The Myth of Joe the Plumber

[dorothy_parka]

During last night's debate, Presidential candidate John McCain continually referred to someone named "Joe the Plumber." He tried to indicate that Joe was a real guy with a real problem--he was ready to start a business and Obama's tax plan would not allow that to happen

Comments

Wow!

[bghsmith]

That was beautifully well said and written. Bravo!

Re: Wow!

[dorothy_parka]

Thanks!

[mabnyx]

This is awesome, and also my favorite part of the Joe the Plumber thing was when McCain said, "Congratulations, Joe, you're rich!" and I said, "I'm...not rich, personally, though. So."

[dorothy_parka]

I'd feel rich if I was making $250,000 a year, and I live in Manhattan. That money goes a long way. I'm rich! Rich! Rich beyond my wildest dreams!

[eyeteeth]

You're rich in cat dander. This was beautifully, concisely written, just snarky enough and no snarkier -- a rare feat on the Internet! Also, enjoy this image from Angry Asian Man, who asks, "Is it just me, or is McCain losing it? Not just the election, I mean. It. He's losing it."

[dorothy_parka]

McCain looked particularly bad last night--sallow, and like he was a taxidermied body with an animatronic head.

but srsly, we should have all been plumbers. My 6th grade classmate's mother was right! She told him "Don't bother trying for Bronx Science. You're going to trade school to study plumbing."

[zenithblue]

This is awesome. I also love that you worked semen into a political rant. That's pretty quality.

[dorothy_parka]

Thank you! I should try to work semen into everything I do, except cookies.

[katylin]

I love this post.
I am totally freaked out that Joe the plumber was billed as real, and today I heard that he was not even a real person. It makes me feel so scammed.
always

[dorothy_parka]

oh, he's real, but his name isn't Joe, and also, he doesn't have a license for plumbing! The short version of the story is that he actually _doesn't_ make $250,000/year, but is interested in buying the business he works for, a 2-person plumbing business that grosses $280,000. He asked Obama about his taxes, and Obama said something about "spreading the wealth around" as I understand it, and "Joe" wasn't satisfied with that answer. Of course, as a business his $280,000 net doesn't get taxed as personal income, so actually "Joe" will pay LESS in taxes under Obama's plan.

so the short version isn't very short. it's a complicated story!

[katylin]

I have read all sorts of news on him now.
I can not understand why they did not do homework on him before letting all this out of the bag.
Did you hear about his back owed taxes?
always

[dorothy_parka]

McCain--his people are lazy! I think they think reporters don't know how to do any research. They grossly underestimate people.