Joe the Plumber explained

Joe the Plumber
Birth Name:Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher
Birth Date:3 December 1973
Birth Place:Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
Death Place:Campbellsport, Wisconsin, U.S.
Spouse:Katie Schanen
Children:4

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher (; December 3, 1973 – August 27, 2023), commonly known as "Joe the Plumber", was an American conservative activist and commentator. He gained national attention during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign season when, during a videotaped campaign stop in Ohio by Democratic nominee Barack Obama, Wurzelbacher raised concerns that Obama's tax policy would increase taxes on small business owners. Wurzelbacher was a member of the Republican Party.

After he expressed to Senator Obama that he was interested in purchasing a small plumbing business, Wurzelbacher was given the moniker "Joe the Plumber" by the McCain–Palin campaign. The campaign brought him in to make several appearances in campaign events in Ohio and McCain often referenced "Joe the Plumber" in campaign speeches and in the final presidential debate, as a metaphor for middle-class Americans.[1] [2]

Wurzelbacher became a prominent conservative activist, commentator, author, and motivational speaker. In 2012, he ran on the Republican ticket to represent Ohio's 9th congressional district in the House of Representatives, losing to Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur.

Early life and background

Wurzelbacher was born on December 3, 1973, in Toledo, Ohio, to Kay and Frank Wurzelbacher.[3] The family moved to Florida when he was young, then returned to Toledo when he was in the middle of high school. After high school, Wurzelbacher enlisted in the United States Air Force, and chose plumbing (Air Force Specialty Code 3E451, or Utility Systems Specialist) as his area of training.[4] He was stationed in Alaska and North Dakota. Wurzelbacher left the Air Force in 1996 and worked as a plumber's assistant, but then switched careers and started working for the telecommunications company Global Crossing.[3]

2008 presidential election

Encounter with Barack Obama

On October 12, 2008, during a campaign break before the final presidential debate at Hofstra University, Obama visited a working-class neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio.[5] Wurzelbacher watched as the candidate engaged residents in conversation. He made his way through the crowd to ask Obama about his tax plan.[6] Wurzelbacher suggested that Obama's tax plan would be at odds with "the American dream".[7] Wurzelbacher said, "I'm getting ready to buy a company that makes 250 to 280 thousand dollars a year. Your new tax plan's going to tax me more, isn't it?"[8]

Obama responded with an explanation of how his tax plan would affect a small business in this bracket. Obama said, "If you're a small business, which you would qualify, first of all, you would get a 50 percent tax credit so you'd get a cut in taxes for your health care costs. So you would actually get a tax cut on that part. If your revenue is above 250, then from 250 down, your taxes are going to stay the same. It is true that, say for 250 up — from 250 to 300 or so, so for that additional amount, you'd go from 36 to 39 percent, which is what it was under Bill Clinton."[9]

Obama also said, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance at success, too... My attitude is that if the economy's good for folks from the bottom up, it's gonna be good for everybody. If you've got a plumbing business, you're gonna be better off [...] if you've got a whole bunch of customers who can afford to hire you, and right now everybody's so pinched that business is bad for everybody and I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."[10] [11]

Presidential debate

See main article: 2008 United States presidential election debates. During the third and final Presidential debate on October 15, 2008, at Hofstra University, many references were made to "Joe the Plumber".[12] In the debate, McCain repeatedly brought up "Joe the Plumber" and Obama and McCain then made statements aimed directly at Wurzelbacher. As a result, subsequent media attention was directed at Wurzelbacher.[13] [14] [15]

After the debate, Wurzelbacher did not declare his vote for either candidate. He expressed concern that Obama's plans were "one step closer to socialism".[16] Obama's running mate Joe Biden argued that 98% of small businesses take in less than $250,000 a year in income and thus wouldn't be subject to higher taxes under Obama's plan. McCain stated that Wurzelbacher would see higher taxes under Obama's plan.[17]

