(CNN) - Joe Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, has become an integral part of John McCain's presidential bid, but it appears the Arizona senator's campaign and the now-famous Toledo plumber need to work on their communication skills.
McCain aides told CNN's Dana Bash Wurzelbacher would appear with the Republican presidential candidate at his first campaign event in Defiance, Ohio. But in what was a slightly awkward moment for McCain, Wurzelbacher was nowhere to be seen when the Arizona senator called out for him.
Read Dana Bash's first person account of the mix up on AC360 blog
A campaign aide later said Wurzelbacher had "decided not to come" and may join McCain later in the day.
But reached at his home by CNN's Mary Snow, Wurzelbacher said it was "news to him" that he was supposed to be at the McCain rally. Wurzelbacher said nobody from the McCain campaign confirmed he was attending the event and called the incident a "miscommunication."
Wurzelbacher also said he is headed to Philadelphia for a charity event unrelated to the campaign and has no plans to meet up with McCain today.
UPDATE: Contacted by CNN a second time, Wurzelbacher said the campaign only called him to confirm after the event in question already took place. He will now try to meet up with McCain later in the day.
Watch: 'Joe': McCain 'a real American'
Wurzelbacher also said he had gotten an initial call about coming to the morning rally, "but no one called back to confirm," and was "not happy" that McCain had called out his name and he wasn't there.
From CNN Politics
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I really wish this guy would disappear from the spotlight. He's such an eyesore!
How much did they spend on his wardrobe and grooming. Lol! Joe you the.....MAN!
Everybody is jumping from the sinking boat.
The McCain camp is totally unorganized!!
Another rat jumps off the sinking ship...........
Obama has Bill Clinton and Colin Powell stumping for him.
McCain has Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder.
That says a lot.
Joe needs to be trained on speaking first. Because he has no idea about nothing and his is worse then Sarah!!
This is so sad. I would give them the benefit of the doubt on the "miscommunication" but don't you think someone would have confirmed he was there before introducing him? That is more than "slightly awkward" – that is pathetic and out of touch. Is this who we want running our country? I think not.
The JM/SP campaign could not find organize a three person parade. And they think they can run the country?
Not ready to lead - yet or ever.
Vote today for Obama.
OMG! Joe the Plumbers gone roque! He and Palin are bailing ship to save their shooting star careers. Get Harry the Milkman, quick!
Maybe there's a clogged drain somewhere
It's truly a sad commentary for the McCain campaign that they are actually using this clown to try to gain votes. If this is the best the Republicans can offer, they truly deserve to go down in flames.
Man, Joe know he's wrong lol!!! I heard the McCain speech & Palin speech today constantly referring to "Joe the Plumber". I guess the McCain/Palin campaign didn't get the memo. Talk about Straight getting off the Straight Talk Express!!!! LMAO
Joe, err Sam, you are being used like a $2 – crack hoe but you don't even realize it.
These Republicans don't care two hoots about by you. John McCain put the spotlight on you without even asking you if it would be OK. It's him that is to blame for media digging into your income levels, lack of a plumbers liscense and overdue tax issues.
Palin was being used too and you see how they've begun to turn on her as her appeal has wained.
Don't be stupid Joe. After McCain looses, and he will lose, what's left for you? You'll have burned bridges with those in Ohio that could help you and McCain will kick you under the bus.
This man cannot even manage his own campaign, and still, there are some people who think that he can manage a Superpower…
McCain’s campaign is 'truly' a joke!
Okay...perhaps finally we could put "Joe" to rest? hehehe
Guess good old Samuel (CNN, his name is SAMUEL, for the love of truth just say it like it is) had a few too many beers last night, and felt like sleeping in.
This is just the kind of "miscommunication" that truant employees have with their employers when they "forget" to come to work as scheduled.
Potential successful small business owner indeed.
I almost feel sorry for McCain at this point, he certainly cannot catch a break.
MAN WHAT A JOKE!! PATHETIC MORON!!
hahahahhahah. thats the most hilarious thing ever in compaign history!
seriously so now McShame is lieing that joe-the-lumber is supporting him. wow give joe-the-lpumber a break. he must be feeling so misused. who knows whom he is supporting. McShame shame on you. your compaign is the biggest liar on the planet. Desperation!!
I thought CNN was the ONLY unabiased News channel, but they keep moderating and declining my comment since 9 am.
Just in case this one somehow makes it.!!! OBAMA 08-12 !!!
It is sad that McCain has done this to this man. Next week when the Election is over, win or lose, McCain will cut this guy loose, send him back to Toledo and if he is extremely lucky he'll still have a job.
I gotta be honest and say if I was the owner/ceo of the plumbing company Joe was working for and he took off to "pal around with politicians" I'd consider him as "he quit."
McCain is like is like someone who is drowning ... they will tag onto anything even a straw to try and save themselves. After all tricks failed to work in his favor, he believes that Joe the Plumber is the panacea for his wobbling campaign for the White House.
Go Obama, Go Biden.
I don't care who you are... that's funny right there!
Hello Johnny Boy.....sorry I couldn't make it to your rally.....I was out
looking for a job to help pay my back taxes.