET

It's not the messenger that is important folks… its the message. Obama wants to "spread the wealth around"… in other words… socialism.

Ryan   October 18th, 2008 2:16 am ET

The mighty have fallen. 8 years has taken it's toll. America will never be the same.

Texas Doc   October 18th, 2008 2:15 am ET

McCain intoduced him…he owns him.

An Average American   October 18th, 2008 2:15 am ET

Please don't characterize Joe the Plumber as an Average American. I AM a small businessman who is licensed and insured, I pay my taxes, and I'm raising my son with my spouse. I consider myself an Average American — and I'm everything that Joe the Plumber is NOT!

liza   October 18th, 2008 2:14 am ET

Oh great, now their campaign has turned into "The Mummy" The Dummy" and the "Phony"… Jeez…

C   October 18th, 2008 2:13 am ET

REPUBLICANS NOT ONLY DIVIDE THE COUNTRY, BUT THEY MAKE SURE THAT THE WEALTH STAYS DIVIDED AS WELL. I AM A TRUE AVERAGE JOE, AND UNLIKE JOE THE PLUMMER, NOT ONLY DO I PAY MY TAXES, BUT MY EYES ARE WIDE OPEN!

REPUBLICANS MUST GO…. FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR COUNTRY!

VOTE DEMOCRAT IN '08!

Rob   October 18th, 2008 2:12 am ET

At one point I thought I might vote for McCain, but he has proven tone-deaf to voters interests. Picking Sarah Palin as his running mate is NOT in the best interests of the country. Joe the plumber is a farce. The straight-talk express seems to have jumped the track long ago. John McCain has become a sad joke.

Betty, Virginia   October 18th, 2008 2:11 am ET

Is Joe the non plumber going to pay his taxes first? I can see how McCain relates to a lying, tax evader, idiot. Betcha Palin really loves him.

Mick   October 18th, 2008 2:10 am ET

It was obvious this guy was a McCain plant as soon as he started speaking to the press after the debate. I wonder if he's more qualified than Palin to run for VP?

Give It Up McCain   October 18th, 2008 2:10 am ET

The other day I saw this great new comedy series on TV. It had this cranky old dude, a hot babe with a rifle, and a plumber named Joe. It was really funny. It reminded me of the Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons. The old dude kept trying to blow up this other character that was always way too cool and smart to fall for his schtick. That would just get the old dude more snarky. Then he'd bring out the hot babe and the plumber and all say all sorts of stupid things to try to get back at the Roadrunner. What a great show. I hear it's over November 4th though. Too bad because I kinda like the babe.

The Party of Distraction!   October 18th, 2008 2:08 am ET

McCain who promised a constructive campaign during the last debate is now robo calling the entire country making the claim that Obama is a pal of terrorists! Where is the rage and outcry in this dirty tactic. CNN start earning your tag "No bias, no Bull" Hardly!!! I'm losing all respect.

Steve in Phoenix   October 18th, 2008 2:08 am ET

I love how McCain lashed out at the media and the Obama campaign for "attacking" Joe the Plumber — when McCain is clearly exploiting Joe for his benefit. Tax experts have clearly shown that Obama's tax policy will leave Joe in better shape. What a crock.

brian   October 18th, 2008 2:08 am ET

Wow, yet another distraction from the McCain campaign. Find a guy who will lie about his profession and his income and act like he's a normal American.

Why are we even talking about this guy? He has nothing to do with anything that is going on right now. Just another McCain sideshow.

fed up with all this   October 18th, 2008 2:08 am ET

I think a lot of people are missing the point. Whether you support Obama or McCain, please don't get caught up in this one guy and a plumber's license. McCain was using him as an example to illustrate that not every business owner who makes over $250,000 is rich. There's a big difference between the small businesses and big oil companies. McCain is saying that Obama's tax increases will hurt the Joe's of the world. I know a guy named Dan who has a small computer business. He employs 2 computer programmers. He makes a little over $250 a year. Out of that he pays for operating costs, employee salaries, healthcare and of course, taxes. He doesn't drive around in a sports car or live in a mansion. He's just a nice guy who wanted to be his own boss. So, McCain could've said "Dan the computer programmer" instead of "Joe the Plumber" to make his point. If he had, I'm sure someone would be trying to dig up dirt on Dan. I don't want to engage in rude arguements or say demeaning things about either of the candidates. I only want Americans to focus on what's important. Let's educate ourselves, listen closely to what each candidate says and watch their actions even more closely. Then we can each know know we did our homework when we cast our vote in November.

Truth-Teller in Colorado   October 18th, 2008 2:06 am ET

Wow! "Joe the Plummer" is in the game now.

Gene   October 18th, 2008 2:04 am ET

Ok guys… I have a theory behind all this…

I know who McCain's real campaign manager is. It's Vince McMahon. It has to be. This is just like an episode of professional wrestling.. totally fake scripted drama.. yet the republican base just keeps cheering for them as if it was all real. It's like their minds haven't evolved beyond that of a child… like they haven't grown up and realized that this is all a show.

It just amazes me.

tt   October 18th, 2008 2:02 am ET

is obama qualified to be our next president?

mike   October 18th, 2008 2:02 am ET

Dear Bay Buchanan, You should really be a D.J.,because I have never seen a person spin like you do.I really believe that you can turn feces into gold. I never see you spin the truth in the day time so which leads me to believe that evil truly comes out at night because i only see you at CNN after dark. I truly believe that if the sky was falling, you would spin it and say that the ground was only getting taller. You know that McCain had picked a dummy/puppet for vice president. You are the only person who is not afraid of this women becoming president if something happens to McCain.Even members of your own conservative base are worried about Palin becoming leader of the free world (USA). It just amazes me every time that i see you how the facts are there right in front of your face and you will spin it. I truly believe if you had seen somebody get stabbed, you will say that they had fell on a knife and they were there at the wrong place at the wrong time. SO my hat is off to you. you truly earned your pay for the republic party. i just wonder what world you're living in and how do you sleep at night knowing that what you said before you went to sleep was complete BS. Do you drink yourself to sleep? This world is not perfect but its spin masters like you that got George Bush put in office. How do you really feel living your life as a republic imp? so that is why i am giving you the new award and i truly believe you have earned this. you have won the award and forever should be known as a true American Republican FLUFFER. Don't forget to vote for Obama CNN I reporter

L VA   October 18th, 2008 2:01 am ET

I love it! It's great that Obama had a little slip of the tongue and let the truth out. It's called redistribution of wealth folks! Obama is a fraud. I'll keep the money that I worked for – thanks so much. Obama's plan is just a major welfare plan. Get with the program – let's grow wealth – not redistribute money made by people that have worked for it! McCain-Palin. Obama is an actor with a good speech put in front of him.

john   October 18th, 2008 2:00 am ET

socialism attack just like all communism just like all liberal.how much money ayer make it to become terorist?

John the Electrician   October 18th, 2008 2:00 am ET

Boy.. how low this McCain campaign can go. Can someone show me some good brain in Republican party?

JoeFromScranton   October 18th, 2008 2:00 am ET

Wow….you people are either all elitists or socialists – maybe both.

Joe just asked a question – as lambs/lemmings and Kool-Aid drinkers you'll never have to worry about being smeared by the MSM.

Lisa D.   October 18th, 2008 1:58 am ET

After watching Sarah Palin call Obama a solialist for the upteenth time I have decided to vote for Obama. Sarah Palin speaks before she thinks and that is a very dangerous trait to have. John McCain really screwed up when he chose her for a running mate.
GO OBAMA!!

Ryan   October 18th, 2008 1:58 am ET

Desperate measures for a desperate man….for God's sake John you're tarnishing your reputation and your good name. If Joe was an honest hard working man it would've been one thing but he's a fraud and a tax evader, this is an embarasement.

Buckeye Voter   October 18th, 2008 1:58 am ET

Of all the stupid…

KewlKat   October 18th, 2008 1:58 am ET

Joe has a legitimate concern after being poisoned by the RNC campaign. I keep asking myelf, what about the famou american question/phrase; "Ask what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you."
When a country is in a crisis the people along with the Government have to work together to get out of the situation. If there is no Capital Expenditure there's no development and paying an increase in taxes and ensuring that the money is spent properly should be what the American people should be voting for and not look at this whole stupidity of not spreeding the wealth.

Palin McCain - more of Bush lies   October 18th, 2008 1:57 am ET

McCain lives off of GIMMICKS!

Alva in Lauderhill   October 18th, 2008 1:57 am ET

McCain is all over the place with his campaign. Where's the focus? Like another commenter, he is so desparate, he'll try anything. I'm sure the republican base has got to be frustrated with his lack of focus and antics. This is so unbelievable, I went to Snopes.com to see if this was a fake article.

mr gimmick   October 18th, 2008 1:56 am ET

nice try mr mccain… like all your gimmicks, this one will last for a few days… people are losing more respect everyday … such a disappointment…. is this all you got???

can'tbelieveit   October 18th, 2008 1:56 am ET

OMG, I cannot believe how idiotic this election has become! Is this some kind of joke? "He's in good spirits?" Well why wouldn't he be? The man got his 5-min of fame and you are groveling over him as if he's been seriously wounded! Asking people to call and email this guy to show our support? McCain you have got to be kiddng me! WHO CARES ABOUT JOE THE PLUMBER!

LOL Election   October 18th, 2008 1:56 am ET

Hello,

do you make over $250,000 a year?

will you loose your job because they raised taxes 3% on your place of employment?

If not then whats the deal here?

JP   October 18th, 2008 1:56 am ET

Is this what America has become? A self-obsessed liar becomes our new hero? Are we that desperate that we give such attention to a a man who is a complete fraud? This is beyond pathetic.

Excitable Boy   October 18th, 2008 1:56 am ET

Hey Kid, Get Off My Lawn!

Are You Feeling Lucky, Punk. Well, Are You?   October 18th, 2008 1:56 am ET

Read about McCain – wildman at the craps tables – Rolling Stone

jose mendosa, Philly   October 18th, 2008 1:55 am ET

This Joe thing and the patriotism slogan are getting under my skin. Are all Americans small business owners? How about us ordinary workers? And who says that being a Republican equals being a patriot? The soldier is a patriot, but so also is the person that sews the military uniform; the one who grows the corn from which the energy bar is made; the person who teaches the children who eventually become soldiers… we are all patriots. This equation that somehow says that you are a patriot because you support a war is baloney. And I don't make any apologies for using such language.

Mike O'Brien   October 18th, 2008 1:54 am ET

What a joke..

JP   October 18th, 2008 1:54 am ET

Dear CNN, Please ask McCain if he agrees with Joe, Sam, whoever if Social Security should be abolished!!!

PalesIN McComparison   October 18th, 2008 1:53 am ET

Let me get this straight… Joe the unlicensed, tax cheat, wanna-be plumber is worried about possibly paying increased taxes for a business he does not even own? Give me an F'in break. Joe… stick a pvc pipe where the sun don't shine.

McCain's desperation becomes more and more apparent each day. This is the same guy running around saying, "Country First".

YMAJ   October 18th, 2008 1:53 am ET

God help us all! Now why in the world is this still a "tight" race?! Why is half of this country rooting for McCain/Palin? WIERD!!!

I Just Said Thanks, but No Thanks to Another 4 Years of g.o.p. corruption, arrogance and incompetence   October 18th, 2008 1:52 am ET

Maybe McCain should dump Palin and put Joe the Plumber on his ticket.

McPanderer: "Me First"

Lexie   October 18th, 2008 1:52 am ET

McCain is such an idiot. Just another sloppy attempt to throw the election.

Gene   October 18th, 2008 1:51 am ET

Ok.. so the story is out that everything Joe was portraying was pretty much a lie… and McCain is now embracing him and inviting him on the trail?

You know what guys.. I think we were ALLLL wrong about McCain not vetting Sarah Palin.. I think he vetted her just fine. I think McCain is drawn towards lying, deceiptful, spiteful people.

I'll bet if Joe the Plumber decides to call Obama a terrorist on national TV.. McCain might just be replacing his campaign manager with good ol' Joe.

A.J.C.   October 18th, 2008 1:51 am ET

I'd like to share this from another of a major daily:
"Fair taxation isn’t about “redistributing the wealth” — it’s about giving back to the great country that gave you the opportunity to benefit so greatly. It’s not about taking money from “Joe the Plumber.” It’s about making sure that “Joe’s Mega-Plumbing Incorporated” gives back to the country and the people who gave him: Roads and bridges for his trucks to roll on. Support for research for his latest plumbing equipment. Public education so he can have a well-trained work force. Markets so he can raise capital. Police and firefighters so his business is protected. Health care so the employees who helped him build his business can stay on the job. Freedom so that he can build his business creatively. If “Joe” has been able to become wealthy because of the bounty of America, then he should pay his fair share back to America — that is patriotic."

Sharon   October 18th, 2008 1:50 am ET

So, "Joe the Plumber" now says he doesn't have plans to buy the business, but he has been discussing it. If he can't pay his taxes, where will he find the money to buy the plumbing business? McCain can give it to him. During the debate, he said, "Joe, I want to tell you, I'll not only help you buy that business that you worked your whole life for and be able, and I'll keep your taxes low, and I'll provide available and affordable health care for you and your employees." So, Senator McCain, get ready to fork over the $250,000.00 so "Joe the Plumber" can buy the business.

connie   October 18th, 2008 1:50 am ET

Sam just moved from Alaska to Ohio…five weeks ago. He is a Keating relative.

Shame on you McLiar, I've already voted for 'That One' here in Kansas!

Allison   October 18th, 2008 1:50 am ET

Too bad McCain didn't chose Joe the Plumber as his V.P. instead of the empty headed, big mouth Sarah Palin. He would have had a much better chance. lol lol lol

Janice Crowley   October 18th, 2008 1:49 am ET

Mccain needs to call Sarah Palin and ask her which states did she think were anti American. Sarah Palin has offended many Americans with that comment. Look at the choice of her words. Real Americans, Best of America, Pro America. Who is she to say who’s Pro American or not. I think the governor stepped out of line today and I think Sarah Palin owes the country an apology. Where does she get off saying which parts of America is patriotic or not. Its the leader of her party who’s patriotism and all of the republicans that supported his policies and agenda like Mccain who’s patriotism should be in question. Its the republicans who led to this economic crisis on Wall St. and 2 wars abroad. What good has Bush done for this country? Mccain would not be different especially with Palin as VP. Palin role in the Mccain campaign is that of a secretary, she has no voice at all.

Knowledgable reader   October 18th, 2008 1:49 am ET

Are the news reports correct that Joe the Plumber is actually Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, the grandson of Charles Keating (of the Keating Five)? If so, then Joe's dad would be Robert Wurzelbacher (Keating's son-in-law) who testified against him in the savings & loan scandal, and went to federal prison for about 3 and a half years for misappropriating several million dollars.

McCain type. He can have him.

Matt   October 18th, 2008 1:47 am ET

Murzelbacher?

Anyways, I thought this guy said he was going to keep on living a normal life. Yet, here he is… being drowned in the publicity.

Chloe from Denver   October 18th, 2008 1:47 am ET

After seeing ane hearing Sarah Palin I am now convinced she is a total WACKO. This woman represents hate and division for our country. She uses patriotism as her own personal crutch. If you don't agree with her you must be UNpatriotic. She is no longer laughable, she is DANGEROUS!

Jason Hussein, Nashville, Tn.   October 18th, 2008 1:47 am ET

This is ridiculous, I can't wait for November 5th when McCain and Palin are sent back to their homes. It amazes me to the new lows the McCain campaign will stoop. Even though this "Joe" has numerous discreprencies with his details, the USA chanting bafoons will now chant "Joe" as if he is a conservative hero. Absolutely appalling.

HelloInsanity   October 18th, 2008 1:46 am ET

Very interesting… Both McCain and Palin trying to paint Democrats as anti-Americans… Now Joe the plumber is McCain's best pal, well well… so not paying your taxes is very pro-American now? A person who cheated is new American hero? Nice! Pregnant teen, tax cheater and two liars surrounded by lobbyists! Very promising future! Thanks, but NO THANKS!

barbara miller   October 18th, 2008 1:46 am ET

JOE the planted plumber: I WANT ANSWERS TO THE ISSUES – NOT YOU as a poster child!
CNN: You're amazing – you open comments for this kind of crap but when it comes to Palin discussing abortion and/or attacking in other ways – no comments?
CNN: you just keep reporting the incidental & your ratings will falter.
CNN: really nice touch putting footage of Reverend Wright as Babe Buchanan spoke tonight.
CNN: I've gotta wonder if you're gonna censor this comment as well.

A Fellow American   October 18th, 2008 1:45 am ET

I cannot beleive that people are attacking Mr. Wurzelbacher, when all he did was ask Obama a legitimate question. Which if I recall correctly, was answered honestly. Now at the debate McCain brought up Mr. Wurzelbacher's question and Obama reiterated the answer yet again. Obama stating that if his (Mr. Wurzelbacher's) company made less than $250k annually than he would not see a tax increase. As a matter of fact Obama's exact word was, "ZERO" when describing Mr. Wurzelbacher's increase. Am I mistaken, was I the only one paying attention to the debate? Mr. Wurzelbacher has nothing to do with these two candidates and for McCain to try and use him as a pawn of some sort is just idiotic. What's even more idiotic is that McCain supporters are rallying around Mr. Wurzelbacher as some sort of icon. I quess with a sinking campaign he's all they have left to hold on too, huh? I think the only question left to be asked of Mr. Wurzelbacher is who's tax plan he favors. And let that be the end of the story. After all he's not the one running for president. No matter which candidate you support, surely attacking other citizens is not going to affect the outcome on November 4th. In other words, "LEAVE THE MAN ALONE!!". It seems apparent to me that he is just another one of McCains distrations from the real issues facing our country.

Wanda an Obama Supporter   October 18th, 2008 1:44 am ET

The tactics of McCain and his poor excuse for a running mate are really inexcusable. I didn't like McCain anyway. But his negativity and his outright lying behaviors are absolutely disgusting. I like what David Gergen said on yesterday, "McCain should have vetted this guy too before he goes out there and try and use him as a token business owner. The man needs to get a license and pay his taxes before he tries to stand out and be in the public. He's not showing very good business practices. Good business owners run their business in good faith and they make sure all of the licenses they need they get and they certainly keep their business taxes paid and any other bills. Nov 4th can not come too soon. Can not wait to send angry McCain back to AZ and that Palin vp wannabe back to Alaska. Obama/Biden 2008, the only real and smart choice.

Anne   October 18th, 2008 1:44 am ET

I have lost all respect for John McCain. Palin has ruined the ticket. John has allowed her to run her mouth, angering much of the country. What was he thinking when he chose her as his V.P.? It's sad. My vote will be with Obama/Biden.