2008 media appearances

Wurzelbacher spoke to Katie Couric of CBS Evening News on October 15, shortly after the conclusion of the final debate. Asked whether Obama's proposed $250,000 tax threshold would affect him, Wurzelbacher replied: "Not right now at presently, but (...) he's going to do that now for people who make $250,000 a year. When's he going to decide that $100,000 is too much? (...) You're on a slippery slope here. You vote on somebody who decides that $250,000 and you're rich? And $100,000 and you're rich? (...) Where does it end?" He also said: "I asked the question but I still got a tap dance...almost as good as Sammy Davis Jr."[18]

Wurzelbacher held a press conference at his home on the morning of October 16, following the debates, where he refused to express support for either candidate. "I'm not telling anybody anything" about which candidate he preferred, he said, adding, "It's a private booth. I want the American people to vote for who they want to vote for."[19]

On October 16, Wurzelbacher appeared on Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News. Neil Cavuto asked if Wurzelbacher was persuaded by Obama's plan. Wurzelbacher said that he was not and that he was more frightened upon hearing it. Wurzelbacher suggested that Obama's plan was socialist in nature.[7]

That same day, Wurzelbacher also appeared on Good Morning America. Diane Sawyer asked him if he was taking home $250,000 now, Wurzelbacher said with a laugh "No, not even close."[20] Sawyer asked Wurzelbacher, "And the McCain camp, some people have said did they contact you and tell you that you were going to be a major part of this, and had they contacted you before that encounter with Senator Obama?" Wurzelbacher answered, "Oh no, no, no one's contacted me as far as if I was going to be on the debate or as far as my name being used. No. I have been contacted by them and asked to show up at a rally. But, other than that, no. I just happened to be here and Barack Obama happened to show up."[20]

ABC News reported on October 16, 2008, that there was a judgment lien against Wurzelbacher for non-payment of $1,182 in owed Ohio state income taxes dating to January 2007, but "no action has been taken against him outside of filing the lien." Barb Losie, deputy clerk of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, said "there is a 99 percent chance [Wurzelbacher] doesn't know about the lien, unless he did a credit report or was ready to pay his taxes."[21] While on Hannity & Colmes, Wurzelbacher stated that he was unaware of the tax lien prior to it being reported in the press.[22] The taxes were paid on November 6.[23]

On November 2, Wurzelbacher appeared again on Your World with Neil Cavuto, where he expressed concern that Barack Obama's tax plans would go down "a slippery slope" and eventually raise his taxes. Wurzelbacher also questioned Obama's patriotism, saying "there's too many questions with Barack Obama and his loyalty to our country."[24]

References on the campaign trail

On October 18, McCain told a campaign rally in Melbourne, Florida, that he had phoned Wurzelbacher for the first time on October 17. McCain said, "He's a great guy, proud of his grandfather who served in the US Marine Corps. We're going to fight for Joe, my friends, we are going to fight for him. The question Joe asked about our economy is important, because Senator Obama's plan would raise taxes on small businesses that employ 16 million Americans. Senator Obama's plan will kill those jobs at just the time when we need to be creating more jobs. My plan will create jobs, and that's what America needs."[25]

The McCain-Palin campaign's senior strategist Steve Schmidt said that McCain's strategy in the final weeks of the presidential campaign was based primarily on his differences with Obama on economic issues, which they would continue to highlight through the story of Joe the Plumber.[26] [27]

After the final presidential debate, McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin frequently repeated the charge in campaign speeches that "Joe the Plumber" would pay higher taxes under Obama and Biden's plan, although according to tax analysts neither Wurzelbacher nor the company he works for would actually be subject to higher taxes under Obama's tax plan.[8] Obama's "spread the wealth around" quote was later used by the McCain campaign, comparing the Democratic policies to socialism.[28] McCain said, "[Obama] wants government to take Joe's money and give it to somebody else." Obama said in a campaign rally on October 24 that McCain was "not fighting for Joe the Plumber. He's fighting for Joe the Hedge Fund Manager... He likes to talk about Joe the Plumber but he's in cahoots with Joe the CEO." Obama then promoted a plan for middle-class tax cuts and "asked for a show of hands at the rally in the Richmond Coliseum from those making less than $250,000. Nearly all of the 13,000 people raised their hands."[29]