Texas Doc   October 18th, 2008 1:44 am ET

Maybe he should invite his good buddy G. Gordon Liddy, convicted felon and Nazi sympathizer to appear with him as well. C'mon guys lets welcome him onboard as well…William who?

ColoradoConservative   October 18th, 2008 1:43 am ET

It's like McCain is trying to be the Malcom McLaren of politics. First the babe and then the skin head, but unlike the Sex Pistols, they really do suck!

Ted   October 18th, 2008 1:43 am ET

Joe…. Pay your taxes…

K Austin   October 18th, 2008 1:43 am ET

Can't ANYONE get the guy's name right? And I quote:

"McCain has a rally in that state on Sunday but Buchanan said she didn’t know whether Murzelbacher would appear."

Bad enough his name is Sam, not Joe! Now they can't even spell his last name right!

Johnny In VA   October 18th, 2008 1:42 am ET

It's just incredible to me that the McCain campaign is still going with this nonsense. It's obvious that "Joe the Plumber" was a McCain plant.

It's also absolutely insane that they are still talking about taxes in relation to "Joe the Plumber" when he'll actually get a bigger tax cut with Obama than he would with McCain (who saves his tax cuts for the super rich.)

Vivian   October 18th, 2008 1:41 am ET

McShame recruits another member of the cheating, lying and now lawbreaking committee.

Bethie   October 18th, 2008 1:41 am ET

John McCain needs all the support he can scrap together….he would have had my vote if he had a lick of sense in chosing a V.P. What a mess the Repbulican ticket has become.
OBAMA for a new direction!

Lim   October 18th, 2008 1:40 am ET

Obama '08, yes we scam!

redhead from Toronto   October 18th, 2008 1:39 am ET

Hey Joe (Sam the handyman), better get to it and pay up your back taxes, you're not helping the economy one bit now ARE YOU? Have you figured out you would be beter off financially under the Obama plan? BTW, Obama will not be spreading your wealth since you don't have any, do you? Thank the Bush administration for that.

Carl   October 18th, 2008 1:39 am ET

Give it a rest!! This guy owes the government back taxes and can no way afford to buy anything, let alone a company. Please stop giving this deadbeat the limelight. This does not look good for your campaign since people like Joe will not get the tax relief that Obama would give me. Talk about hypocracy!!

Alexia of Colorado   October 18th, 2008 1:39 am ET

I'm sooo discusted with Palin and her "hate" comments that I have now decided to vote straight Democratic this election. After viewing and hearing all of her off -the- wall comments I doubt I'll ever vote for another Republican again. She has stepped way over the line.

Charlie Bradley   October 18th, 2008 1:39 am ET

McCain might as well forfeit now. Everybody in America knows that Whataburger has lost all credibility and McCain is STILL using him?

ColoradoConservative   October 18th, 2008 1:37 am ET

What has Johnny Wetstart stooped to this time? Now palin is going to get jealous! Maybe we are looking at the new running mate.

Think I am kidding? WATCH!!

Unshrub   October 18th, 2008 1:35 am ET

Joe is not a small business owner or a plumber. McCain must be getting desperate for someone to campaign with him since he and Palin are on the outs.

ricCA   October 18th, 2008 1:35 am ET

I hope McCain appears with Joe the ex-Alaskan redneck. It will fire up the Dem base even more and will add polls points for Obama. John, Joe's numbers don't add up . . . so sad you're hanging your last gasp effort on this non-tax-paying moron.

Why don't you have Lyin Palin show up too? I double dare you.

I hope SNL makes a fool out of her. You just know she won't appear on any Sunday news shows but will put out a statement that she did great on SNL . . . probably before she gets there.

Read the Alaskan Anchorage newspaper . . . her legislature can't wait to nail her when she loses and returns to the Todd mansion.

MrPragmatic   October 18th, 2008 1:34 am ET

Joe the Plumber? More like Sam the Shill.

Joyce of Ohio   October 18th, 2008 1:33 am ET

This is crazy. Joe the Plumber DOES NOT HAVE A BUSINESS!!!! He cant even buy a plumbing business because he's not licensed. What he owns is a lien for back taxes. Please stop the madness!!

cynicalCalifornian   October 18th, 2008 1:24 am ET

First off Joe the plumber (Sam Wurzelbacher) approached Senator Obama to ask a question. Then Senator John McCain invoked his name at the debate so where does the Arizona Senator get the idea that Senator Obama is responsible for the medias response.
A quote from the campaign trail, “The response from Senator Obama and his campaign yesterday was to attack Joe,” Mr. McCain said. “People are digging through his personal life, and he has TV crews camped out in front of his house. He didn’t ask for Senator Obama to come to his house. He wasn’t recruited or prompted by our campaign. He just asked a question. And Americans ought to be able to ask Senator Obama tough questions without being smeared and targeted with political attacks.”
This is the type of lying we could all live without. Senator McCain should be ashamed.

Kit   October 18th, 2008 1:22 am ET

What is McCain thinking? "Joe" turns out to be something entirely different from what he was portrayed in the debate. He's a guy who is behind in his taxes and resents social security, and one who, it turns out, would owe less taxes under Obama's plan than McCain's if he did buy that business because it nets far less than he said. And McCain wants to make this guy the symbol of a true American? Not in my book!

NANCY FROM MONTANA   October 18th, 2008 1:20 am ET

McCain picks another questionable character to join his campaign….can't wait until it's over!

Montanan for Obama

Brian in New York   October 18th, 2008 1:19 am ET

Joe the plumber is yet another example of how desperate McCain has become. He is in many ways a symbol for the entire candidate's campaign. He didn't even bother looking into the guy's background, like a certain other "maverick". Not to mention the fact that Sam would get a tax break under OBAMA's plan.

LightOn   October 18th, 2008 1:15 am ET

Joe the Plumber was already in the bag. He was a plant for McCain when Obama stopped to address his question.

The guy doesn't even make that kind of money (it's been disclosed no more than 40K/yrear). After all, why do you think McCain mentioned him and now is courting him?

Obama '08! Yes, we can! Yes, we will!

Russ   October 18th, 2008 1:14 am ET

That is funny. The guy stood up and lied about his financial situation, and he's somebody that they think is a great example. Of what?

I hope they call OJ and get him to join the campaign to speak out against domestic violence

ncobama   October 18th, 2008 1:13 am ET

how can people hold signs that say "i am joe the plumber" are they crazy? Joe the Plumber does not pay his taxes and he does not even have his own business. that is crazy to me. i am a small business ower, so really "I am joe the plumber". the obama tax plan sounds better for me thant mccain's. mccain has nothing better to do with his time. see, he is just like bush, not focused on the KEY ISSUES. he was trying to be funny by bringing up joe the so called plumber and now all of his business is in the street. i guess mccain is going to pay his back taxes. wow, i cant wait til this mess is over.

Legion   October 18th, 2008 1:13 am ET

I like cheese!

Angela   October 18th, 2008 1:07 am ET

McCain needs Joe the Plumber to help him on his campaign????
What does that say about McCain?? Desperate, Cheap and Gimmicky !!!
Certain not Presidential.

Helen in Kansas   October 18th, 2008 1:07 am ET

Joe, Sam not a plumber…McCain has asked him to join him on the campaign? In an ABC article, Joe/Sam said that 'someone contacted him and told him where to go and Obama was there"
Seems the McCain folks veteed him as well as they vetted Palin, basicly not at all.
Joe/Sam is not a plumber, he is a contractor.
Joe/Sam is not an independent/undecided voter he is a registered Republican
Joe/Sam has 'talked' on right-wing radio shows and the folks know who he is.

John McCain, as an Obama supporter I want to thank you for bringing Joe/Sam into the limelight. I hope that you, Sarah and Joe/Sam will have strong friendships after the election, you will need the company.

Pat from Canada   October 18th, 2008 1:03 am ET

Wow! This is a reality show called: "who wants to work for McCain." =======Here is an idea, McCain, if you want him to get ahead, give him the loan or cut him in on the new contributions that will result from you using his character so that he can buy the small business, so that he can 'get ahead' instead of using his story to get yourself ahead/elected. I will be surprised if Americans sympathize with this ploy.

Eric (Houston)   October 18th, 2008 1:03 am ET

I guess everyone who makes $250K or more will be voting for McCain. What does he plan to do for the other 95%???

Pat from Canada   October 18th, 2008 1:02 am ET

Wow! He is inviting Joe to the trail? McCain has changed! He is actually going to use this guy. This is a reality show called: "who wants to work for McCain." =======Here is an idea, McCain, if you want him to get ahead, give him the loan or cut him in on the new contributions that will result from you using his character so that he can buy the small business, so that he can 'get ahead' instead of using his story to get yourself ahead/elected.

Dean   October 18th, 2008 1:01 am ET

OMG, I can't believe it. How stupid is the McCain campaign? Hilarious.

LouAnn   October 18th, 2008 12:56 am ET

Yep, go ahead McCain, add another inept, ignorant person to your campaign stops. And you wonder why you're losing?

sid   October 18th, 2008 12:55 am ET

Insanity is largely a product of desperateness. Mc Cain should not fool himself with this story because any person with a sound mind won’t buy it.

Susan, Washington State   October 18th, 2008 12:54 am ET

So has anyone figured out if "Joe" is releated to the Wuzelbacher who served 40 months in jail as a result of the Keating 5 scandal?

Jerry   October 18th, 2008 12:52 am ET

If these comments weren't so pathetic, it would funny. Can hear the sound of the democratic sheep (bah- bah) reciting the talking points as they're being led to the slaughter? Their is not a single original thought in any of these sheepish Democratic comments.

Shila in VA   October 18th, 2008 12:52 am ET

Another irratic and irresponsible move on the part of John McCain. Reminds me of his Sarah Palin pick. Joe the hypothetical plumber needs to pay his taxes before he worries about being taxed more. Whats wrong with you McCain?

iv64   October 18th, 2008 12:51 am ET

If McCain becomes president Joe can kiss his future business good-bye. Sorry but even plumbers will have less work. Sure if you have a flood you will call the plumber but not to many people will be putting in that new bathroom and that update to the kitchen will have to wait. Of course Joe you will have to pay some extra taxes on that $40.000 you currently make and just a little extra for your health insurance but you will be happy to know that the executives of the supply companies will get their tax breaks. Sorry Joe but if you haven't crossed the $5 million line by now you are a little late to the republican game.

jenny   October 18th, 2008 12:51 am ET

These three J J J all need HELP, MENTALLY. John McCain Is now known as Joe McCain——-Joe Liberman————-Joe the Plumber—- Please get some nappies for McCain,it's bedtime——–Please find a home for Liberman———-and please pay your back taxes ,Joe the plumber.

jr   October 18th, 2008 12:45 am ET

Is the "producer" here a little slow. If they would pay attention before a rally, the staff always hands out handmade-looking signs to supporters… those people don't just show up with signs looking all the same…

Bald ex-warrior   October 18th, 2008 12:45 am ET

October 17th, 2008 11:14 pm ET
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October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET
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Perfect!!!!

McCain the Honorable is shacking up with Joe the Plumber.

Anyone else notice that the the man doesn't live up to the title?

Joe's persona is a fraud and I see why it would appeal to McCain.

Don't deal in hard, honest facts. Rather, sell those public facades that betray the contempt you have the average American.

WE ARE NOT THAT STUPID MCCAIN! We see that you are not the Hero you once were. You are not the Straight talker you once were and that is why I CANT vote for you. Even if I didn't like Obama I wouldn't vote for your second rate campaign.

Please return the Honorable McCain to us so that you can retire with pride. Right now you disgust me!

Aaron in Az   October 18th, 2008 12:44 am ET

Funny thing is JTP would be better off under Obama especially considering his real (not fantasy) income. That is if he actually pays his taxes, of course.

Anonymous   October 18th, 2008 12:44 am ET

Mccain appears to me as completely confused..

Elias   October 18th, 2008 12:43 am ET

If Obama had a Joe the Plummer type person, who kind of completely represents why to elect McCain for tax policies, true or not , Obama supporters wouldn't be saying all this garbage. which kind of makes today's Democrats look more like ignorant fools,

McCain-Palin 2008, Hillary/Obama 2012

AC from LA   October 18th, 2008 12:43 am ET

This is not surprising from a campaign that hardly vetted its vice presidential pick, played poor strategy during the Wall Street crisis, has been down in practically every poll as a result, has lost the last three debates, has seen its support from its own party pundits dwindle, and continues to engage in a negative campaign strategy to paint its opponent as unqualified, untested, unpatriotic, unpresidential, unChristian, unAmerican, a terrorist, and now a socialist.

Attempting to again distract from his party's and advisors' complicity in the financial meltdown, and in the absence of any party leadership, the campaign's disingenuous attempt at populism has found yet another conservative talking parrot in Joe the plumber, who much like his female counterpart in Palin, has little credibility, misrepresented himself to the American public, and is not qualified for his job.

Linda Reed from CA   October 18th, 2008 12:43 am ET

Joe the "Plummer" never SAID that he is a small business owner.
He earns below $250,000. according to him. However, the point is
he has dreams of owning his own small plumbing business. You don't need a plumbing license when you own your own business.
Joe the American will be employing licensed plumbers. Just because
you disagree with someone doesn't make him a liar. It does however, make you close minded.

John   October 18th, 2008 12:40 am ET

Brian, Joe the Plummer wants to buy the business, but socialists don't understand that, they just want to tax business out of existence. Why? So that Obama can steal their money and then claim that he gave welfare checks to those who don't pay federal taxes. Obama lied, my investments dived; and it's Obama's and the Democrats fault we have this financial crisis. Dodd, Frank, Pelosi, Reid and Obama kept Freddie and Fannie deregulated so that they bought the sub-prime loans that wrecked our economy. The Democrats have controlled this country the past 2 years, so it's time to throw them out.

victor palacios   October 18th, 2008 12:39 am ET

JTP for VP????he could energize the rest of the "BASE" + he can
opine on the national economy as well as Palin did on international issues – Palin quits ticket and will be named Secretary of State in John and Joe's administration

opa   October 18th, 2008 12:37 am ET

i am not a plumber either but do plumbing around the old trailerpark.al i know that joe is a better plumber than comrade obamba wil be a president.joe works for a living and not a socialist drone like all you liberals

Fred from GA.   October 18th, 2008 12:36 am ET

"Joe the plumber" is a metafor for high taxes and socialist behavior.Why do republicans always have to explain everything to a dim-o-crat.

jony   October 18th, 2008 12:36 am ET

this is plain rediculous!!! Joe the cheater of taxes …doesn't own any business…Joe is a registered republican…joe voted in the republican primary…Joe has no licence for being a plumber….and THAT'S THE GUY WHO WOULD SERVE IN McCAIN CABINET…just like he picked sarah McPalin….U can see how erratic McCain can be…this tells a lot about his judgement…..Joe hitting the campain trail!!! ooo come on john…we deserve to know where u stand on Issues…We don't need to know if u called your plumber…give him a job at your houses…not on the campaign trail!!!

MrSquirrel   October 18th, 2008 12:35 am ET

Joe the Plumber's Helper has been flushed out as a fraud, and Sarah the Attack Poodle has been neutered.

What next? Mimes For McCain? At least they wouldn't say something stupid

Texas T   October 18th, 2008 12:35 am ET

I'm amazed at how quickly people jump on Joe! Who invaded who's neighborhood? Just because he was not star struck and disagreed with Obama, he's suddenly a "bad person"? I liked him!
I'm a small businessman. When I had 3 employees, my business was grossing @ $250,000-$260,000 a year, for several cycles. The sad part was, that the net income on that was only about a 15% profit, that is then subject to federal taxes, which I feel were too high! There is nothing more disheartening than working all year to find yourself still in a hole due to taxes. Several times I owed back taxes for a year or more. Sometimes your loose cash is tied up in inventory for long periods at the very time you need to pay taxes. Many small businesses fit into this situation. More taxes will make it harder for any small businessman to stay afloat. It is the wrong direction to move!

MWA   October 18th, 2008 12:34 am ET

This campaign is beginning to look like the Wizard of Oz but with an even scarier, new cast characters. You have the wicked witch of the Arctic Northwest (Palin), the wicked witch of the border Southwest (Cindy McCain). Joe the Plumber and the scarecrow (lack of brain McCain). W, the cowardly dog. Of course Karl Rove is the wizard in all of this. Dorothy – well, unfortunately, she's us. There's no place like America. There's no place like America. There's no place like America. Hopefully this is all a bad dream. But I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

pawstiv1   October 18th, 2008 12:33 am ET

This McCain guy is a trip….first he calls "Joe" the plumber out during the debate, then he and his mouth tell everyone who is listening that Obama is out of line for outing him, now he says he's sorry for outing him….which is it John? Reality check, you started this….either by planting this "Joe" guy in the first place or by bringing him up during the debate….McCain is as delusional as the latest SNL skit makes him out to be. If cameras are pointing at Joe's front door it your fault, John.

Jerry   October 18th, 2008 12:31 am ET

"Another reason why Mccain wont win this election. Asking Joe I mean Sam on the trail a registered Republican with no license and a guy that cheated the system by not paYING TAXES.. what ashame! shame on you mccain, instead of focusing whats really important for americans the economy you are giving the spotlight to a sore loser!"

Are you kidding? This is your lame argument that his first name is not Joe, nevertheless, uses his middle name which is common? He does not have a license to be plummer in particular city so that disqualifies him as a plummer and a legitimate citizen to question Obama? What does owing back taxes have to do with anything in context of his opinions and his right to express them? Many people owe back taxes, as that is the problem with excessive taxation. Many people support their families rather than sending needed cash to a wasteful government. It is not patriotic to pay excessive taxes! Check out the democratic congressmen that are paying back taxes if that idea is so compelling.

By the way, it was the Democrats that caused the current crisis in the financial market.

The democrats say they are for the "little guy." Yeah right! The democrats are only for the working guy when it is time vote, other than that he had better keep mouth shut or he will be crucified by the liberal media.

Peter Truong   October 18th, 2008 12:30 am ET

Joe the Plumber is just another ordinary, average American who has a dream to become a business owner, a dream to make $250000 a year for family. It's not a dream to be a millionaire. It's just a small dream….. and I believe every American would have such dream. The dream that is within our reach. Obama wants to have higher tax with "couple" who makes more than $250000. I say "couple" so if for single it would be $125,000 and it will be subject to higher tax rate. If this happens what should I work hard for money and my tax money just get "spread my wealth" to others. I'm not selfish but it sounds like our democratic society will become a socialist country very soon.

Joe   October 18th, 2008 12:30 am ET

Joe never said he was a small business owner, he said he was wanted to buy a small business … and you don't need a plumber's license to work for a plumber, most plumbers do not have licenses they work for people that do.