Aides to the McCain-Palin campaign said on October 24 that they would "spend heavily" on a new TV advertisement invoking Wurzelbacher's nickname. The advertisement would feature "several different people looking into the camera and saying, 'I'm Joe the Plumber.' One man accuses Obama of wanting to use the man's 'sweat to pay for his trillion dollars in new spending.[30]

Joint appearances with John McCain

On October 30, Wurzelbacher made appearances with John McCain during Ohio campaign stops in Sandusky, Elyria,[31] and Mentor, Ohio.[32] In Sandusky, McCain accused the Obama campaign of attacking Wurzelbacher,[33] and in Mentor, Wurzelbacher was allowed to address the crowd, saying, "Once you find out the facts, they become quite obvious," while pointing at McCain.[34]

Earlier in the day, at a rally in Defiance, Ohio, McCain thought that Wurzelbacher was supposed to be in the crowd and called for him to stand up. When it became clear that he wasn't in attendance, McCain ended the silence by telling the whole crowd instead to stand up, stating, "You're all Joe the Plumber."[35]

Plumbing credentials

Regarding his statement to Barack Obama about intending to buy the plumbing firm that employed him, Wurzelbacher later said that the idea of buying the company was discussed during his job interview six years prior.[6] Court records show that Wurzelbacher made $40,000 in 2006.[16]

As part of the background on McCain's use of "Joe the Plumber" during the 2008 campaign, several media outlets researched his professional plumbing credentials. One Toledo Blade article stated: "Mr. Wurzelbacher said he works under Al Newell's license, but according to Ohio building regulations, he must maintain his own license to do plumbing work. He is also not registered to operate as a plumber in Ohio, which means he's not a plumber." "Mr. Joseph [business manager of the local union] said Mr. Wurzelbacher could only legally work in the townships, but not in any municipality in Lucas County or elsewhere in the country."[36] Wurzelbacher later stated that he was no longer employed at Newell.[37]

Wurzelbacher was not a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (the national plumbers' union) and never served an apprenticeship.[38]

Database search controversy

See main article: Controversial Ohio database searches of Joe Wurzelbacher. Prior to the 2008 election, an employee of Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), at the behest of its director, Helen Jones-Kelley, used state computers to search for information on Joe Wurzelbacher. On November 20, 2008, the employee reported the violation to the State Inspector General. State and local officials completed an investigation into Jones-Kelley's order, concluding that the searches were improper.[39] [40] On December 17, 2008, Jones-Kelley resigned.[41]

In response to the event, Republican Ohio state representative Shannon Jones sponsored House Bill 648, which mandates civil and criminal penalties for improper access of personal information in state databases.[42] On January 6, 2009, Governor Ted Strickland signed the legislation,[43] which became effective after 90 days.[44]

On March 5, 2009, on behalf of Wurzelbacher, Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Columbus[45] charging that Jones-Kelley and fellow ODJFS employees Fred Williams and Doug Thompson improperly searched "confidential state databases" in an attempt to retaliate against Wurzelbacher's criticism of then-presidential candidate Barack Obama.[45] The lawsuit claimed "officials of the State of Ohio violated Mr. Wurzelbacher's constitutional rights",[46] and "Wurzelbacher suffered emotional distress, harassment, and embarrassment as a result of the search."[47] Tom Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, stated "no American should be investigated for simply asking a question of a public official."[48] The lawsuit sought unspecified punitive damages.[47] On August 4, 2010, the U.S District Court in Columbus dismissed the lawsuit on the grounds that the state database search did not amount to a constitutional violation of the right to privacy.[49] On March 25, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the dismissal.[50]

On October 14, 2009, the Columbus Dispatch reported that a former contractor for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police had been charged with "rummaging" through state computers to retrieve confidential information about Wurzelbacher. The State Highway Patrol stated that the individual also used a law-enforcement computer network to access personal information about Wurzelbacher.[51]