JP   October 18th, 2008 12:28 am ET

Oh, and one more thing for those of you who think he's a republican plant: Obama knocked on his door. I guess Karl Rove is psychic and knew where to put him.

Ge-ria   October 18th, 2008 12:28 am ET

My opinion is that Joe the plumber was on orders from the McCain campaign to do what he did. As a Social Security recipient, I don't think that Social Security is a joke. I even pay taxes on my Social Security. Joe does not think he should pay his taxes. You call that an American? McCain planted him and now he reaps the harvest of hypocrisy. Sad!

JOJO   October 18th, 2008 12:27 am ET

It is good not to pay tax accoring McCane!!! dot pay tax all americans dot pay tax and McCan beer money will help your elders, kids hospitals and high ways!!!!

Washington Democrat   October 18th, 2008 12:27 am ET

It's a sad state of affairs when the McCain campaign has to ask "Joe the Plumber," a non small business owner, an unlicensed plumber, and one who doesn't pay his taxes to join the campaign!

Barack the Vote!

Obama-Biden 2008

Bert   October 18th, 2008 12:26 am ET

I am 80 years old. I don't have much time left on this earth. When they talk about 20 years from now , I may not be here. How about something for us now. Let us enjoy the rest of our lives with some help . We cannot live on promises.

BS Detective   October 18th, 2008 12:26 am ET

You guys especially "independent" whine too much. Joe is not the issue, Period. The guy wants to buy the business he is working for. In some states the business owns the master license, not the workers. The fact he owes taxes is not unamerican. Its common. Especially if he were self employed or a subcontractor, where they pay all their own taxes.

Ive owed the federal govt unpaid taxes twice in my life. Its not like Joe is Charlie Rangel who hid a piece of property or Willie Nelson who was in hock for millions, or for that matter a famous AA actor who spent some time in court for tax evasion.

None of you deal with the issue. The issue is spreading the wealth. Its a communist ideal. Why should this guy pay for someone else to open up a business. Why should he pay to buy you a home, you cant afford.

Tell you what, you guys invite your friends over and you pay for all the beer and chips and hotdogs for EVERY game this year. Next year, they will be back expecting it.

JP   October 18th, 2008 12:25 am ET

I find it sad that a man named Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher can't be known as Joe just because libs want it that way. And as for his back taxes, does anyone care that Martin Nesbitt, Obama's campaign treasurer owes back taxes? And Joe never said he was a small-business owner, he said he hopes SOMEDAY to own a small-business. You guys really need to do your homework before you bash somebody like this, or is that too much work?

bmcelrath   October 18th, 2008 12:25 am ET

You people are hilarious.

salem   October 18th, 2008 12:25 am ET

Oh my. mccain has really lost his mind. He needs help.

the rest of us will be talking among ourselves about healthcare, peace, economic recovery and jobs while you live out your hallucinations with SAM THE UNLICENSED TAX DODGER.

Jean Gilliland   October 18th, 2008 12:24 am ET

Once and for all, would someone call Palin or McCain to task when they continue to tell voters that Obama is going to raise their taxes?!!!!! Your average voter does not make over $250,000 a year, ( slightly less than the McCains reportedly spend per year on hired help).and will receive a tax CUT from an Obama/ Biden administration. -J.S.G from Seattle. P.S I am blessed to make more than that most years and am WILLING and HAPPY to pay more taxes to help my country. Thank you.

Theresa   October 18th, 2008 12:23 am ET

It's a sad state of affairs when the McCain campaign has to ask "Joe the Plumber," a non small business owner, an unlicensed plumber, and one who doesn't pay his taxes to join the campaign!

Barack the Vote!

Obama-Biden 2008

Russ   October 18th, 2008 12:22 am ET

I find this just too arranged.
1. First the way Samuel "Joe the Plumber" address Obama sounded scripted.

2. McCain was the first to bring up "Joe the Plumber" on the Debate.

3. Same issue McCain keeps using as part of his primary complaint.

4. Apparently Samuel J.Wurzelbacher may be related to Robert M. Wurzelbacher who was convicted as part of the Ketting 5 Scandal that McCain was acused of. Deregulation of Banking Systems that allowed fraud.

5. Samuel J. Wurzelbacher used to live in Ariziona near the Senator.

6. AND NOW MCCAIN WANTS Samuel J Wurzelbacher to join him on the campaign trail, whats next?

Any Fool can tell this is all a set up. Who are you trying to fool McCain?

Sue in MI   October 18th, 2008 12:22 am ET

Another case of McCain not paying any attention to facts-will this election never end? I am so sick of Repubican lies and spin.

And can someone tell me why Palin hasn't been back to Alaska to answer the charges against her? What is she, under executive privilege?

Laura   October 18th, 2008 12:21 am ET

"Joe" appeals not to Obama's top 5% or the bottom 40% who he plans to give welfare checks to, but that middle 55% of Americans of some do aspire to be more than mediocrity. If we struggle and make sacrifices, such as working 13 hour days, 7 days, to seperate us from the pack, why should we be penalized?Unfortunately this county is filled with those who have a dollar and a dream, and choose not to plan and work for it, but are the first to vote for those free handouts. It's pitiful what we've become.

joe st louis   October 18th, 2008 12:20 am ET

When did the truth get lost …….Joe is better off with Obama.

emily   October 18th, 2008 12:20 am ET

I just can't believe this old fool is going this far. Joe is clearly not what he was originally represented to be. Why keep up with this farce?

lisa butler   October 18th, 2008 12:19 am ET

I THINK JOE THE PLUMBER IS ANOTHER WAY TO ATTACK OBAMA LIKE ALWAYS TRY TO TURN PEOPLE FROM THE TRUE FACT THAT HE REALLY DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT OUR COUNTRY LIKE HE HAS PROVEN. DURING THE DEBATES. WHEN JOE THE SO CALL PLUMBER ASK OBAMA IF HE MADE $250.OO0 A YEAR WOULD HE RAISE HIS TAXES OBAMA ANSWER YES AND THAT IS WHAT HE HAS BEEN SAYING FOR THE LAST 3 DEBATES SHOWS YOU THAT HE IS VERY REAL ABOUT THE LOVE OF THE PEOPLE MEANING HE WOULDNOT JUST TELL YOU SOMTHING TO GET A VOTE AND THATS WHAT WE SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEXT PRESIDENT MCCAIN HAS RAN A VERY POOR CAMPAIGNE SINCE HE HAS BEEN RUNNING. LOOK WHO HE HAS CHOSEN FOR VICE PRESIDENT PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SPEAK ON IT BUT AS A NATION WE SHOULD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY WE WOULD HAVE A VICE PRESIDENT WHO REALLY TEACHES NO MORALS IN HER OWN HOME SO WHAT MAKE YOU FEEL WE SHOULD TRUST HER OR HIM WITH OUR COUNTRY. TO HAVE AN 17YEAR OLD UNWED MOTHER ON STAGE AT THE DEBATE IS SENDING A MESSAGE TO OUR YOUTH WHO IS OUR FUTURE THAT IT IS O.K TO HAVE UNMARRITAL SEX IT IS O.K TO HAVE UN PROTECTED SEX IT IS O.K TO CONTRACT ALL TYPES OF DISEASE AND MOST OF ALL AT THE AGE OF 17 TO SAY I CAN DO WHAT I WANT WITH NO REPERCUTION TAKEN AND THAT'S HOW I FEEL SHE WOULD RUN THE WHITE HOUSE DON'T MEAN TO JUDGE BUT LOOK FOR A PERSON WHO DOESN'T BELIEVE IN ABORTIONS SHOULD ALSO NO THAT THE POSITION THAT SHE IS RUNNING FOR SHOULD BE VERY WELL RESPECTED AND AS AND EXAMPLE TO THE YOUTH THEY ARE GOING TO AT THE AGE OF 13,14,15,16,17
IT'S O.K SO SINCE THEY WANT TO SPEAK ON HOW THE DEMOCRATIC ARE GOING TO HURT THE COUNTRY LOOK AT HOW SHE REALLY THINK'S WITH NO RESPECT NO KNOWLEDGE ON MORAL'S NO DISCIPLINE AND JUST REALLY DON'T CARE AS TO HOW SHE DOES THING. LOOK WOMEN YOU SAY THAT YOU CAN RELATE TO HER BUT LET'S BE REAL IS THAT AN EXAMPLE THAT YOU WOULD SEND TO YOUR DAUGHTER AND IF SO WHAT DOES THE DAUGTHER REALLY THINK OF HER MOTHER AS AN EXAMLPE WHY SHOULD WE LISTEN TO AND TRUST HER HER DAUGHTER DID'NT. PEOPLE THINK AND THINK REAL HARD PLEASE ON WHO YOU REALLY WANT IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Clare E. Kapphahn   October 18th, 2008 12:19 am ET

Tonight in Toledo Ohio sleeps a UNION LICENCED plumber wondering how he'll pay his mortgage or if on Monday he'll find some work.

Thanks to you Joe.

Last I checked if this Joe was a "real" plumber he would have been better off under Obama's tax plan. This has been verifed by several news outlets.

Todd the Engineer   October 18th, 2008 12:19 am ET

BOO HOO People. That's all we hear from you media hypnotized Barrack Hussein (Steve) Obama II supporters! Do some research on his (Sen. McCain's) RECORD. Look at both histories. McCain: long line of Veterans serving the USA, then his own military service, then congress, then senate, then soon to be Commander In Chief. Obama: Hawaii where he was influenced by "Frank" (Frank Marshall Davis) from his book, research shows he was a member of CPUSA with FBI files to prove not to mention he was a sexual deviant, (you don't even know what CPUSA is do you…..RESEARCH IF YOU DARE….I know you won't because you are too content to be spoon fed by media) Then off to Illinois, Ayers, ACORN, J.Wright, and too many more to list. How do you think he got fast tracked to the US Senate 2yrs later DNC Nominee. Then one man asks a legitimate question to Obama about how High he will Cap the American dream with his socialist platform. HOW DARE HIM does Joe not know whom this great man (maybe man is not a good enough word for the great one) then the disgusting press are like wolves and out to ruin his life…..over a question, the Biden nails him at a rally too! I personally am SOOOO happy that they have done this because USA sees your true characters now and this is the nail in the coffin for the Obama campaign that they put there themselves and the media's help. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Please continue to attack Joe with all your might and say nothing about ACORN, or the Ohio Sec of State, etc etc and thanks for not acknowledging John Lewis comments were disgusting mr obama, thanks for all your loving emails sent to James T Harris (he's such a sellout isn't he) who does he think he is to have his OWN opinion as a black MAN, G Gordan Liddy setting bugs in Watergate is MUCH worse than blowing up buildings on and on and on BOO HOO the INFLATED numbers are going down (I sure hope not though it tickles me) and then the True USA that is so much smarter than Obama and media give them credit will show you Nov 4 and leave you uninformed dumbfounded…..How did this happen???? ;-)
choice is rookie or veteran (in both senses of the word) and socialist or capitalist. But PLEASE keep slamming Joe and the USA Scream it louder
R/
Todd

calpilot   October 18th, 2008 12:19 am ET

The responses from some of those commenting would have one believe that Joe was a GOP plant. To begin with, Obama was outside in front of his house. Secondly, You can still call yourself a plumber if you are working under a licensed plumbing company as Joe does. Finally, who says one has to be a small business owner in order to not want taxes raised. This is America, remember, the land of opportunity where people can dream of owning their own business. We have gotten too far from our roots as Americans. A point of fact, the Boston tea party took place because taxes were raise a whopping 1%. The left, (including the media) in this country are so ideologically committed to party that they will even stoop to smearing the average Joe. Shameful.

Tony from Missouri   October 18th, 2008 12:18 am ET

The traveling circus just keeps getting bigger!

chris   October 18th, 2008 12:18 am ET

Yup.

You are right. They deserve each other, you venom spewing left wing libbies.

They deserve each other just like Obama, Jeramiah Wright and William Ayers deserve each other.

Have a *nice* day.

Liberal hater   October 18th, 2008 12:17 am ET

Are all of you liberals idiots or do you just want people to think that of you. Grow up you leftist morons.

Liberalism is a mental disorder!!!!!!!!!!!!

Angus   October 18th, 2008 12:17 am ET

if Joe is making an annual profit of $250,000, I don't think Joe is 'Joe your everyday plumber'.

ken from reading, pa.   October 18th, 2008 12:16 am ET

Does it mean nothing to the McCain campaign that this guy is a fraud, and his claims have no basis in fact?

As Obama said, how many plumbers are making $250,000?

It's another nonsensical and desperate ploy but an obviously incompetent campaign.

TAM   October 18th, 2008 12:15 am ET

Don't blame Joe – blame the politicians & media for using him & making him into some kind of average American – which he is, but he doesn't own the business, and besides – is he really worried about the tax thing? What average American will ever make $250K in a year???? He does need to rethink his politics – like, McCain is really going to help middle America in anyway??

JD   October 18th, 2008 12:15 am ET

Yep, McCain keeps surrounding himself with real competent people. A Non licensed, Non trained, tax evading plumber as his mascot and a running mate with no experience and without a clue! Just what we need more of now!

ILOVSARAHPALIN   October 18th, 2008 12:14 am ET

Did you ever think that Joe (and many others) couldn't pay his taxes because he's already being over taxed already by the DEMOCRATIC run Congress????…..

Democrats are always for giving free handouts to all those people who want to take advantage of the system rather than trying to work hard for things like us smart, hard-working, non-sub-human people!!!!!

Robert   October 18th, 2008 12:14 am ET

In my opinion, anyone who is self employed IS a small business owner, and there are many people who are simply trying to scrape out a living doing something they are skilled at. There is a reason plumbers and other trades advertise their services as "licensed, bonded and insured". The customer has a choice and should know to ask this question if this is a concern. There are a lot of laborers in a number of trades who don't get a corporate paycheck with percs like health insurance at a discount, who work job to job to make ends meet. The fact that this guy Joe is working to support himself rather than sitting at home collecting a welfare check says something about what kind of guy he is at least attempting to be. The fact that he owes back taxes is between him and his taxman, it's none of our business, frankly. And finally, in my opinion, both candidates should offer to pay Joe's back taxes for bringing his personal life under a microscope.

basilp   October 18th, 2008 12:14 am ET

Obama made a boo-boo while talking w/ Joe Schmoe here. He slipped by saying "spread the wealth". Obama is no Robbin Hood. He is more an FDR than anything. Obama wants to create a jobs program directing America's wealth toward energy independence while pouring money into the economy with a concomitant ripple effect to boost the groundswell of demand (demand = willingness and ABILITY to purchase) and spinning economic engine. This is different than giving money away. Government gets something for it's money . Hard capital creation in the form of an energy producing edifice. Government needs to lead the way in establishment of standards. $760 Billion now leaves the USA every year and how much more when the price goes up? This is an achilles heel for our nation. Obama made a tiny boo-boo. The real boo-boo would be a McCain administration.

Anonymous   October 18th, 2008 12:13 am ET

Any working stiff who votes republican needs his head examined. Republicans couldn't care less about working people. Republicans love the Bush/McCain war. Have Romney, Rove, Hannity, O'Reilly, Buchanan, and the rest of the GOP chicken hawks served? NO!!! Phonies.

james   October 18th, 2008 12:12 am ET

I can't believe it. THis guy is a complete fabrication and the so called "left wing media" doesn't call McCain on it?
Left wing media my butt!…………..This is so sad what McCain has been reduced to. The part that blows my mind and scares me the most is that something like half the country believes every word McCain says.

The time has come to NOT let the candidates and their gangs side step REAL questions by using talking points. Shoot, …put me up there, McCain WILL answer my questions, because I wouldn't be a WIMP and back away as soon as they forcefully use the same 3 talking points for every question.
This guy is FAKE!..don't you get it?!…FAKE.

John Brayton   October 18th, 2008 12:12 am ET

Hi Folks,
I'm a retired general contractor in California. John McCain, a man I consider to be an American hero, has sunk to a remarkable low. When did a dead beat like "Joe the Plumber" deserve such attention? Neither Joe or John seem to know the difference between net and gross income.
I can guarantee that small business owners across this nation would welcome the tax break that Obama offers. Joe is getting his 15 minutes of fame but at the expense of John McCain's credibility!
Regards, John

Californian   October 18th, 2008 12:12 am ET

A real Joe the Plummer, not a 'full of it' Joe Biden. JTP is tough & just as qualified to be pres as Obama. Go JTP!!
To all you haters out there, if Sarah Palin suddenly was Obama's running mate, you would think she was flawless.
JTP did not hang with Wright or Ayers or Rezco, only your cult-leader Obama did that. Why not direct your hate there, where it belongs? Or maybe you think more explosives would be better.

Hal, Redondo Beach, CA   October 18th, 2008 12:11 am ET

John McCain has an IMAGINARY FRIEND!!! His name is Joe and he pretends to be a plumber. He pretends that he makes $250K when really he makes less than $50K. He pretends he's an independent when really he is a Republican. He says he's a patriot but he doesn't believe HE should have to pay for our troops.

The Republican party has lost its soul. The patriotic, fiscally responsible, intellectuals have been overrun by a horde of self centered, evalgelical talibani and their redneck minions.

robert   October 18th, 2008 12:10 am ET

For all i care, John the McShame may invite Joe the plumber or any other criminal he may want to but that wont save him from the coming doom.
John the McShame is only a drowning man who is clutching at weeds and straws. He has absolutely nothing to offer. Am sure, had Obama being a White, he would have been 30 points ahead by now but that not withstanding, the McShame will still be shamed for running a disgraceful and dishonet campaign all in the name of winning the presidency.

Denise   October 18th, 2008 12:10 am ET

Joe "the Plumbers" aunt called into The Ed Schultz show today and said her nephew is NOT a MCCAIN PLANT but simply, emphasis on "simply" a single dad, hard working , not particularly politically savvy, a total republican line type guy who has been swept up in this instant fame.She's not even sure if he votes! This phase of McCains campaign needs to be put to rest. AMEN!

burp   October 18th, 2008 12:08 am ET

Probably a good move by McCain. Now, if he could live
up this over-the-top political statement, that remains
to be seen:
“Joe’s dough, not Obama’s.” Errr, yeah, sure.
Whatever Joe's "licensed" qualifications, he had to cancel interviews
the other day in order to work on water main break or some
such thing that left him busy and muddy and for all intents
and purposes otherwise, like the rest of us, working for
the available wage.
All this partisan rhetoric McCain offers is a media opportunity
to further the myth that Washington, DC federal tax policies
are less invasive for you if you are a hard-working, republican
voting sort of conservative.
What is Iraq costing us hard-working tax payers again?

murfman   October 18th, 2008 12:08 am ET

Joe who? Wow, what has our country become? I'll bet we'll see Joe-six-pack as well. These certainly are disturbing events and new lows in American politics.

skychief111   October 18th, 2008 12:08 am ET

You guys are real sore heads about people not paying their fair share of taxes.

1) Our taxes are way too high, operation of the government is way too expensive, so I sympathize with people that are behind on paying taxes.

2) There are going to be a lot more people not able to pay their taxes before the economy turns around, so I wouldn't talk too smart.

3) Even in good financial times, most people are a lay-off or an incapacitating illness away from loosing everything they ever worked for.

Doctor Ruth De Paris   October 18th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Doesn,t McCain know by now that most of the people think Joe was a man planted in the crowd by him or his aids, and the more he waste his precious time talking about Joe, the more we know its could be a true story!!!! Joe don,t believe the hipe and Vote for Obama he will not raise taxes for 95 percent of people!!

Renee   October 18th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Joe is not a small business owner. Even if he was, profiting over $250,000 as a small business owner is pretty much not going to happen. As a small business owner myself, I would be purchasing equipment, etc with this profit to make my small business a large business.

I am an Independent voter this time and feel strongly that Joe was a plant for the McCain campaign. As a small business owner and a female, I am OFFENDED that this is being portrayed the way it is as well as putting Sarah Palin on the ticket. If another female from Congress (Hutchison from Texas by chance) would have been chosen, I would be more apt to vote Republican, which I have done for over 12 years.

Indiana Jeff   October 18th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Joe the Plumber is a fraud, just like the other Republicans. I knew he was lieing when he said 250, 270, 280k……..

Observer In New York   October 18th, 2008 12:07 am ET

A drouning man will grab on to a straw to save his life. So now we have three blind mice: Sarah , John, and Joe. People like joe are the life line to the RNC. The RNC knows how to manupilate and confuse the ignorant. Poor joe, not even aware of what system work in his favor

Joe Supporter   October 18th, 2008 12:06 am ET

Obama is going to lose because a average everyday American exposed Obama's true wealth distribution socialist views to the world. You libs are peeing your pants because now Joe's simple question is going to cost your Messiah the Presidency.

Confused About America   October 18th, 2008 12:06 am ET

For Joe the plumber's sin of making the emporer look bad, catching him off guard with a sensible tax question; he is destroyed by the suposedly unbiased "news" media.

America, this should be a wake up call to every last one of you.

Do you really not see how dangerous this situation is?

You may be fine with this happening to a guy "on the opposing team", but does your desire to win an election trump free speech?

Does winning at all costs include accepting blatant propaganda from news agencies, and worse – outright coercsion by them?

Even you diehard Obama supporters, are you REALLY ok with reporters destroying a man publicly and even attempting to hurt his business just because he made Obama look bad?

Is this the america I'm trying to emmigrate to? I read these headlines and felt ill – then I come to a site like this and see the direct result of this propaganda in all of your comments and it makes me sad for america.

I must say I never expected to see this happen in america, let alone be naively celebrated by so many americans.

AVL   October 18th, 2008 12:05 am ET

The fact that many republicans including McCain see Joe the plumber as a hero instead of a tax evading small business owner wannabee shows how out of touch they are with reality. Pitiful.

Fasanmi Isijola   October 18th, 2008 12:05 am ET

MCcain/Palin act like a drowning swimmer despirately looking for savior/rescuer. Sam aka Joe the Plumber if you follow politicians to the pool you will drown.My candid advise to Joe the Plumber is resist being used as a political pawn, you will be left in the cold like Linda Tripp the infamous snitch of Monica Lewinsky, where is she today? Learn from history Sam/Joe the Plumber, a word for the wise. Use your common sense, remember Freedom of speech has some side effect like drugs, a word for the wise, buddy

R. Smith   October 18th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Obama should invite Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers…………it would be an honest move on his part to welcome friends in his past to his campaign

Angela   October 18th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Yea, he's a fake like the old lady he (McCain) snatched the mike from during his rally and told her – oh no he a good family man (speaking of Sen. Obama). THE ACTING IN THAT SCENE WAS SO BAD AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT A ZERO!!!

Louay   October 18th, 2008 12:04 am ET

It is hard to see Mccain survive, looking backward, I think Obama have more hard time beating Clinton than Mccain, the way to the white house is paved for him now.

Braxton from Cleveland   October 18th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Under Obama's plan, anyone who makes more than $250K will see an income tax increase from 35 to 39 percent. If 'Joe the plumber' was actually a plumber, and actually ran a small business, the tax increase would not affect him unless he was so stupid that he give himself a salary of more than $250K a year. Anyone smart enough to make more than $250K a year with a small business is smart enough to work the system to avoid the taxes. And anyone who actually makes more than $250K a year as their actual salary can afford to cough up an extra 4 %.

ohiomama   October 18th, 2008 12:04 am ET

this guy isn't even licensed! he has tax liens against him! his boss doesn't even make $250k a year…..mc cain has lost his mind, and I thought he lost it when he picked Russian Spy Catcher Barbie

Philly Firefighter   October 18th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Wow. I'm seriously surprised by the Anti-McCain comments. I am not a republican. I have been very moderate my entire life. However, I am frequently amused by the "ultra liberal" comments. Have you people actually graduated college? Joe the Plumber is just a regular person. So what, he doesn't have a license. Is he YOUR plumber? NO! So shut your trap. Your complete lack of the point, spelling and grammatical prowess just further flaunt your complete ignorance and only tarnishes the reputation of your party.

obama-biden's got my vote   October 18th, 2008 12:03 am ET

say it ain't so!

Helen   October 18th, 2008 12:03 am ET

Are democrats really that disgruntled that they have to consistently bash everyone that is not EXACTLY like them? You all should be ashamed! Maybe you should check your morals and background and give thanks simply for being an AMERICAN! Stop being so judgemental.

NoDogInThisFight   October 18th, 2008 12:03 am ET

Ain't politics grand?

scc   October 18th, 2008 12:02 am ET

The focus isn't on Joe but on Obamas answer to Joes question. Obama wants to take your money and give it to those he deems worthy to spread the wealth. I earn what I earn and its not up to Obama to get me a pay raise!

Wayne Wager   October 18th, 2008 12:02 am ET

Since when do people who do plumbing work ALL have to be licensed? Most laborers aren't. It's their bosses who have the license. But we can still call the guy a "plumber".

Did he CHEAT on his taxes or does he OWE?

So many jerks chiming in on this list!

C.J   October 18th, 2008 12:02 am ET

It keeps being brought up that Joe Wurzelbacher doesn't have a plumbing license. He doesn't need one. He's working for someone who has the license, and as long as that person is on the jobsite, Joe is good to go.
It's a non issue, yet some people think they've found gold.

Michael   October 18th, 2008 12:01 am ET

So sick of this sort of gimmickry.

Medium Business Owner   October 18th, 2008 12:00 am ET

Here's one medium-sized business owner who wants Obama to win. Can I go on the trail now?

Inferno   October 18th, 2008 12:00 am ET

You guys need to follow Bill Ayers around. I bet he would provide you with more interesting things than Joe the "Plummer". I wonder what he's doing right now?

Carol   October 18th, 2008 12:00 am ET

"joe" is a fraud. I've owed a roofing company for 20 years, he has NO clue..
Unfortunately, the sheep seem to be lining up for the kool-aid.

Wafula from Atl   October 18th, 2008 12:00 am ET

It just keeps on showing how clueless John Mclame is.Can't somebody try to force some common sense into this guys head.He is not only losing his grey hair,he's losing his mind too.I bet he's about to pick a 3rd ruining mate in the name of Joe the blunder.John Mclame will never and can never be in touch with the current world.The fool does not even get that the guy he's excited about is not only unqaulified and unlincesed plumber,he is a tax evader.Mclame talks about being experienced,he has never been a president of nothing,so what kind of experience does he keep talking about?Him and the other lil duck Sarah that was fished from the freezing waters or Alaska,are all out of touch therefore can never be good leaders. John Mclame would be the worst president than Bush.If it took him over 26 years to figure out what was wrong in Washington,he's either a slow thinker,does care,ignorant or a fool.If it took 26 years to figure out the mess in washington…how long would it take him to bring the change he dreams about….Obama&Biden are the Messiahs

hhkeller   October 17th, 2008 11:59 pm ET

I know a lot of Democrat who owe back taxes or havent filed in a few years. The economy has been off for three years at least. Although Obama is an attractive candidate he is full of sh!t. He's as pliable as a sappling and what is promised on the campaign will never be delivered. He spoke against the war and then funded it without strings. He spoke against eavedropping and then signed onto Bushes spy on Americans Act. Both parites are dope.

CleveBryantOU   October 17th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

I am a proud American would like to thank our U.S. Supreme Court for protecting the Joe The Plumber's of the nation right to vote.

This week, the McCain campaign and its Ohio GOP friends sought to restrict voting rights of Ohioans whose voting records did not match directly their BMV, etc. records. Well, Mr. Samuel Wurzelbacher is known by the local elections board as Samuel Worzelbacher, and obvious voting fraud probably perpretratd by a third party. Therefore, although the state GOP tried to stop these Joes from voting, I am glad the Democrats stepped up and challenged this. U.S.A!

Independent Texan   October 17th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

I'm really sick of this stuff. Who is totally honest on their 1040s? He's a normal guy. If the press dug this deep into anyone in America they'd find dirt. He asked a question and was unwittingly thrust into the middle of an election. Judging him because of a little media digging is terrible. Would you judge your neighbor the same?

phil   October 17th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

Now that tax analysts have affirmed that 'Joe the plumber' stands to gain by Obama's tax policy & the same has been confirmed by Truth-0-Meter, I suppose 'Joe the plumber' is aware of it , a service bill need to be forwarded to McCain.

mr roberts   October 17th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

joe may not be licenced. or have paid his taxes even. but i think he has conducted himself with integrity. i don't agree with him. but i like his style.

Stephen   October 17th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

Most plumbers don't make $250k and most will benefit from Obama's plan to help Middle America not Mccain's. Mccain's interest are to protect the rich and the oil industry just like Georg Bush has done. It's a typical manipulation by the Republicans to try to appear like they would help a plumber when really they could give a poop about middle america and hard working Americans. Do you really want a hot headed war monger for president? Do you really want a vice president who supports the governments control over a woman's body if she is raped even by he rown father? Palin says no woman should have a right to an abortion even if she is raped by a stranger or her father. A woman should carry the baby for 9 months and deal with it. Are you kidding me?

Maggie   October 17th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

Joe's going to get his business now. McCain's going to buy it for him.

Leave Joe Alone   October 17th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

Joe is just a guy stuck in the middle. He doesn't deserve to be analyzed by the press or over-used by the republicans.

The truth is that once Joe/Sam the Plumber realizes that his company won't pay capital gaines taxes, and he gets a 50% tax credit for any health insurance he may help pay for his employess, and his taxes will only go up 3% on any PROFIT made over $250,000 (he thinks the tax is on gross, poor joe)… once Joe realizes all this, he will be voting Obama like everyone else..

.. but until Joe can buy that company, he is MUCH better off (about 3 times better off) than if McCain becomes president.

Brian...Illinois   October 17th, 2008 11:56 pm ET

Please…Please…

May John MCain win this election…or we are all doomed by Obama's lies.

beast   October 17th, 2008 11:56 pm ET

Really hilarious how liberal idiots jump all over poor Joe the plumber. He will make mince meat of them. If only WF Buckley were still alive. He used to eat liberal fools for snacks.

Look- the whole point about Joe the plumber is that it is asinine to worry about punishing people for being productive by taxing the hell out fo them ESPECIALLY when the economy needs to be stimulated. But then brain-dead Marxists like Obama just don't get it. And one of the hundreds of dishonesties of Obama is the one that forgets that 20% of the small businesses do make over 200K and they are the ones employing people. These are the very businesses Obama wants to destroy.

Dave   October 17th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

On TV last night, McCain said that he replaced his staff with Joe the Plumber. Another example of McCain not vetting his people.

The Toledo BBB reports that the company that Fake Joe works for has an unsatisfactory record and refuses to respond to customer complaints.

Newell, A.W. Plumbing & Heating

bridgette   October 17th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

Maybe is McCain stop looking for gimmicks he would realize that the American public is probably paying close attention in the race probably more than any other race in recent history. I think that is his problem along with the rest of the GOP they don't have a clue about the average American because they haven't really cared in quite sometime. Hence the whole Joe the Plummer mess. He sent that man as a plant and just like everything else they try it backfired.

Anonymous   October 17th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

you are ignorant

dottydo   October 17th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

The students in Colleges across the Nation really believe they are very smart……just like every generation did before them.
When they cannot get jobs and face reality like every generation before them has, they are going to say about what we all do now.

"These kids are spoiled and priveledged and completely unaware of what they promote".
Freedom is not free, and that is the hardest part of what each generation has learned.

Never knock the working person in the USA until you have hit the job market yourself, and discovered you are not worth dodo. The superiority complex of the left always alters with age , or when lack of priveledge finally hits.
One or three kids into life , suddenly your center or right..
Joe Plumber is no laughable character, he is your own looming reality.

brad   October 17th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

if the plumber throws his full support behind mccain, and campaigns for him, this will have a small positive effect for red team.

if we don't hear from this guy, and i suspect we won't, because people don't like being exploited, then this latest rouse will be as transparent as the palin gimmick, campaign suspension gimmick, etc. Another loss for team mccain.

objectively, obama's campaign has been executed quite impressively, opposed to the erratic (sorry, i know it's an overused word but it is appropriate), desperate mccain campaign.

Cam   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

This whole Joe the Plumber thing is a farce.

progers   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Just stick to the issues John, that is all you have time for these days.

banderson   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

I hope the American people and the unlicensed plumber see this desperate act of John McCain for what it is. A act.

No Bama   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Obama went to Joe not the other way around. He asked a legitimate question and I think Obama gave hime a legitimate answer. I like Obama for saying what he is and not rying to hide it. His economic plan will lean towards the socialist side and he admits it.

Remember, NBC are the ones who pulled Joe into the limelight, dug up a bunch of personal information on him, and broadcast it to the world. He didn't ask to be thrust into the spotlight. You could argue that McCain brought this about by referring to him in the last debate, but I don't think McCain would have brought him up if he knew it would result in Joe's private life being scutinized by the world.

Remind me never to ask any presidential candidate a question, I sure have enough in my closet I prefer to keep private.

Mona   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

I know this is over heads of the respondants before me, but Joe is an employee of a plumber. He doesn't have to have a license, his boss does. Go McCain, I don't want Marxist rule.

Melissa   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Can McCain get any more desperate or childish? This is ridiculous.

Awesome pro   October 17th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Joe the plummer rocks!

gnormb   October 17th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Are the rumors true that
Joe is related to Charles Keating?
Also, please google Sarah palin sings popular

proud to be an American   October 17th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Amazing! You folks already know more about Joe than you do about your own candidate! Who is Obama? The press or you will not even ask Obama the tough questions. Joe is not the only one that owes taxes. Charlie Rangel, Democrat N.Y. owes thousands of taxes. He is the head of the house Ways and Means Committee. A party of hypocrites! Go live in Europe if you are in favor of "spreading the wealth".

mary, colorado springs co   October 17th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

McCain is good at picking losers, first Palin and now Joe "Sam" the Plumber. She's a poor choice for VP with her juvenile winking and giggling, and Joe-Sam who is not a small business owner, up to his armpits in tax debt, and not even a plumber. Keep it up, John, you're winning the White House for Obama.

McCain is the best friend the Democrats have with all his screw-ups.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008/2012

Mohammed   October 17th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

When you are an old losser like McCain you will try to steer the attention in other directIons. McCain cannot do anything at this point in time to safe his skin. It is over, let him go back to Washington and hung out with other lossers like Joe Libraman!

mavisdarling   October 17th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Does anybody else feel like we are in a REALLY bad, surrealistic soap opera and we cannot escape?

Man, that McCain will call up ANYbody to pal around with, huh? He's never even MET this Joe guy, he sure is quick to invite him out and go pallin' around. Kind of like having sex after your first internet date or something. Sleazy.

steve   October 17th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

You pepole are morons, You don't need to have a license to be a plumber when you are practicing under a person or business with a masters license. Duh, when you have a masters license you are allowed to pull the permits and have apprentices work under you. Why don't all you people get get an education or at least a clue before spouting off about things you have no idea about.

claude wadsworth   October 17th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

first of all you people are cowards, second you people are DUMB as a STICK…GET A LIFE

X   October 17th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Oh, yes, Mr. McCain: good move. Invite a guy who's not only a tax dodger but who works illegally in his chosen trade (not exactly the fellow I'd pick as my all-American Gary-Cooper-as-John-Doe prototype) along on your flag-waving campaign. Why not stop at a local jail and pick up a couple of wife-beaters or DWI convictees, too, while you're at it…?

Barb437   October 17th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

How pathetic for McCain. Another stunt. This is just getting absurd. He can't win an election on his own merits so he calls in Palin…suspending the campaign..Ayers…and now "Joe the Plumber." Saturday Night Live couldn't even make this stuff up it's so far out there. John…take your meds!

Abuse of power   October 17th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

McCain appears to prefer gimmicks, lies and distortions during these struggling times in America. Eight is enough of the nonsense.

Former Republican in Texas   October 17th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

What a juvenile crock! Come on, McCain, grow up and act like an adult. This is just stupid publicity grabbing garbage (sort of like when you "suspended your campaign to solve the financial crisis").

I just watched the CNN video where you kept harping about "shouldn't Joe be able to ask Obama a tough question and be able to get an answer".
Well, hello—– what about your empty headed running mate. Shouldn't we be able to ask her some questions (tough or easy, you pick) and expect her to answer????? You can't have it both ways, John. If you expect Obama to answer the questions, then we should also expect Caribou Sarah to do the same!

And this guy Joe sounds like a real winner— he's having his 15 minutes of fame. I hear he's already signed up to do Mike Huckabee's Fox News network show already. What a scam! What an insult to any thinking American.

David   October 17th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

The "Joe, the Plumbers" of the world say:

If world could vote, Obama would steal U.S. election.

A worldwide poll conducted by eight major newspapers found Obama would receive four times the votes his opponent, Republican candidate John McCain, would receive on Nov. 4, if the world was allowed to vote.

Respondents, who would vote for McCain, if they had a vote:

* Canada: 14 per cent
* France: 5 per cent
* Switzerland: 7 per cent
* Poland: 26 per cent
* Japan: 13 per cent
* Mexico: 13 per cent
* U.K.: 15 per cent
* Belgium: 8 per cent

Respondents, who would vote for Obama, if they had a vote:

* Canada: 70 per cent
* France: 68 per cent
* Switzerland: 83 per cent
* Poland: 43 per cent
* Japan: 61 per cent
* Mexico: 46 per cent
* U.K.: 64 per cent
* Belgium: 62 per cent

Now is the time for the US voters to pay attention to who the world would like to see as your president. Or you can once again vote like you did last time and vote for McCain. We see your election through more objective eyes – no offense. We do love the USA.