Post-2008 career and activism

In 2008, Wurzelbacher signed with a publicity management agent regarding media relationships, including "a possible record deal with a major label, personal appearances, and corporate sponsorships."[52]

In November 2008, Wurzelbacher was hired for a series of commercials reminding people to convert analog television to digital.[53] Wurzelbacher was hired to help consumers understand the DTV transition in the United States through a series of videos designed to explain the changeover.[54]

In November 2008, Wurzelbacher began promoting his book Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream.[55] [56] Co-written with novelist Thomas Tabback and published by PearlGate Publishing[57] of Austin, Texas,[58] the book addresses Wurzelbacher's ideas concerning American values.[59] In particular, Wurzelbacher criticizes John McCain and states that he did not want him as the Republican presidential nominee.[60] Wurzelbacher criticized McCain as a candidate, saying that the election was "the lesser of two evils".[61] On December 10, 2008, it was reported that Wurzelbacher also criticized McCain for voting for the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, also known as the bank bailout.[62] On the issue of taxation, he did not consider himself to be a supporter of either party.[63]

In January 2009, Wurzelbacher became a war correspondent for PJ Media. His first assignment involved visiting Israel for ten days during the Gaza War, with his reporting focusing on the Israeli experience of the conflict.[64] [65]

In May 2009, Time magazine reported that Wurzelbacher was quitting the Republican Party.[66]

On June 25, 2009, Wurzelbacher spoke at an event called "Pints and Politics" in Wausau, Wisconsin. During his speech, Wurzelbacher questioned why Chris Dodd had not been "strung up" yet. He stated that the Founding Fathers "knew socialism doesn't work. They knew communism doesn't work."[67]

On February 13, 2010, Wurzelbacher attended a political event for Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer. Speaking to a reporter afterwards, Wurzelbacher said "McCain was trying to use [him]", and accused McCain of having "really screwed [his] life up".[68] [69]

In Wisconsin, in February 2011, he spoke at a counter-demonstration during protests against Governor Scott Walker's attempts to abolish collective bargaining rights of some public employees.[70] In 2012, Wurzelbacher started the news site "Joe For America".

In February 2014, Wurzelbacher took a job at a Jeep plant which required him to be a member of the United Auto Workers. He complained that his colleagues called him a "tea-bagger".[71] The Washington Post, citing Sean McAlinden, who has studied the auto bailout as the Chief Economist for the non-profit Center for Automotive Research, commented that an "irony" is "that Joe the Plumber may not have gotten this auto job if it weren't for the hated bailout of the auto industry" which was "first championed by [George W.] Bush" but attacked by conservatives when implemented by Obama. McAliden is quoted saying "He wouldn't have gotten a job in Toledo if Chrysler hadn't been bailed out. Chrysler would have shut down immediately. No production; no jobs; no pension payments; no nothing."[72] For his part, Joe indicated he has no problem with unions per se, stating "Private unions, such as the UAW, is a choice between employees and employers. If that is what they want, then who am I to say you can't have it?"

In an open letter to the parents of victims who died in the 2014 Isla Vista killings,[73] Wurzelbacher wrote of his right to "protect my family",stating, "As harsh as this sounds—your dead kids don't trump my Constitutional rights ... We still have the Right to Bear Arms ... Any feelings you have toward my rights being taken away from me, lose those."[74] [75] [76]

Wurzelbacher voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.[77]

2012 congressional election

Draft movement

After his meeting with Barack Obama, a campaign to draft Wurzelbacher to run for the United States House of Representatives in the 2010 election started with the website joewurzelbacher2010.com.[78] The Washington Times and the Boston Herald reported that the campaign's goal was to draft Wurzelbacher to run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur of,[79] [80] although the possibility also existed for Kaptur to choose to run for the Senate seat being vacated by George Voinovich.[81] The website was created by Trevor Lair (then-chairman of the Massachusetts College Republicans),[82] Derek Khanna,[83] and the Massachusetts Alliance of College Republicans.[84] It encouraged visitors to sign an online petition that supported Wurzelbacher's run for office.[82] [85] Laura Ingraham asked Wurzelbacher, on October 24, 2008, if he would run against Kaptur. Wurzelbacher responded that he had considered the run and would be "up for it".[86]

Campaign

On October 7, 2011, Wurzelbacher filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to challenge Democratic representative Marcy Kaptur in the 2012 race for Ohio's 9th congressional seat.[87]

In the March 6, 2012, primary, Wurzelbacher gained the nomination as the Republican candidate in the race, defeating challenger Steven Kraus.[88] He ran in the November 2012 general election against Kaptur, who had won the Democratic primary against Dennis Kucinich after the two incumbents' respective Congressional districts were collapsed into one as a result of post-2010 Census redistricting by the state's Republican-controlled legislature.[89] He lost the election, with Kaptur, who had been the heavy favorite, receiving over 70% of the vote.[90]

In August 2012, Wurzelbacher drew criticism for a comment he made about illegal immigration. During a campaign rally for Arizona State Senator Lori Klein, Wurzelbacher said, "For years I've said, you know, put a damn fence on the border, going to Mexico and start shooting."[91] When asked about the comment later, he said that he did not care about being "politically incorrect". Klein defended Wurzelbacher, telling reporters his comments were just a joke.[92] [93]

Holocaust gun control comments

See also: Nazi gun control argument.

In June 2012, Wurzelbacher's election campaign released a video in which he said the implementation of gun control resulted in Europe's Jews being unable to defend themselves during the Holocaust, explaining, "In 1939, Germany established gun control. From 1939 to 1945, six million Jews and seven million others unable to defend themselves were exterminated." In the same video, Wurzelbacher stated that the implementation of gun control by the Ottoman Empire in 1911 resulted in Armenians being unable to defend themselves against the Armenian genocide.[94] [95] [96] [97] [98]

The video drew sharp criticism from the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) and Ohio Democratic Party chairman Chris Redfern.[98] [99]

Wurzelbacher subsequently defended the video, stating "Different countries around the world have tried to disarm their citizens, and then have tried to exterminate their own now-unarmed citizens. If people are looking to be offended by this video, they are probably serving a political agenda. Unfortunately there are a lot of whiners out there." Wurzelbacher's spokesman, Phil Christofanelli, also defended the video, stating that Wurzelbacher was a "student of history" who knows that the Founding Fathers "understood that the Second Amendment was always the people's last defense against tyrannical government."[95]

Personal life and death

Wurzelbacher was married twice. He had one child from his first marriage and three from his second, to Katie Schanen.[3]