Newspapers taking part in the survey were La Presse in Canada, The Guardian in the U.K., Yomiuri Shimbun in Japan, Le Monde in France, Reforma in Mexico, Gazeta Wyborcza in Poland, Le Soir in Belgium and Le Temps in Switzerland.

STILLBELIEVE   October 17th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

THE RETHUGLICANS ARE UP TO IT AGAIN TRYING TO SURPRESS THE VOTE . THESE PEOPLE ARE SO EVIL . WE DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GOING TO HELL IT IS ALREADY
FILLED UP WITH RETHUGLICANS.. WE HAVE TO COMPLETLY
VOTE ALL OF THEM OUT OF OFFICE

Sammy the non-licensed plumber   October 17th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

Smell that? Someone's campaign is all backed up. All that waste material coming out of McCain and Palin, they need a non-tax paying plumber.
I make over 250,000 and I wasn't hurting during Bill Clinton's era and I won't be hurting under President Obama. I UNDERSTAND that the economy hums along better when everyoen can participate. Nothing wrong with that, nothing at all. Let's call it a market correction, Bush re-distributed the wealth to a select few and it has not worked out well for the country. Let's get it back on track so people can afford to buy goods and services.
Besides, Bush "socialized" our banking industry this week. So people, cut the crap with the socialist talk or else you'll get a visit from Sammy Joe the broke non-tax paying illegal plumber.

Judy from Oklahoma   October 17th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

Per the Toledo Division of Building Inspection Joe Wurzelbacher would need to be a licensed apprentice or journeyman to work in Toledo. State and local records show he has no license, although his employer does.
Per Lucas County Court of Common Pleas Joe owes the state of Ohio
$1,182.98 in personal income tax. In Jan. 2007 Ohio's Department of Taxation filed a claim on his property until he pays the debt. The lien remains active, records show. McCain has invited him to join his campaign trail. What a great example for all Americans to follow!!

Alex   October 17th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Joe is actually Sam, whose name is 'mis-registered' on the voter role meaning he should not be permitted to vote: Sam is also not a small business owner, he is a trainee plumber: He is also not a plumber, he is an unlicensed leach undercutting actual plumbers, and is probably hated by every real Joe who actually have to pay their fees for their license: He is also a tax evader, a divorcee, and a skinhead.

So yes, he's a poster child for the christian right. Dishonest thief with no morals or ethics,

prof proofreader   October 17th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

hang it! it wasn't a duplicate post until you made me post it again!

Thomas   October 17th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

So now Joe is the persoal plumber to John McCain, and will work full time helping keep the pips clean in all of johns 11 homes.
Dose Joe have a silent partner named Gordin Liddy ?
"White House Plumbers"

Sherman   October 17th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

Take it easy independent. Its not like he ran over your dog.

Hillarious   October 17th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

All this hate for McCain & "Joe, the Plumber". Actually, "Joe, the Plumber" isn't too far removed from and may even be highly representative of "main stream America". Yes, there are quite a few good people out there. But let's face it, "no license", "not paying taxes-cheating the system", "not even a plumber" ? You can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone out there as an "average Joe" in America, or anywhere else for that matter ?

I mean really, How long would it take you to run into someone like this on ebay ? Over at the used car lots ? In "Corporate America" ? Congress ? How many resumes can one collect that doesn't have embellishments from top to bottom ?

It's not that I'm running America down, so it's not a "love it or leave it" response to this comment, but let's keep it real.

prof proofreader   October 17th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

so is it Wurzelbacher or Murzelbacher? editors asleep at the wheel yet again?

and now i can't post because it's a duplicate comment. yet… i've never posted on this site before in my life. gee, what a quality setup they have here.

Joe the Teacher   October 17th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Wow! Americans are afraid of being taxed on money they don't have. I am more concerned about my health care benefits being taxed.

McCain is coming after my money!

How many small businesses have gone under because of unfair trade practices? Several closed when Walmart came to my town and many who start up can't compete.

prof proofreader   October 17th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

so is it Wurzelbacher or Murzelbacher? editors asleep at the wheel yet again?

Not comitted   October 17th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Is McCain for real? Does he have a brain or has he gone senile? If you are going to prove a point, at least get the facts right. 'Joe the Plumber' is not even qualified – hmm just a bit like McCain.

CLE   October 17th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Wait, what? Why? John McCain's Campaign has turned into a string of pointless gimmicks.

Lorraine De Forest Garrett   October 17th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Do John Mc Cain and Sarah Palin not understand that the "Joe" issue is moot, since Joe finally admitted that he didn't realize that $250,000 meant NET earnings. It is so tiipical for them to beat a dead horse .
I wish that they would realize that the American people, (even their base) is smarter than that.

TennTuxx   October 17th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

This is really SAD…this guy didn't ask for any of this attention and he gets thrust into the middle of the campaign only to have his improprieties exposed. You better believe that when the campaign is over, this guy's life is ruined!

RA   October 17th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Actually, Joe the plumber is perfect for McCain. His name's not Joe, he's not a plumber, he doesn't own a business and he doesn't pay his taxes. His authenticity is everything we've come to expect from McCain and his campaign.

INDEPENDANT VET   October 17th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

WELCOME ABOARD JOE . BEST YOU HEAD FOR MISSOURI . FIND OUT HOW THE DRAIN PIPE OF ACORN REGESTERED VOTERS , TALLY UP TO MORE THAN THE CENUS REPORT OF THE PEOPLE @ HEAD COUNT.

NOW THEY ARE SAYING THE TOUCH VOTING MACHINES ARE EASILY TARGETED FOR VOTER FRAUD .

JOE YOU GOT MORE WORK THAN YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF . JUST BEWARE OBAMA NEEDS PLUMING FIXED ON HIS PLANE.

OBAMA CRUPT MACHINE IS RUNNING FULL TIME , WILL SE IF HOLLYWOOD WILL STILLL MAKE THE MOVIE .

THEN OBAMA WANTS ALL ILLEGALS TO GET DRIVERS LICENCE . IF YOU RECALL 9/11 , THEY HAD DRIVERS LICENCE .

IT WAS ASKED TO A LADY IN FLA. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET YOUR CITIZEN SHIP . SHE REPLIED , WHEN I DO I WILL NOT GET ALL THIS FREE MONEY . AN I HAVE VOTED ALREADY FOR OBAMA . SORRY .

WHAT A MESS . MFG . BY PELOSI AN CO.
JOE YOUR JOB HAS A GREAT FURURE.

Michael   October 17th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

How can you babble on like that about Mccain being fake and not up front when Obama won't even release his records to the public to show he is a natural born citizen. What a disgrace. Who cares about Joe the plumber, he is just being used to make a point, and that point is that IF YOU WORK HARD IN THIS COUNTRY YOU SHOULD BE REWARDED. Tax people to a certain extent, but don't tax them so much that it takes away their drive to succeed or American will be no more.

PINKY   October 17th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Another Important thing, it's o.k. to have a lot of money, but to push it in another person's face who have nothing to eat, no where to sleep, no medication(s), no heat,no transportation, not even busfar. When OBAMA spoke of SHARING THE WEALTH, He ment in taxes. not for You McCain or Palin, to pull it out of your accounts, yes, (ACCOUNTS). Now, Palin, you did'tn think you were going to get away with all that you are doing, Now, how do you think you can be a good model for the contry , when you are LEAVING AND HAWLING AROUND YOUR CHILDREN? What do you do when your young child calls for you and you are on the plane telling untruthful thing about OBAMA? What do you do when your young, as so many of our young children, call for you in LABOR AND DELIVERY! What do you do when you are called by your HIGHER-POWER, TO BE HONEST? I AM PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP AND HONESTY, NOW, OBAMA HAVE A LOT TO DO TOO. AND I HEARD HIM MENTION HIS HIGHER POWERM God!

absent   October 17th, 2008 11:42 pm ET

Joe want to protray himself as a hardworker, American way patriot– only to find out that he does believe in paying his taxes. He complained about illegal aliens, but wants to do the same thing by getting the benefit of living/working in this country and not helping with the cost.
Where I'm from they call that stealing– or a taxpayer bailout

captainkona   October 17th, 2008 11:41 pm ET

LMAO

McLame is intent on surrounding himself with cartoon characters, isn't he?

McCain/Palin/Joe Dumber. The three stooges of the apocalypse.
This just doesn't get any better. The single most amusingly pathetic campaign I have ever seen.
I thank them all for being the biggest dweebs in American politics.
Thanx to these fine people, vote fraud is the only obstacle we have left.

It's almost over. ;)

Creationer from TX   October 17th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

Okay, now this is stupid. The level of news coverage over this poor greedy man, which doesn't pay his taxes, or have a license to conduct his so called business is just completely absurd. Now McCain feels this guy is going to bring him a possessive image. I don't think so, after many weeks of Palin making a mockery of his campaign you'd think he'd want to draw negative media attention away from himself. NO I guess not.

Anonymous   October 17th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

even a wannabe plumber cant stop McCains run for the pressidency from being flushed

Fed Up   October 17th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

Okay, let me get this straight. McCain apologizes to "Joe the Plumber" for thrusting him into the spotlight during the final debate, but has accused Obama of sicking the media on Joe for asking him a question.

The problem with telling a lie is that you have to keep telling lies to cover for the original, and at some point, you forget your self and start getting things mixed up.

McCain threw him in the spotlight and McCain is to blame for any negative attention he is receiving.

McCain and Palin need to get their lies straight – actually no, they don't. They just need to stop lying!

Chris   October 17th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

I don't think it would be a good idea for McCain to campaign with someone who would pay LESS taxes under Obama's plan. Of course, almost everyone would pay less taxes under Obama's plan.

Maybe McCain actually feels bad about pushing this guy into the spotlight and exposing his lie.

palin=moron   October 17th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

"Sometimes the leak is so bad that even a plumber can't fix it." (someone said that on tv the other day)

RadarCat   October 17th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

I see the moonbat left is now going to hammer on a guy that works very hard for his money.

Grow up, commie morons!

RadarCat

Linda   October 17th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

What you people need to realize is the importance of "Joe, The Plumber" is the question that he asked and the answer that Obama gave. Obama really gave it away when he said that " he wants to spread the wealth". Joe had every right to ask the question and he said that he was wanting to buy a business. As far as him being a "plant' , Obama is the one that went to him.

Anonymous   October 17th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Do John Mc Cain and Sarah Palin not understand that the "Joe" issue is moot, since he finally admitted that he didn't realize that $250,000 meant NET

In Colorado   October 17th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

I could care less about who or what this guy is or what he does for a living. This is a tactical point the stupid republican/rove came up with to divert the attention away from the sinking palin and the rotten campaign of mccan't. Seriously, he makes more then me… why am I not on television? Can this thing end???? I hear desperation in the air… i ithink i would be humiliated if this was happening to me. Picking Pucklin was a rove idea that didn't work and certainly whoever thought that mccan't could go anywhere is beyond me.

Obama/Biden

Message to Hillary supporters who now back Mccan't… don't think about coming back to the party when Obama wins. Switch sides or don't vote!!!!

anthony   October 17th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

I see big contradictions here. The Bush Administration gave Americans a US$150 billion charity stimulus package, then robbed them with a US$700 billion bailout next. Simon Bowers from the Guardian asked the insanity of pay and bonus payouts equivalent to US$70 billion for staffs of bailout banks which the Paulson-Bush republicans kept silence of awareness and protest. Mind you, it is only 10% of the total bailout package for a chosen privileged few who stuffed up America and the world.

American's hardworking and poor could eb forgiven if they feel they have been cheated. How would the false caricature of "Joe the Plumber" virtue fit in in this jigsaw puzzle of electoral appeal for poor Mccain? I AM LOST in near brain dead

Katie   October 17th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Gimmick, gimmick, and more gimmicks. This guy was probably paid already to acost Obama prior to the debate. This smells to high heaven.

I think that McCain should put on one of those carnie white straw hats, a red and white striped shirt, white pants with shoes before he goes out the next time. He can yell "Come one come all MY FRIENDS to see what we can show you today. Step right up, help me make my oil buddies and now my insurance buddies a little richer. They will gladly take your money, but I won't cut your taxes, no sirree bob. Just look at my friend Joe MY FRIENDS. He owes taxes, doesn't vote, but he sure does represent the little businessman."

Yuck, this is the worst election yet and I can't hardly wait until it is over. Please folks don't fall for this paltry crap that he is starting to throw out, it is Bush/Rove antics. By the way McCain I am not YOUR FRIEND.

cecil   October 17th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

I can't Believe The Racial Hate That's Now surfacing In America.

We Still Haven't Change As A Nation.

That "Food Stamp" Of Obama Hit Me Hard.

If McCain/Palin Wins, It's Going To Get Ugly!

carol luecker   October 17th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

"JOE" THE PLUMBER WHO I NOT A PLUMBER IS IN GOOD COMPANY WITH McCAIN. THEY ARE BOTH CRAZY. ONE THINKS HE IS A PLUMBER AND THE OTHER THINKS WE WILL VOTE FOR HIM!!!!

Ken   October 17th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

"Joe" is the perfect posterboy for a campaign that claims it's not patriotic to pay taxes.

David Newport, OR   October 17th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

liars commonly seek the company of liars. It is the best they have.

Joe   October 17th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

What happend to John McCain? Give me a break .. This Guy doesnt have ANY money to pay $1100 back taxes AND no License to be a PLUMBER. Only way you can win this election by offering your CURRENT VP spot to this guy…..you might try that tooo , by the way he might be one than That oneee….

Harry   October 17th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

Joe the plumber is a distraction AND an attemp of turning of the page from the economy to something else. You got to give it to the republicans they are masters of spin and they are fooling us once more. McCain you want my vote give me somthing solid, not just suspending freezing all spending, I know you are fond of suspending things but america needs a new direction, and real change, out perform obama on this and you have my vote because I do respect your sacrifices for the country.

mary ca   October 17th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

Hey McCain are you going to ask Jo if he is welling to pay his tax

Bill Stapp   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

It is not hard to figure out that the government is going to need more money to fund current programs… or it will have to cut those programs such as social security and medicare.

Where does the average middle American think the government will have to get that money? From the poor? From the rich? Just print up a bunch more?

If Joe the Plumber makes more than $250,000, he should pay more.

So should Senator McCain. So should Senator Obama.

But Senator Obama seems to be the candidate who grasps the obvious about which group in America is the only group left with money to pay.

Michael Coughlin   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

It show that McCain is desprate. Bringing up a guy whod didnt say he was against obamah avoiding key issues WERE is your plans McCain i voted for Bush because of the same reason with Kerry. Always walking around the issues. I am a independent. And i independently say Palin is ralling tthe good oh boys. how low can you go to bring up racism in america to try to squeeze an election. I hope the people of america has their eyes open. They are tring to divide america. Lets not let this work.

Jrflem from Ca   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

This is disturbing. Joe the Plumber is not even a small business owner, he's like the 95% of Americans that Obama tax plan is going to help. Maybe after Obama helps him the next four years, he will be able to pay off his taxes like the rest of us and then start that business. McCain, go get a legit small business owner. I am surprised McCain is keeping this story alive.

Who is the REAL McCain?   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Can't wait to find out more about "joe". He has an intersting story. More to come…

idiots for McPalin   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Great McCain! Joe the Plumber is a fraud, thanks from a Obama supporter!

Tess126   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Joe the Plumber is the perfect foil for McCain/Palin; all three of them lie and are all delusional. 'Joe' says he wants the borders to be closed to all, but the most legal entrants. Hey, Joe! Guess what! Bush has -over the past 8 yrs.–met in private with the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Mexico to agree on a deal to create The North American Union: The U.S; Canada and Mexico will be the new North American Union–with our own 'Amero' if George Bush and the Republicans have their way. Guess what, Joe, the Democrats/Obama and Biden are against the convergence of these 3 countries.

When you grow a brain, Joe, you'll see that only Obama offers a way out of this HUGE SELL-OFF by your 'beloved' Repubs.

Girl from NJ   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

What's up with you guys, totally trashing Joe? So maybe he isn't fully qualified in his endeavor, and no, he isn't a business owner making over 250k yet..he's a guy earning a modest living trying to get to the next level and asking, 'if I take this huge risk, how will your policies impact me, is it worth it?" I cannot believe the vast majority of you do not get the point of his question! This Joe represents ANYJOE USA who has a vision and a dream and wants more..it's what most of our parents left other countries in search of..how shallow are you all..give the guy a break!

Matthew   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

I forgot- Obama has Acorn too!

Screw Hussein and McCain   October 17th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Neither Obama nor McCain will be recieving my vote. They are both socialist scum!

Obama/Biden 08   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

McCain, let this guy live his life in peace.

db   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

SHAME ON THE MEDIA.
Tonight Lou Dobbs sat there and went on an angry rant because "Senators Obama and Biden dare to raise questions about a guy like "Joe The Plumber."
Idiot…

Sandra S   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

Well, JtP now has it made and doesn't have to start his own plumbing business. Once you get media attention, you get the contracts. I guess McCain wants Joe to get into a higher salary bracket so he can truthfully say that he may pay a little more taxes. What a joke McCain is. I really hope that he doesn't get re-elected to his Senate seat.

18 year old first time voter with COMMON SENSE for Obama   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

This is very good for Obama…People grew tired of this "Joe the Plumber" guy when they first heard his name…it's only a matter of time before McCain alienates supporters by trying to breathe life back into a dying gimmick…people don't want to be distracted by a gimmick, people want to know what the candidates will do to help them pay their bills and to stay in their houses…I hope Joe accepts the offer, so he can bore McCainites with his lies…and also, McCain is SUCH a hypocrite…first he says that he's sorry that Joe has been thrust into the limelight, and then he tells hundreds/thousands of supporters to flood his email account with annoying emails that Joe will probably just delete..LOL!