In 2022, Wurzelbacher was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.[100] He died at home in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, on August 27, 2023, at the age of 49.[3] [101]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Joe the Plumber Represents Hopes, Dreams and Political Football . October 29, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . Fox News . https://web.archive.org/web/20081019204942/http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/16/joe-plumber-represents-hopes-dreams-political-football/ . October 19, 2008. Per this article's subtitle, "Joe the plumber is the nation's every man—embodying the American dream and representing the swing voter Barack Obama and John McCain want to reach"
  2. News: Doubts raised on US 'plumber Joe' . October 29, 2008 . October 17, 2008 . BBC News . Joe Wurzelbacher, 34, found himself at the center of a media frenzy on Thursday after "Joe the plumber" was mentioned 26 times during the final debate. . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081026081122/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7675278.stm . October 26, 2008.
  3. News: Samuel Wurzelbacher, a Symbol As 'Joe the Plumber,' Is Dead at 49 . Roberts . Sam. Sam Roberts (journalist) . August 29, 2023 . August 29, 2023 . . limited. B10.
  4. Web site: Joe the Air Force Plumber.
  5. News: In Working-Class Ohio, Obama Meets Amorous Dogs, Skeptical Plumber . October 20, 2008 . October 12, 2008 . Jake Tapper . Tapper . Jake . ABC News . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081016044809/http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/in-working-clas.html . October 16, 2008.
  6. News: 'Joe the plumber' isn't licensed . October 29, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . Larry . Vellequette . Troy, Tom . . Toledo, Ohio . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081028013622/http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081016%2FNEWS09%2F810160418 . October 28, 2008.
  7. News: Plumber From Ohio Is Thrust Into Spotlight . Rohter . Larry . Larry Rohter . The New York Times . October 15, 2008 . October 17, 2008.
  8. News: Real Deal on 'Joe the Plumber' Reveals New Slant . The New York Times . October 16, 2008 . Rohter, Larry. . October 16, 2008.
  9. News: ABC News video 'Joe the Plumber' . October 15, 2008 . October 20, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081019073936/https://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6031110 . October 19, 2008.
  10. News: McCain, Obama get tough, personal in final debate . Fouhy . Beth . October 15, 2008 . October 17, 2008 . Associated Press. https://web.archive.org/web/20081021004119/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ha9qKZFKzFvH74G3c5PxRG_lHRIAD93RC8FG0. October 21, 2008.
  11. News: 'Spread the Wealth'? . October 29, 2008 . October 14, 2008 . Jake Tapper . Tapper . Jake . "Political Punch" blog . ABC News . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081026174223/http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/spread-the-weal.html . October 26, 2008.
  12. News: Joe the plumber is real hero of the debate . October 31, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . Barrowclough . Anne . The Times . London . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081017081832/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4952909.ece . October 17, 2008.
  13. News: 'Joe the Plumber' says he has no plumbing license . John . Seewer . October 16, 2008 . Associated Press . October 17, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081019153648/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gJsPHiQlgYvAsrHz9mvHJlezQJLwD93RONUO0 . October 19, 2008.
  14. News: Candidates Make A Name for This Guy Joe . October 31, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . Shales . Tom . The Washington Post . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20121108181410/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101600099.html?hpid=topnews&sub=new . November 8, 2012.
  15. News: McCain invokes 'Joe the Plumber' to heap scorn on Obama . October 31, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . Ibbitson . John . . Toronto . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081019113939/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081015.wdebate1015/BNStory/International/ . October 19, 2008.
  16. News: 'Joe the Plumber' is focus of presidential debate's first few minutes . Tharp . Bridget . Zaborney, Mark . . Toledo, Ohio . October 16, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081018154702/http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081016%2FNEWS09%2F810160418 . October 18, 2008.
  17. News: Biden questions 'notion of this guy Joe the plumber' . October 31, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . Sinderbrand . Rebecca . CNN . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081102181610/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/16/biden-questions-notion-of-this-guy-joe-the-plumber/ . November 2, 2008.
  18. News: Joe The Plumber's Chat With Couric . Montopoli . Brian . October 16, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081016233400/http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/16/politics/horserace/entry4525242.shtml . October 16, 2008.
  19. News: 'Joe the Plumber' still a topic for McCain, Obama . October 16, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . . Seema . Mehta . Michael Muskal . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081018012808/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-campaign17-2008oct17,0,373757.story . October 18, 2008.
  20. News: Meet Joe the Plumber . ABC Staff . October 16, 2008 . October 16, 2008 . . Video . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081017221710/https://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6047458 . October 17, 2008.