Anonymous   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

I think Obama needs to call this guy and get things clear out. Joe does not make 25000
I thing McCain is about to shoot himself in the foot again

JK   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

A total hypocrit, so sad that McCain has become a joke, and Sam Joe the non Plumber and not pax payer is the perfect fit for him

Thankfully america is reallizing what kind of politic is McCain

barb   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

I am sick to death of this bimbo trashing Obama when there are plenty of skeletons in her closet. What is wrong with America?
Republicans are just to stupid to distinquish truth from lies.
Palin has no right to talk about Ayers or Wright. Her and her husband didn"t even want to be Americans. She abused her rights as governor and God only knows what would happen if she became vice-president. McCain ought to be ashamed of himself for this negative campaign he is running and for selecting this bimbo to be his running mate. She is dumb as dirt and doesn't have a clue about politics.
I pray every day that these clowns don't get into office. Let's face it
America, McCain has early stages of altheimers. The number one symptom is living in the past and being sporatic. How can he lead this country? I sure hope that I get the last laugh come election day.
Our country is in dire straights right now and I can't even fathom, what would happen if dumb and dumber were elected.

joseph   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

do people really believe joe the plumber?c'mon i tought people were smarter than that,"i talked to him for the firs time ever"that pretty much says ;people, dont thing we(mc cain staff)set this up, its totally true this guy really exist he has the body of a secret service or bodygard and the attitude of arepublican this is a no brainer.

Todd   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

Basically, you could realize how desperate Mr. McBush is at this point in the race. These are just desperate attempts to have a shot in the elections. Nothing is working for McCain.

You can see all polls going from an advantage of just 2 percentage points all the way to 15 points in favor of Obama. But one thing is certain. In terms of the electoral map, it is looking like Obama will win by a landslide unless a miracle happens for McBush.

THE PEOPLE ARE FED UP WITH BUSH AND McCAIN. THEY ARE THE SAME. McCAIN VOTED 95% OF THE TIME WITH BUSH POLICIES. If he wants to appear different or not related with Bush it is because he knows Bush brought our great country down.

Bear no doubt. Bush and McCain policies are exactly the same. Exactly. Do not fall into the trap.

Mel   October 17th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

LUKE 12:48

George   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Pandering is fine, but this is so desparate that it makes one feel embarrased for McCain:

1) Joe would have lower taxes under the Obama plan – but he hasn't paid his taxes
2) Joe is not a small business owner and makes no where near 250K – maybe he can get on a reality show and get some endorsements
3) Joe has no idea what he is talking yet about – doesnt want the taxes he is not paying to go to himself who does not earn enough to have his taxes raised.

He isn't a plumber yet, but maybe he should be VP.

former republican   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

this is so stupid. stop with this jow the plumber stuff already….

its pretty sad because mccain has nothing new to talk about

Al   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Joe, even though McCain already gave VP position to Sarah Palin, I'm sure he will find something for you too. May be Secretary of State or Treasure Secretary… or at very least a representative in United Nations. Apparently, he is selecting people as smart about state, government, politics and economy as he is.
As for me, I'll be happy enough with this:

Obama/Biden 2008

Desmond Sequeira   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

How much more pathetic can the McSAME campaign and McSAME get? Now, you are USING Joe the way you used and continue to use
F A I L I N? FAILIN clearly deserves her fate. But why are you messing with Joe's mind, pretending to care about him? Hope Joe sees through this.

Rob   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Brain from NYC Joe the Plumber never said he owned a small business he said he wanted to buy the business. And when he said that the BUSINESS made more than 250,000 dollars that doesnt mean he brings home that much he still has to pay his employers and other expenses. To increase the BUSNESS taxes it would mean that he could hire less workers. With higher taxes that means less jobs not more like Obama says. And Obama said he wanted to spread the wealth around well I have a problem giving money to people who sit at home and expect the goverment to send them a check while I have to go out and work hard. Oh and Plumber is spelled with a B not two m's get an education.

JoeThePlummer   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Yea, lets attack Joe for asking a question.

POLO   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

PLZ McCain, focus on THE PRESSING URGENT PROBLEMS not Palin type GAFFE ……………..

Gary   October 17th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

I hear he's related to Keating. Isn't that the guy that McCain got in trouble with a few years back? Yea, that's right it was the 'Keating Five'. Anybody got a link to that scandal and how McCain was involved? Can you believe that Sam/Joe is Keating's son?

gEnie   October 17th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

Mccain is not making sense anymore, Obama/Biden hope for the better future.

bill   October 17th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

I'm sorry you folks don't understand working people. You have been so bought by spreading the wealth.

merm   October 17th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

Brian – you don't need a license to OWN a plumbing business. It's funny, you missing the FOREST for the TREES. Obama wants to take people's money and redistribute it – shouldn't that worry you? Open you eyes and see the big picture!

Danny G. -St. Louis   October 17th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

So McCain blasts Obama for invading "Joe's" privacy and subjecting him to the harsh glare of the media spotlight and then he brings his name up in every campaign speech and also wants people to e-mail good ole' Joe.

McCain's one brain cell is definitely malfunctioning.

Matthew   October 17th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

It just like an Obama supporter to bring up "fame" in a presidential election, when that's about all Obama has… O and advertising money (3 times what McCain has spent)

Lee in LaGrange, Ga   October 17th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Thank you Joe for exposing obama! All he wants to do is take from those who have worked hard and earned what they have and give to those who haven't. You folks who support obama better wake up. "Change we need" is really "Change we will regret".

Tom, KS   October 17th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Give me a break. This is ridiculous! Enough!

Pat, Pa.   October 17th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Nothing this man will say or do will surprise me. he is pathetic and desperate. If Joe, or Sam, is smart he will distance himself from this group or he may find himself in more trouble than he may want. Not to mention disgust from the people he has to work and live with. He does have to work to support his son, or so he says.

Jose Nsasi, ON   October 17th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Need a fact check on Joe the "Plummer" .

Lori Ohio   October 17th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Didn't they make a movie about this… some Kevin Costner flop?

Dennis in Chicagoland   October 17th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

Palin

Suspend Campaign

10 Townhall Meetings

William Ayres

Joe the Plumber

…can we focus on the issues please and leave the stunts to Hollywood?

mike   October 17th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

I would rather have a veteran to be President than someone who does not know anything about war and the military. Except what he has read in books.There is too much out there as public notice ,about obama ,loyalty why he does not salute the flag, respect the national anthem. it is too questionable for me

jpmac55   October 17th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

Kind of funny how the socialist party rips Joe apart but not B. Hussein Obama for what he said to him and what he'll do to all tax paying workers as dictator.

The irony here is Joe is gonna cost him the election. Not running with terrorist Ayers, not having a hate spewing mentor like Wright, not giving 800,000 dollars to the ACORN thugs.

Hiway441   October 17th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

Boy, we've got some stupid comments here.

db   October 17th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

His name is not Joe. It's SAM.
He is NOT a licensed plumber. This is NONSENSE, and the only reason a lot of uniformed people are buying into it- is they apparently can't Google "Joe the plumbers real name"- to see the New York Times article that came out YESTERDAY.

JB   October 17th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

You guys a a bunch of liberal kool-aid drinking hacks. Go hug a tree.

Ben   October 17th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

McCain need to find one message and stick with it… he is all over the map without any clear direction. Joe the Plummer may just end up in jail before election time.

merm   October 17th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Good! My husband is also a "Joe the plumber" in the promotional marketing business – an Obama Presidency will actually hurt us economically. The Dems can criticize the messenger – Joe – all they want – but it was OBAMA that said "spread the wealth around". Sorry we are type of folks that believe we should keep our own money, since we were the ones that earned it!!!!!!

Greg Hodges   October 17th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Leave it to Republicans to make a hero out of someone who has basically lied about everything;and is in fact a tax cheat. If this was not such an obvious stunt/plant it would be pathetic. Is there no depth the Republicans will not stoop to, in order to hold onto power at all costs. I keep thinking they cannot disgust me more; and then somehow they suceed in proving how low they can really go. STOP the INSANITY!!!!!!

Robert   October 17th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

McCain how low can you go. This is a guy that is showing that he wiil do anything to be our president. I tired of it…..I think most of America is tired of this.

"McCain the Liar"   October 17th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

McCain, why not parade people who actually make 250K per year, like the lobbyists who run and advise your campaign?

Mike   October 17th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

It goes something like this:

"Hey Joe, I know I only just met you, but I can see 3 words in your eyes. Department of Labor. YOu seem like my sort of guy, so how would you like to be Secretary of Labor?"

Now we all know how he chose his vice-president pick.

Lisa   October 17th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

This guy is a loser…and tax evader. Not a bright move by the McCain campaign to use him as the new mascot. Senator McCain–did you use the same methodology to vet him as you did your VP candidate? Stop insulting the American people.

SueMVetforObama   October 17th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Another stunt from McCain.

The Republicans have become a godless, ruthless, racist, unethical party of hacks with McCain and Palin at the helm.

Naval Academy Grads have a strict honor code that McCain has thrown out the window.

I fear for our country.

USMC

USAF RET   October 17th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

I feel sorry for anyone who falls for this. McCain will stop at nothing to win the election. First, he violates his "Country First" by picking Palin to be his running mate with hopes of gaining the female Hillary supporters. Now he FURTHER violates his honor by asking "Joe the Plumber" to join him on the campaign trail to get small business owners–oh I forgot, Joe isn't a small business owner, he is someone who is going to get a tax cut under Obama's plan.

Susan   October 17th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

That will be fun for 'Joe the Plumber'. A n everyday guy!

Mark   October 17th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

How will Joe get there? Certainly not by using roads and bridges built with taxes. Joe, I hope you are enjoying your moment in the spotlight which you have achieved because of the military being able to defend this nation with my tax dollars if not yours. Enjoy!

Doug   October 17th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

What is important to Americans is how hard they work and how much money they get to keep. Socialism is taking from one and giving to the other. It has never worked. Keep taxes low and jobs will be created, keep corrupted Democrats out of office, Fannk and Dodd, and we wouldn't have the mess we are in. Fannie and Freddie were run by……….Democrats. Wake up people.

alpha_nu_916   October 17th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

"joe the plumber" should start paying his taxes before he starts discussing the pitfalls of sen. obama's tax plan.

he should also try to acquire a plumber's license before meeting on the campaign trail with mcshame.

people on main street have heard both the canidates tax cuts and understand their respective positions very clearly:
(1) mcshame wants to ensure that people like his wife ($4.2 million in 2007) continue concentrating america's wealth; &
(2) sen. obama wants the 315 million individuals part of families who earn less than $250k a year to have reduced taxes, allowing them to prosper without waiting for the wealthy's prosperity to slowly trickle down.

mms   October 17th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

Joe is not a small business man does't mccain read either?

"McCain the Liar"   October 17th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

McCain, why not parade people who actually make 250K or more per year, like the lobbyists who run your campaign?

Chinky   October 17th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

What pathetic guy McCain is! And more pathetic are the people voting for him

Anthony   October 17th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Does McCain know that Joe is on video now admitting that Obama will indeed CUT his taxes because he doesn't make over 250K?

North Carolina   October 17th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Throw Joe the plumber in jail for tax evasion!

Richard Irvine CA   October 17th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

That disgraceful old naval pilot can now tour with his winking idiot veep pick and his tax-evading unlicensed plumber, setting a great example for the children of America. Shameful, shameful, shameful.

Seth Manapio   October 17th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

If it's Joe's money, why does McCain want to take more of it than Obama does?

Alok   October 17th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

Mccain, Palin, Joe… Experienced, somewhat experienced, not experienced.

sam   October 17th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

McCain has a thing for picking losers! First he pick a wholesomely unqualified candidate as his running mate; now he pick a tax scofflaw to accompany him on campaigns. What a fool!

Rena   October 17th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

Do any of you people out there get it? Joe the plumber never said he owned a plumbing business he said he was thinking of buying one and how would it affect his taxes? I guess the guy was not supposed to ask BO a question that he couldn't have scripted to answer? And as to his name, Joe is his middle name, something he is proud of ….unlike Barack HUSSEIN Obama……

Meka   October 17th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

McCain will stop at nothing!

Obama/Biden '08-'12

Sandy   October 17th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

This Joe/Sam guy sounds like a McCain shill. Originally from Arizona, only been in Ohio for a "couple of years." Registered Republican. Just "happened to be at an Obama event" to ask a question and then McCain brings him up multiple times at a debate. Oh, and once people start asking questions and he turns out not to be a real small business owner, not a licensed plumber and a tax cheat,, ol' Joe gets a case of diverticulitis and has to go to the hospital. Out of sight, away from the press.

Straight out of 'wag the dog," good ol' shoe. slimy and desperate is what it really is.

georgia for Obama   October 17th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

Another great choice McSame,as you continue to flush your campaign dow the toilet !

Simmy   October 17th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Big deal-he's one of your mudslingers! Use him just like you use Palin!

Independent   October 17th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Hmm … that's very palin. Joe the Plumber is not a plumber and his name is not 'Joe'. He is not an Independent but a registered Republican. He still has not paid his taxes in 2007 and he makes $40k per year – so he is not a 'small business owner'. Where is McCain running with this ?

rich   October 17th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

How desperate can one get? McCain you should accept your pending loss with honor instead of going down without any shred of dignity! You really dont have much left..do ya?

jennie   October 17th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

I guess you should have nominated him to be your VP.

Gary   October 17th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

So McCain is sorry for shoving Joe into the national spotlight, and then calls the guy to invite him out on the campaign trail… that makes sense.

Peter (CA)   October 17th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

The level of desperation in the Republican ranks is shocking. The only thing more disturbing is how the sheep eat this up. But, that has been the mantra all along—-us vs them or maybe me vs THAT ONE.

"Joe" is a fake like Palin. The Republicans will continue to decimate this country.

Nov. 4 = McCain win!   October 17th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Vote for the American dream and Joe the Plummer, vote McCAIN 2008! What the Obama democrats don't get is that the 250K Joe makes from his small business is used to pay for his business and the employees! IT'S NOT HIS MONEY! But Obama will take it from him (tax him way more) and give HIS MONEY to other people! And also, under Ohio law, Joe does not NEED a license to be a plummer if he works for a company which has a license, which his does. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE DEMOCRATS, THEY ARE ONLY TRYING TO CONFUSE YOU. Vote for the small business owners in this country that are afraid of Obama, vote:

McCAIN 2008!! (PLEASE)!

Dawn   October 17th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Sick of McCain bone headed moves – Joe the Plumber is not a licensed plumber, does not own a busiiness and does not make 250,000.00 – Small business's usually don't show that much profit because they re-invest to grow the company. Obama's tax plan is better and his health plan is better for small corporations.

Joe walked up to Obama and asked the question and McCain brought it up at the Debate, but all of this is Obama's fault – just food for thought

Jesus was a community organizer – Pontius Pilot was a governor!

Miami Al   October 17th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Great, first hand proof from McCain why Americans should doubt his judgment, clearly prone to quick and irrational decisions.

Go ahead, add one more pathetic act to that cheap side show carnival he calls a campaign!

kathy in CT   October 17th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Earth to McCain. Princess Sarah said she is tired of talking about Joe the Plumber, so you'd better be quiet or she'll come and smack you, too.

Barbara CA   October 17th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

Research has never been Senator McCain’s strongest point and as usual he has again jumped into something mouth first. During the last debate he first told the story of ‘Joe the Plumber ‘. Because he did not actually know “Joe the Plumber” (and not did not research any thing about him) McCain reinvented Joe to his own liking. He shared the misinformation with millions of viewers that Joe was rich and then he added to this a number of additional half-truths and untruths that helped to support his political talking points.

Now he is spending a great deal of time back tracking, tap dancing and moon walking (yep, like Michael Jackson) trying to talk his way out of the being responsible for “Tall Tale of Joe the Plumber”. You would think McCain would have learned from past mistakes. And this type of thing must be a real waste of time for the Republican Party’s Candidate for President during his last 18 days of running for office. We thank you Senator McCain.

Go Obama/Biden. One man, one vote.

Darryl Miller   October 17th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

The same unlicense Joe the Plumber who owes back tax on his $60,000 property? who master the art of lying?

How can a man who don't pay tax's tell me something?

NC will go blue!!!!!   October 17th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

How desperate to have to resort to "Joe" in order to win this campaign.

sj   October 17th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Why doesn't any one look into the background of Palin?. Her husband is a secessionist. I beleive she is too. How can she go around saying she loves America and is proud to be an american
when she is married to someone like this.

obamacrat   October 17th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Joe the Dummer

Jane the dancer   October 17th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

PATHETIC

Mike in Jacksonville   October 17th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

Great a liar and a tax cheat coming to a town near you.

Omentum   October 17th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

I would like you all to meet my co-vice president. Joe the Plummer…….

spiral   October 17th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

not paying your taxes or having the required licenses and permits. now that's putting country first.

if mccain wins, this country deserves everything it gets.

Independent99999   October 17th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

I never thought McCain is such an idiot who invites a fraudster/dubious plumber on stage.

How many Plumbers make $250,000?. Why is McCain degenerating himself so pathetically his political persona ..

I used to have respect for him before .. but no longer.

At one point, I even considered voting for him. But no longer.

Nina in Orlando   October 17th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

This is so pathetic.

KMG   October 17th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

McCain is grasping at any straw to save this campaign. This "Joe" guy will be probably put on the payroll to be tauted around like the Republican poster boy for "Good Americans". This is pathetic. I really think he and his campaign people are taking something that doesn't allow them to see logic, or reality.

ken   October 17th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

in one breath you say let joe be obama it was you who used joe but joe is not joe and he did need tax imformation since he has not paid them for awhile , he has no lic. just like palin you didnot check either of them before you invited them in to you campain , john makes his own problems, just as his campain nothing is as it seems, this man has to be the most out of touch person who ever ran for president , this is the best the republicans could give americans, this will hurt the republicans for years to come,and the things they are noe doing even with help from bush to allow the justice dept to investigate the charges from the dnc and mc cain campain that there is voter fraud every where, it 's against the law for them to interfer in a polictical campain . yet they are doing it. it goes to show you it going to be like the last 2 elections, in which this country has not elected a president , bush was given the job thru the supreme court even tho he lost, then the other was in ohio who gave him the election ,but months latter again we find out that kerry realy one. but john is killing himself. ken

Susie R   October 17th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

Who is invading who's privacy?!? Is there nothing this man will not do to get into the white house? Send him an email? Up your meds, mac.

bhj   October 17th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

I am sick to death of McCain blaming Obama for everything wrong that happens in this country. It is his fault that Joe the plumber is being smeared. He mentioned this guy's name 21 times during his debate.
He proves time and time again what a liar he is and how senile he is.
How could we have someone like this run our country. As for his running mate, she is dumb as dirt and knows absolutely nothing about politics. Her croanies put her in office. What a sad state our country will be in if McCain and Palin win the election. We have a man with early stages of altheimers and a beauty queen running our country. Come on America wake up. I know americans are not stupid.
This pathetic McCain campaign is a farce. I am sick to death of the republicans smearing Obama and the democrats. What a bunch of cry babies. Face it, Obama is the intelligent and competent one.
McCain doesn't have a clue on how to run this country. His smear campaign is not working. Palin is not fit to run for anything. She is not a public speaker. She can't handle a simple question. She is good at reading prompters. She doesn't think before she speaks.
She is a twit as far as I am concerned.

CJB in CA   October 17th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

"Joe the Plumber" ASPIRES to The American DREAM to own and be Executive [btw, that NObama FAILED as Chairman for 5 years at $100 Million CAC with Ayers!] of his own very successful $250+ K Plumbing business – with multiple employees !!

Radical Leftist "Spread the Wealth" NO TRUST NObama and Joe "More TAXES = PATRIOT" Biden #1 and #3 Radical TAX and SPEND Leftists in the US Senate make this dream practially impossible – esp. in a RECESSION !!

Go, Joe (not BIDEN), GO !!!!

Hillary Democrat for McCAIN / PALIN '08 – AMERICAN DREAM FIRST !!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 17th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

Sarah Palin has energized the Democrats to be sure and vote against her – ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

A Canadian Voice   October 17th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

Seems McCain is pulling every thing he can find out his bag of tricks to no avail! He's even sequestered Joe the Plumber to join his fray. He's gone from stealing opponents slogans and lines to stealing stage props! What's next? Babs? Babes? and Oprah! Babs could address "That one" and Oprah could address"The One" Palin could fly back to Alaska where every Nation agrees she belongs and McCain could try to find the lost wheels on the "Crooked Talk Express" in record breaking time.

j   October 17th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

This was a campaign tactic from the beginning. Joe isn't a plumber, isn't planning buy a business, owes back taxes, and doesn't make 250K a year. All of McCain's representations of this individual are false but he's become a caricature that McCain wants to exploit.

There ought to be a law that requires a certain level of accountability and proof before candidates can launch the kind of deceptive and negative campaigns like McCain has done. When they can't meet a certain level of qualitative proof that what they're saying is true then they should be heavily fined. And like the judicial system, it should be up to the campaign that wants to use this type of campaigning to prove that what they're saying is accurate. The type of campaigning that McCain/Palin are doing is wrong and shouldn't go unpunished. I'd like to see campaign reform but I'd also like to see McCain/Palin lose the election as a result of the type of campaign they're running.

JD   October 17th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

It seems pretty obvious Joe "the Plumber" has been a part of McCain's campaign for quite some time.

John Long   October 17th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

Folks! Joe Plumber is the Willie Horton of this election! Mark my words! Joe Plumber is a code word for you know who!

The message is that if you vote for Obama, he may take money away from one group of people and give it to another!

It may work this time with many people. I would not underestimate this tactic!

james in s.c.   October 17th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

good gawd!!! joe-the-plumber is not even real!!! seeing mccain -palin campaign is like watching dumb and dumber all over again!

GO OBAMA-BIDEN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SD,Michigan   October 17th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

Joe the fake plumber should pay his taxes first, then open his mouth again. What a shameless liar, makes less than 40K a year and pretends like he's gonna buy a bussiness anytime soon. He's against Social Security as well, Good God! And I don't like his face either, looks like a skinhead, mean and slimey…
PAY YOUR TAXES!

Independent In NY   October 17th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

Hasn't senator McCain surrounded himself with enough liars already?

RyanNC   October 17th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

this Joe the plumber gimmick is getting old. The guy is clearly being used and he is loving it. That someone thinks that this guy represents small business is surreal to say the least! He wanted to take a shot at Obama and , lo and behold, someone just caught that answer!

Joyce from Oregon   October 17th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

Here we go again. Instead of McCain concentrating on what HE is going to do for the economy & our country if he were elected President, he is concentrating on "Joe the Plumber"….just another diversion. John McCain has spent his whole campaign "a day late and a dollar short"…..McCain always announes his actions on a given subject AFTER Obama has already made the headlines "the day before". Not a good way to run a successful campaign.

Rick   October 17th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

Joe the plumber joins the BS Express. Can he see any foreign counties from his home…???

TND   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Wow, you can't make this stuff up. What a gong show.

Bill Michigan   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Good maybe he can get Pallin and McCain's heads unstuck from their you know where…. On second thought no

michaelcal   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

John it is a good idea to bring Joe out on the trail. Do it please

Mrs. Corie   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Brian from NYC I too wondered why he is worried about taxes when under Obama's plan he would get a tax cut. And also the obvious he doesn't pay his taxes. I don't know about that ER P the "non-qualified "VP" is still around so the odds are with Joe or Samuael the Plumber, or Contractor or whatever he is..

Uche Enyioko   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

'Yes Joe the plumber, you are Rich'. Maccain only cares about your $250m and want a bailout .October suppress

Remy   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

The worse thing is Republicans were unable to find a licensed plumber for Propaganda.

Very sad McCain. You are a loser! Dont cheat Americans!

Independent Voter   October 17th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Joe-the-not-so-plumber is being punked by the McCain Camp…that's been infamous in media manipulation. He could truly care less about plumbers, as evidenced by his policies…

And I truly wish that he would not target my phone with those heinous robocalls. Desperation has such a foul odor, and quite frankly, we have grown tired of the stunts!

helena vece   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Why hasn't the media , or anyone else, asked the first dude, Todd Palin, why he belongs to a party in Alaska that wants to seperate their state from the USA? Does Sarah Palin think this idea her husband is supporting is pro-american? It certinaly is not. I find her to be an offensive bubble head. I wouldnt trust her with my gate code, never mind the nuke codes. Also, calling a fellow american , who is running for the office of President of the USA, a terrorist makes me extremely unconfortable. So much for bringing this country together Sarah bubble head Palin! Also, I was one of the protestors in the sixties that marched against the Vietnam war. I am not a terrorist, dont cha know! I marched for womens rights and equal rights. The goverment was not pleased but that did not make me a terrorist. I find women in 2008 that use hockey jokes from a decade ago to be terrifying because all of us women who DID march for equal rights, civil rights, equal pay and more must all feel that these marches were done in vein. Please explain why no one has addressed the issue of her abusing her position , and the first dude wanting to seperate from the USA. Why is she still on the ticket? Only a senial old man would nominate this cockamayme nitwit.

Sylvia Lopez   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

ummm..I'm a single mother plummer without a licence John..Female, mother of four children. In the last 8 years…All my children are now plummers, cooks, cleaners, lawyers, doctors, skaters that love to kiss pet bulls with a puck, Two boys and 2 girls.. Am proud plumbing children can probably fix a toilet..can yours? Do you hire the already hired help ?

cbenji in NYC   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Sam the wannabe plumber is a great symbol for the republican party. i'm sure he'll have his own show on FOX news soon.

The trained and licensed plumbers who worked hard to learn their trade and who pay their taxes and union dues and are legally licensed to work will benefit greatly from obama's tax plan.

Texas Twister   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Is this all the McCain team can focus on – is Joe the Plumber, that's really not a plumber??? Good gosh?! and he expects to be a president? Think again! Man, he's out there. He's just a rickety old man, looking for his last minute of glory, if you ask me. And Palin is a scary piece of work!

m c   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

"joe the Plumber" spoke for millions of Americans. That's why McCain will win this election!!! Most people would not be in the same room with Ayers, let alone write a friendly blurb for his book. Most people find it disgusting that Obama listened to Wright's white-hatred rhetoric for 20 years, and never stood up and complained!!! Obama paid $800,000 to ACORN in the primary to get out the vote. Is this how he stole the election from Hillary??? Who did they bring out to vote-Mickey Mouse and friends??? Too much!!!!

johng   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Joe's a liar and a phony so he'd be right at home touring with McCain. Oh, BTW, those guys with the "my name is Joe" signs – young republicans and a guy from Australia.

don   October 17th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

This whole thing, like the rest of McCains campaign is an absolute joke. The guy is not a plumber, does not have a lisence, back taxes due, belongs to some strange radical political party,and he is going to buy a business? McCain I thought you would have learned your lesson with Palin. I think once again the ones getting the business, are the American people.

Carol   October 17th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Is that invite for "real" Joe the plumbers. You know, people who are actual plumbers, making plumbers wages.

Not people posing as the average american, not the those in the upper 5% making almost a third of a million dollars a year.

I work in the real estate development industry, I don't know a single plumber making almost $300,000.00 a year. And that goes for teh construction, electrical, carpenters, heating, etc etc, guys either.

That was no average Joe, but a guy lieing to make a false claim as to how Obama's plan was going to hurt him.

Newsflash to McCain, since you seem to think that the average American makes around a quarter of a million a year,

WE DON'T!!!

Obama is the REAL Change   October 17th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

This man is a FAKE and those who held up signs are the ones who are NOT going to have JOBS if McCain wins, but Joe will PLUS senate health insurance!!!! He ASKED the camera man was he being seen NATIONWIDE, when he told him YES, he begin to really lie then for McCain….. McCain has MADE his campaign about Palin, his wife, bikers clubs, drag car racer, country singers, Paris, Britney and NOW this Fake Joe. Can McCain win with JUST USING McCain???

We have SOME of the most dumb and easily stupid voters who will FALL for anyTHING and anyTRICK, just as long as it isn't the BLACK man doing it……………….Race is the real deal, nothing else could make thousands of people unemployed agree and be happy about McCain making this election a JOKE….Other Countries are LAUGHING at us more and more each day!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alaska would have BEEN one if Palin had her way before 2 months ago……

tonybama, grahamsville, ny   October 17th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

You've got to be kidding! This guy isn't a plumber, isn't buying a business worth 250Gand McCain continues to use him in his speeches. Just like the bridge to nowhere and countless other lies. He must really think Americans are as stupid as his running mate!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 17th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

More distractions? Too late – a lot of folks are voting early.

It's TOO LATE McLIAR

Victor of MI   October 17th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Wow, talking about complete randomness on McCain's campaign. Zero direction. Total desperation. These are the new definitions of McCain's campaign.

Maybe Trig Palin should have been your campaign manager.

Lisa Brennan   October 17th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Vet, vet ,vet. The politics of panic brought us the apalling Palin. And now they would like to try to have us pit workers against workers~

Another veteran here for Obama and Biden.
Lisa the Waitress

John   October 17th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

McCain is closing the gap and what it really means is that Obama's negatives are finally catching up to him: Wright, Ayers, Rezko, ACORN, Pelosi, Reid, Dodd, Freddie, Fannie, Frank Reigns, Democrats in control the past two years and guilty of the recent financial crisis, Obama being uptight and nervous at debates (he acted cool to cover up his inexperience and lack of knowledge and confidence, Obama wrong on the Iraq war especially now that we won in spite of Democrats giving aid and comfort to the enemy….the list of negatives pulling Obama down keeps growing…

Kim   October 17th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Ok wait…did I not read somewhere today that this Joe the Plumber guy is not a licensed plumber, he makes less than $45k per year and would actually BENEFIT by Obama's tax plan, and is also a close relative of Charles Keating?

I smell fish, and it really stinks.

Maggie from Virginia   October 17th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Stop it already!! Has anyone realized that McCain and his supporters are so focused on why we should not vote for Obama than why we should vote for McCain? Why should we vote for McCain? Really?

LMJ   October 17th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Joe the Plumber=tax deadbeat
John McCain=more failed trickle down economics
Sarah Palin=Dick Cheney in PANTIES

ber6964   October 17th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

More Evidence that McIdiot is losing his bearings!! This man is more that McCrazzzzzzy!

Deb   October 17th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

I've said it before and I'll say it again….why do you think Cindy hangs so tight to John? Its cause she's afraid he will say something amiss or miss quote something and thats due mto memory loss which is the same as dementia and he has it!!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 17th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

Give me a break !! Who cares? He's not licensed, he doesn't make enuff money to be McCain's buddy – but I did read that he's a relative of Mr Keating. Hmmmmmm

mike   October 17th, 2008 11:08 pm ET

he would fit into mccains camp fine. since hes a liar. he owes state taxes. His company's owner is not selling the business, he a racist since he compared Obama to tap dancing like Sammy Davis. IN all hes nothing but a moran and a loser not to mention a liar. Hello hes a registered Rupub and voted for Mccain in the primarys. He wasnt asking Obama a legit question. He just wanted his 15 minutes and was prob. sent there by Mccains campaign. Then he wines about people attacking him saying he never asked for this media. Yet he goes onto shows and talks with reporters not to mention going on Huckabee this weekend. I cant stand liars and people who are like this. Goodbye Joe to Loser and Mccain. Oh yeah hello Joe or whatever your calling yourself today. The union doesnt support you. Oh thats because your not a union member. LOSER

usualone   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

The problem is that so many people don't read this information and hear the mantra by McCain and Palin. Their simplistic comments (that are the usual talk of "taxes" ) sway too many people. I am sure many don't realize that this "Plummer" doesn't pay his fair share of his taxes even at this point. I wish the Democrats would play up the facts that we will be getting about $1400-$1600 taxes back compared to the $60-$80 under the Republican plan. (I don't remember the exact figures that a non-partisan group came up with.)

...   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

i dont trust this joe the plumber.

Sarsar   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Didn't I hear McCain at a rally today giving Obama a bad rap because Obama had invaded Joe's privacy? I am amazed at the things said and done for attention by McCain and Palin. They ought to be ashamed of themselves for going to this level so far below the bar for "Christian"/caring decency. Stick to the issues; then you might keep some respect in these end days. The world is watching what has been going on in this campaign. Go Blue!

Ana   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Sigh….Why is this man even relevant. I dont really get it. This man seems as if he will be moderately wealthy his salary will be up there with the surgeon of this country. Obam is fighting for the man who cleans up after the surgeon so i could see why the "blues" dont really care for him. But the "reds" i could see why they prefer him. What i dont get is why are the reds protraying him like the guy who cleans up after the surgeon . If McCain takes him on the trail and maybe stump for him. McCain would have to change the idea that he is some poor man making ends meet and show him who he really is a man who doesnt pay his taxes all that well and would probably be asa wealthy as most doctors. DOCTORS PEOPLE

Kay   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Apparently my family and friends missed the memo that stated Joe the Plumber represented the average guy. We didn't get the memo that told us making $250,000.00 was what the average small business owner would earn. We're angry. We want a raise. We all want to be Joe the Plumber because you don't really have to own the business, you just have to want to own the business. You don't really have to have all the required certifications, you just have to have the desire. And best of all, you don't have to really pay all your taxes…you can owe them. We want all want to be Joe the Plumber. Please, pretty please, can we be Joe the Plumber.

Navy Vet   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

I will be glad when this circus is over. The McCain/Palin ticket is a joke. This man wants to be President of the United States of America and he is fixating on a plummer who does not own a business and was probably speculating about being a small business owner. So it was a "what if" question just in case he ever reached that point. This overkill on Joe the Plummer really says what McCain's campaign is all about – a whole lot of nothing! Step aside and let someone else run in your place, please! I think the McCain/Palin ticket should be replaced with Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny!

poor joe   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Poor Joe. Like 98% of small business owners, he will do better under Obama's plan, but he has become McCain's poster boy because McCain can't actually find a real small business owner who will do better with him. Joe is being abused. We shoud leave the poor guy alone.

Elaine   October 17th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

This is pathetic. What's even more pathetic are people who actually buy into the McCain/Palin side show. This guy finishes the trio….phony, misleading and dangerous.

Joe the plumber   October 17th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Howdy folks! Joe the plumber here. I gotta say this John McCain is one heck of a guy. As long as he's president I won't have to sell my kidneys to afford to pay my taxes. This message is endorsed by the RNC and the real-American hero John McCain.

McGimmick and Wacko Roadshow!   October 17th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

McCain wants to surround himself with wacky people more pathetic than he is so he won't feel so bad when he loses. At lease McCain should offer to pay the dirtbags back taxes if he is going to take him on the trail. Good for him, he was on McCain's team all along. Good riddance. He knows he has nothing but distractions. Have fun McTroll, we only have to put up with you and your puppet for about 2 more weeks.

Laughable   October 17th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

Does he think that by adding another idiot to the campaign line-up it will actually help him? What a joke! You're done, McCain!

Tim the Teacher   October 17th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

The McCane campaign is still engaging in "domestic terrorism"…by sowing seeds of fear, hatred and bigotry.

Nevertheless, sinner or saint, there is a basic principle that "you reap what you sow"…be that good or bad.

Therefore, the "same" tactics will not work ~ NOT THIS TIME.

David   October 17th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

This is so sad. This Joe(Sam) is not even a licensed plumber, he's not a small business owner, the company he worked for has no license to do business in their state, both are being sanction for doing business without a license. Now Mr.Magoo wants him to pal around with him so they can both lie and deceive other republicans, since no one else is stupid enough to buy this craziness. Joe the Plumber, another casualty of the McCain-Palin failed election campaign.

Former PUMA   October 17th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

Is this for real? Come on John, you can do better than that. Hey heres an idea, why not dump diarrhea-mouth, and take good old Joe as your running mate.

kirk in upstate new york   October 17th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

So let me get this straight…Joe the Plumber rose to fame because he questioned Barack Obama about being taxed higher…but in reality, he would actually fare better under Barack Obama than with John McCain…

And WHAT?!…he's actually not a licensed plumber?

This is the newest and most recent of the unvetted, fully phony exhibits of John McCain's campaign.

What's next Rhonda the vegetarian taxidermist?

lynn   October 17th, 2008 11:04 pm ET

Another stunt: Palin with a plunger!

Chris K   October 17th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

John McCain… as always, plumbing the depths!

Terri Kokinda   October 17th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

Joe is not a small business owner right now, but he would like to become one. This is why he's nervous about the Obama tax plan. Secondly, Joe is not the only one that has deliquent taxes. Let's see – I would say that 60% of folks have deliquent taxes, and then we have a bunch of people that don't even pay taxes. Give him a break. He's a decent guy. Not sure why everyone is bashing him?

Stew   October 17th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

Even Joe The Plumber can smell a rat when it comes to Obama's plans for Americans to goosestep to Obama's beat. No thanks Obama!

susanne   October 17th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

I THINK ITS REALLY OUT OF HAND AND GETTING MORE OUT OF HAND,AS I HEAR JOE DOES NOT EVEN MAKE 250,000.00 DOLLARS A YEAR AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A PLUMBERS LICENSE.WHERE DO YOU FIND ALL THOSE PEOPLE?WHY CAN IT NOT BE A REAL DEBATE LIKE THE OLD TIMES WHERE PEOPLE RESPECTED EACH OTHER MR MCCAIN?

OBAMA-BIDEN 2008 / 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE EVERYBODY MAKE SURE YOU WILL VOTE,EVERY VOTE COUNTS,EVERY SINGLE VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT,DON'T THINK ITS ALL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

S.M.K. Pasadena, TX   October 17th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

McCain what a silly thing you are trying to do. Do you think you
can fool the Americans just like that with Joe Plumber ????
What we want to hear is your productive and working ideas and policies, not Joe's plumbing job. Please study about Joe the plumber before you take him in trail. Take that Palin out of that trail. She doesn't know how to talk. …….. But you are right…. Joe's ideas will make a little more sense than you running mate and even yours.

THE END OF AMERICA by OBAMA   October 17th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

God Bless Joe and all the Joe's in America.
God Bless John McCain and Sarah Palin.

I hope every republican gets out to vote. We can't let obama get his hands around the throat of our government.
Tax relief = welfare.
Young people in this country need to realize that 40% of the people in this country do not pay taxes yet they will get a check from the Obama government. This is welfare. This is spreading the wealth.
If you are about to get out of school and go to work then you need to think about this.Who do you want to benefit from your efforts……….you or those who don't work or who work very little.
It's bad enough obama will have the taxpayers pay for ALL abortions. Do you think thats right?
Obama is a socialist and will destroy this country.I can't believe that more people can't see through this liar.

pam Eugene OR   October 17th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Yes, I would love to have the email for Joe the plumber. What is his address? He is not even a registered voter nor is he a licensed plumber . I would love to talk to this fraud.
I don't want to disturb this citizen but he is being used by the McCain campaign as a stooge he is is too dumb to know it!

Mia and Mike   October 17th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Give it up McCain, everyone knows that "Joe" is a farce, even your simple minded running mate. His time is up, and you are the only one still trying to score points off of it.

Susan SK   October 17th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Oh brother! Just when I can't believe that this can get any worse, it does. Now we have a rather lame excuse for a "mascot" to contend with. If this is what it takes to win Ohio, you
can have it. They're idiots!

Mike Canada   October 17th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

McCain continues to dip lower in the "what is right" column. Does he realize that Joe is not the "small business man" he claims to be. He is basing this whole stunt on a farce. What a sleaze. Come up out of the trough you are in and take a big breath. You sir, are hardly worth any more attention. This is contemptible, unworthy of any political candidate.
Help us all if McCain/Palin are elected.

Jake   October 17th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Wow… this is getting way out of hand…

If he likes the guy so much, McCain should just drop Palin and replace her with Joe. He clearly has a brilliant economic mind. He's apparently managed to make more than $250,000/yr running a plumbing business without even owning it….

Grace Needed   October 17th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

How can Senator McCain blame Senator Obama's campaign from smearing Joe the Plumber when he is the one who used his name and story on the national stage without first vetting and prepping him? If Joe is upset, he should be MORE upset with the McCain campaign for bringing all of this on him. Yet, I believe as Peggy Noonan said, "Joe the Plumber made a better case for the Republican ticket than the ticket did", which isn't saying much because they don't have much to offer.

freshdem15   October 17th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

I AM SOOOOO SICK OF JOE THE PLUMBER!!!!!

Shelley in Oregon   October 17th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Hurry up November!

We wanna send Palin the moose hunter back to Alaska! Perhaps her and her husband can catch up on their AIP rallies when they get home….

Obama/Biden…. 08

Charlie Bradley   October 17th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

LOL ROFLMAO!!!!!!! A visual aid of the dishonesty that is fostered by McCain and Palin. Johnny Boy and Palin haven't learned ANYTHING and have NO clue

NV Business Owner   October 17th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

I am a small business owner, and I think it's fair to say, I have very little in common with Joe the Plumber. He does NOT speak for – or to – me, and neither does John McCain.

I don't mind paying higher taxes, if they make the U.S. a better place. It's in my self-interest to fork it over now for a healthier, better-educated, safer, more JUST America.

Obama-Biden '08

Richard   October 17th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Joe the Plumber is just another case of bad judgment by McCain. Joe hasn't paid his taxes and isn't licensed to be a plumber. Once again, McCain has failed to have vetted someone.

REAL Change   October 17th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

ANOTHER DESTRACTION FROM THE MCCAIN’S (Drama King) and Palin (Drama Queen) Repubs PARTY……………..Why NOT use C. Keats grandson????……………Palin since you got so much WIND in the air, WHO is G. Gordon Liddy?…………can't wait………ya betcha!!!! JUST as LONG as it’s NOT the ECONOMY!!! It would be outraged by the Repubs party if Biden only would agree to Sat. NIGHT Live and NO MEET the Press, The View!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA'S answer to today's financial crisis… "SPREAD THE WEALTH". Betcha ………. Obama isn’t trying to spread the wealth, he will work so that ALL people have a CHANCE to work toward WEALTH….dah!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop the HATE with LIES…..REPUBS!!!!!!!!!

Leah   October 17th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

I find it quizical that McCain and his supporters would make a guy who refuses to pay his fair share of taxes and decries social security and states emphatically that he resents it being forced on him a linchpin of their campaign. How do seniors feel about this guy who doesn't want to contribute in any way to this great country as Sarah Palin keeps reminding us. Joe and others like him – the tax protester groups – would make it impossible to support the military, build roads and bridges and help our seniors with their health care. Theses kind of people are slef-absorbed and selfish in the most deplorable way. Now that is unpatriotic. McCain has definitely lost his senses.

Betty the Beautician   October 17th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Joe the Plumber talks pretty radical to me. I'm not sure the McCain camp wants someone who lies about being a plumber and evades taxes with them on their campaign trail? But, after all, he did pick Sarah Palin for his running mate. And they say Obama lies?

McCain put this man in the spotlight and now blames Obama for what the press has done to him?

Palin is a pig without lipstick!   October 17th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

McCain, are you hiding behind Joe the Plumber now? Will he be replacing Palin?

What a joke

Sean   October 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

He calls Joe the Plumber the same day his running mate says "Enough about Joe the Plumber". Do they even talk to each other? It doesn't seem like they're on the same team here…

Former Republican voting for Obama/Biden   October 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

The rest of the people aren't important to John McCain- just Joe the plumber.

The rest of the people aren't important to Sarah Palin – just the ones in small towns.

McCain can't tell the people what he is going to do. He has shifted his campaign from Barack Obama to Joe.

Sarah Palin cant tell the people what she is going to do. No one has told her yet and they keep the press and people away from her.

How can anyone vote for these two?

Hen from Jacksonville, FL   October 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Oh my god everybody needs to leave that Joe the Plumber alone. He is a hard working American and does not need to be used for a political weapon.

sandy   October 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

ahhh stop the maddness…..No more Joe the Plumber!

ody   October 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THIS GUY JOE THE WHAT EVER WAS BEEN PLANTED BY THE JOHN MC CAIN AND HIS GROUP.THAT'S A SHAME THAT THIS MAN IS DOING WHAT EVEER TO WIN. SHAME ON YOU MCCAINE.

Tiff of lithia springs   October 17th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

You have to be kiddin' me.

Please guys go and vote. Take advantange of early voting.

Obama Biden '08

Rebecca   October 17th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

This is so very lame on so many different levels.

A) Turns out that Joe isn't really a plumber, or at least he isn't licensed to be one.

B) Turns out that Joe is a tax-dodger. If he can't even afford to pay his taxes under Bush, how is it that he secretly has enough money to buy a profitably company…?

C) Even if the tax-dodger was somehow going to buy this business he would have to make a NET profit of over $250,000 a year AFTER paying all of his employees and other business expenses. If Joe the Plumber is doing that well, then I really doubt he's going to miss the extra $1500 a year in taxes he'd be paying once the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy expire.

Give me a break. I smell a rat. No wonder McSame loves this guy.

jason, tx   October 17th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!!

Hillary then McCain   October 17th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Watch Fox news alot of Obama voters are frauds. Some of his Contributors with the fake names.

NotJoe   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Joe ain’t the only person out there. There are other “small business owners” that want equality for the people that are working to get to their (small business owners) financial status or beyond. What about the teens that are just starting out? What about the elders who have struggled their whole lives? Sharing the wealth was never an option before and look where it got us. SHARE THE WEALTH AND WATCH WHERE IT TAKES US!!!!

Obama ‘08 Independent supporter,

NOT JOE

nikki   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

ok mcshame is asking this shade tree plumber to join him on the trail…well there's another sound judgement call…just like sarah

Lady_Di   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Mc Gimmick is at it AGAIN!!!!! This man has a pretty slow learning curve. It's like he says 'lets go find a dummy to appeal to all the other dummies'. The is ticket is really an insult to any citizen that has half- of brain.

I want issues, answers, questions, solutions, no gimmicks, and sound-bites. I swear, if this country elects Moose and Squirrel they deserve every rotten thing that happens to them. We would truly be past the point of no return.

dan   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Wait a minute. This guy does not have a business yet, I belived he was asking Obama when he buys his business so McCain you dead wrong again. Please relate with the real small business people. I am one of them and having my business over 10 years, I have never made over 250k. And in reality how many plumber made over 250k a year please another political slander.

Ron   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

John McCain has ruined Joe's life. Everything that McCain touches wilts away. Joe may be enjoying himself,but McCain is presenting him as something that he is not.
1) does not make more than 250.000 dollars a year
2) does not own a business and at 40,000 year, will not be buying one soon.
3) Joe the plumber does not have a plumber's license and is working illegally.
4) We will soon find out about all his problems and will probably be hearing from his ex wife.
Talk about bad luck… what started as a little exaggeration, is completely going to bury him.

karen   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

IT'S JUST GOING TO BE ANOTHER IGNORANT PERSON ON HIS TEAM .TELL HIM TO PAY HIS TAXES LIKE MOST PROUD AMERICANS .MY FATHER HAD HIS PLUMBING CONTRACTING BUSNESS FOR 40 YEARS AND HE WORKED IN MOVIE STARS HOUSES THEY PAID GREAT BUT HE NEVER MADE AS MUCH AS YOU THINK YOUR GOING TO MAKE. MY FATHER WAS AN APPRENTICE AT 19 A PLUMBER AT 23, YOU GOT TO BE IN YOUR LATE 30′S HE BETTER HURRY UP BECAUSE BY THE TIME YOU GET IN YOUR 50′S BETTER HOPE YOU HAVE ENOUGH EMPLOYEES BECAUSE YOUR BACK WILL BE HURTING.

Ryan   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

This is becoming such a joke. McCain needs to go down hard on November 4th for any other reason just to prove that the American people aren't this incredibly stupid to fall for such obvious political gimmics.

John in Gig Harbor   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Joe is not a real plumber. If he is in the plumbing business, he must hold another title such as superintendent or project manager. Even at that, it is hard for me to believe that Joe is like me. I am a superintendent for a fire sprinkler company, similar to plumbing in many ways, and I can't afford to buy a business that makes $250,000 or more profit annually. Typically, it takes 5 times the annual profit to buy a business at a minimum. This means that Joe needs to put out $1.25 million to even break even, and after that, he can make some money. Joe six-pack doesn't have $1.25 million. Joe the plumber is a venture capitalist at best, and a fake at worst. He does not represent the typical American, and I'll bet his story is a lie.

Get a life John McCain.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Bald ex-warrior   October 17th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Perfect!!!!

McCain the Honorable is shacking up with Joe the Plumber.

Anyone else notice that the the man doesn't live up to the title?

Joe's persona is a fraud and I see why it would appeal to McCain.

Don't deal in hard, honest facts. Rather, sell those public facades that betray the contempt you have the average American.

WE ARE NOT THAT STUPID MCCAIN! We see that you are not the Hero you once were. You are not the Straight talker you once were and that is why I CANT vote for you. Even if I didn't like Obama I wouldn't vote for your second rate campaign.

Please return the Honorable McCain to us so that you can retire with pride. Right now you disgust me!

NotJoe   October 17th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Joe ain't the only person out there. There are othe "small business owners" that want equality for the people that are working to get the their financial status. What about the teens that are just starting out? What about the elders who have struggled their whole lives? Why not tax the celebrities that think giving to charity will keep them safe? Charity is all well but maybe it's not just harity that needs to happen. Sharing the wealth was never an option before and look where it got us. SHARE THE WEALTH AND WATCH WHERE IT TAKES US!!!!

Obama '08 Independent supporter,

NOT JOE

Dave   October 17th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Oh great!!! Mr. Plumber and Mr. Dumber out on the campaign trail together. Why call economists in to solve our budget mess? Now all we have to do is call roto rooter. OMG!!

Joe, not the plumber, but the tax payer   October 17th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

. . . . Similar to Count Dracula?

Ed   October 17th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Come on Joe, we all know you don't need all that money.

Wealth Redistribution Theory
Liberation Theory
McMansions for the Homeless Theory

Sounds like a Radical to me.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 17th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Cindy just released her tax return earnings and I can really relate to making $4 million dollars in a year. Too bad the rest of you worry about losing your houses, jobs, kids tuition, health insurance and whatever, I will still be wealthy and I don't care about the rest of America, my family is set for life.

bystander   October 17th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Joe doesn't want to make $250,000 a year, because he is afraid of paying a little more taxes? So phony. Can the republicans make any sense any more?

abel sterling   October 17th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

McCain and his joe da plumber are da world 2 bigest loozer ever,,,,,,,,,,,,the plumber just like the media he is not nobody..

Anonymous   October 17th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

What a crock, Joe isn't a small business owner. He isn't trying to buy a business. He doesn't even have a license and owes income taxes. I'm a small business owner and Joe is an insult of an example to small business owners.

NO MORE JOE - PLEASE!   October 17th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Enough already, McCain can you actually talk about the something worth while.

If I have to here about Joe, who doesn't even pay his taxes, the non plumber one more time, I am going to be sick.

Bama4Obama   October 17th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

This is stupid! We can only hope the voters in this country don't fall for this nonsense! Yet another example of McCain's desperation.

Speider   October 17th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

And so this poor, average "Joe" will be used by McCain and become a laughable icon of the election while his "15 minutes" may very well make his life miserable before McCain moves on and Joe the Plumber must deal with his "fame."

Leave the man alone. He asked a simple question and is being used to help twist a political agenda. He is not in the business of politics and may be confusing doing his public duty with being used by a political machine. Shame on the McCain thugs for tricking this honest and hard-working man.

Shelley in Oregon   October 17th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Oh brother……..

Texun   October 17th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

More irrelevant phony baloney from the directionless McCain campaign.

Independant   October 17th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Another reason why Mccain wont win this election. Asking Joe I mean Sam on the trail a registered Republican with no license and a guy that cheated the system by not paYING TAXES.. what ashame! shame on you mccain, instead of focusing whats really important for americans the economy you are giving the spotlight to a sore loser!

Michael from New Mexico   October 17th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

McCain is looking for another shiny object to distract the fact that he is way behind in all the polls. Poor Joe. I mean poor Sam. Another sad player in McCain's sorry circle of friends.

B. Smart   October 17th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

. . . Just what John McCain needs. Another "choice" to further prove
his bad judgment.

Joe the Liar on the campaign trail with the other Republican liars   October 17th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

This is the biggest diversion from the issues I have ever seen the Republicans throw. This is a preverbial smoke screen, a guy who's name isn't even "Joe", who lied to get 10 mins of fame. The Repubs are going to use this guy who has less than good character to represent them, Oh yeah they are all LIARS!!! The elderly really need to pay attention to this guy being a sarrogate for Mc Cain because he wants to do away with Social Security. This guy is a bafoon and the Repub supporters would follow a squirrel if he said anything against Obama. This is the funniest show I have ever seen before.

bystander   October 17th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Do sleeping along with a secessionist make her a secessionist too?

Brian from NYC   October 17th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Joe the "Plummer" is NOT a small business owner, in fact he doesn't pay his taxes and he isn't even a plumber. This is more BS from the McCain campaign and a complete liar.

Ernestine   October 17th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

I KNEW THIS GUY WAS A PLANT, THE MCCAIN CAMP. STAGE IT SO THAT THIS GUY WOULD BE IN THE SAME PLACE AND SAME TIME AS OBAMA. IF YOU NOTICE THAT ALL OTHER TIMES OBAMA WAS TALKING TO PEOPLE THERE WAS NEVER ANY AUDIO, BUT THIS TIME IT JUST HAPPEN THAT THE CAMERA CAUGHT THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN OBAMA AND JOE. THEN MCCAIN JUST HAPPENS TO BRING HIM UP IN THE DEBATE. COME ON THIS WAS A SET UP AND THEY SHOULD BE A SHAMED. ANY IF THIS JOE TAKES MCCAIN UP ON HIS OFFER THEN WE KNOW IT WAS TRUE. SETUP!!!

Steph   October 17th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Is McCain going to pay his back taxes? Will Joe speak for McCain about his social security plans?

I guess McCain likes him so much because he is practicing without a license, just like what McCain wants to do with Troops for Teachers. That is just what we need unlicensed plumbers and, especially, unlicensed teachers. Go McCain, keep on talkin'!

BC in Seattle   October 17th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Too bad it is all just a big gimmic.
The guy is not a plummer.
He is not trying to buy a business.
He makes $40K a year.
He would get a tax break from Obama but not McCain.
He is a regestered republican and a plant at the Obama rally.

Joe the Liar?   October 17th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

McCain sure does have a soft spot for liars. Why would you pick a liar for a VP and a liar to join you on the campaign ? Why not try to find or hire someone to try to save this train wreck? Instead of acknowledging the fact that he lied, he spins it so that Joe looks like the average American asking a "hypothetical" question that everyone needed an answer too. Give me a break.

McCain/Palin = Shameful, hateful behaviour   October 17th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

So not only is McCain milking this poor schlub for all he's worth, but, in a typical move of cynicism, he's furthering the myth of 'Joe the Plumber' who's neither a plumber nor a Joe.

Pathetic.

ER P   October 17th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

These two guys deserve each other! Joe the non-qualified "plumber" is obviously a fake and his 15 minutes of fame should be up soon, just like McCain and Palin.

cecil   October 17th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Sorry For What

Heleva   October 17th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

I think McCain needs to take his medicine. This guy's name is Sam, not Joe.

margie   October 17th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

cool

Independent for Obama!!   October 17th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

I think Mccain is losing it and pulling every trick to win the people's votes. I care less if Mccain brings Joe the plumber, that does not make him one of us and it does not change the fact that he is not the man to the job America needs at this time. Obama did not mean he will raise a plumber's taxes, a plumber does not make $250K and that is not elitist dear Mr Mccain, I live in CT and in a very nice area where Plubmers charge a ton of money and my plumber does not make $250K a year, so let's stop the BS. You are haniging on to a thread so you think you should run with it! Great, that's the kind of president we need in these crisis.
Obama/Biden

Kathy   October 17th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Is he really getting that desperate? I think this a lame attempt to get anything. Joe the Plumber seems uninformed. With the times had he invested his own money and he were retired he would be broke.

Sue   October 17th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

So? I can't understand why this is news. What's the senator going to do about the fiscal problems created by his good friend 'W'?

Amy   October 17th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Good Grief, is there any level that McCain won't stoop to? I thought that he felt Joe the Plumber was being scrutinized too much. Doesn't he realize this will only add to the scrutiny Joe the Plumber is under?

Laura   October 17th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Dumb.

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