  21. News: America's Overnight Sensation Joe the Plumber Owes $1,200 in Taxes . October 25, 2008 . Ibanga . Imaeyan . Goldman, Russell . October 16, 2008 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081023053035/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Vote2008/story?id=6047360&page=1 . October 23, 2008.
  22. Web site: Joe the Plumber on "Hannity & Colmes" . https://web.archive.org/web/20081025033213/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/joe_the_plumber_on_hannity_col.html . October 25, 2008 . . October 20, 2008.
  23. News: Joe the Plumber pays off back taxes in Ohio . . Associated Press . November 7, 2008.
  24. Web site: Joe the Plumber questions Obama's loyalty to America. November 2, 2008. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20081106042640/http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Joe_Plumber_questions_Obamas_loyalty_to_1102.html. November 6, 2008.
  25. News: John McCain telephones 'Joe the Plumber'. . October 18, 2008. inquirer.net. December 4, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20081019130534/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20081018-167115/John-McCain-telephones-Joe-the-Plumber. October 19, 2008.
  26. Draper . Robert . The Making (and Remaking) of McCain . . October 26, 2008 . October 26, 2008 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081026045826/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/magazine/26mccain-t.html . October 26, 2008.
  27. News: Polls Cause Campaigns to Change Their Itineraries . Nagourney. Adam. Jim Rutenberg. October 16, 2008. The New York Times. October 17, 2008.
  28. News: John McCain compares Barack Obama's policies to socialism. Drogin. Bob. Mark Z. Barabak. October 18, 2008. Los Angeles Times. October 19, 2008. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20081019174454/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign19-2008oct19,0,6341003.story. October 19, 2008.
  29. News: Miller . S.A. . Obama: McCain's for 'Joe the CEO' . . October 22, 2008 . March 2, 2016 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184838/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/22/obama-mccains-joe-ceo/ . March 3, 2016.
  30. News: Abramowitz . Michael . As an Issue, Taxes Favor Obama: Polls Lean Toward Democrat on a Traditional GOP Strength . October 24, 2008 . October 24, 2008 . The Washington Post . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120331060520/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/23/AR2008102303363.html . March 31, 2012.
  31. News: McCain finally shares stage with Joe the Plumber. October 30, 2008 . Tom . Troy . . Toledo, Ohio . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20090123133208/http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081030%2FNEWS09%2F810300265. January 23, 2009.
  32. News: John McCain and Joe the Plumber, Together in Ohio. October 31, 2008. Michael. Shear. The Washington Post.
  33. John McCain In Sandusky Ohio. YouTube. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161129054256/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjLwKwdcGFc. November 29, 2016.
  34. News: Hutchison . John Arthur . McCain rallies in Mentor . . October 31, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230828033651/https://www.news-herald.com/2008/10/31/mccain-rallies-in-mentor/ . August 28, 2023 . live.
  35. News: Joe The Plumber Ditches McCain (VIDEO). October 30, 2008. The Huffington Post. Rachel. Weiner. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20081102045239/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/30/joe-the-plumber-ditches-m_n_139248.html. November 2, 2008.
  36. News: 'Joe the plumber' isn't licensed . Vellequette . Larry . October 16, 2008 . December 11, 2008 . . Toledo, Ohio . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081210034948/http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081016%2FNEWS09%2F810160418%2F-1%2FNEWS . December 10, 2008.
  37. News: Troy . Tom . December 20, 2008 . 'Joe' pens memoir on his life, his dream . . Toledo, Ohio . live . September 12, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090122212627/http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081220%2FNEWS09%2F812200366 . January 22, 2009.
  38. News: Rohter . Larry . October 16, 2008 . Joe in the Spotlight . The New York Times . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140222230436/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/joe-in-the-spotlight/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 . February 22, 2014.
  39. News: Ludlow . Randy . Checks on 'Joe' more extensive than first acknowledged | The Columbus Dispatch . October 29, 2008 . July 10, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100225234705/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/29/joe30.html?sid=101 . February 25, 2010.
  40. Web site: Report of Investigation . November 20, 2008 . State of Ohio Office of the Inspector General . https://web.archive.org/web/20081231153533/http://watchdog.ohio.gov/investigations/2008299.pdf . December 31, 2008.
  41. News: Director Who Improperly Searched 'Joe The Plumber' Resigns . December 17, 2008 . August 18, 2014 . Associated Press . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140819145621/http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2008/12/18/story_kelley.html . August 19, 2014.
  42. News: Worker says 'Joe the Plumber' cover-up was forced upon her . December 5, 2008 . December 5, 2008 . . Catherine Candisky . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100306121228/http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/12/05/copy/vanessa.ART_ART_12-05-08_A1_NQC4TEM.html?sid=101 . March 6, 2010.
  43. News: 'Joe the Plumber' bill OK'd by Strickland . January 7, 2009 . January 8, 2009 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090124192343/http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/01/07/ddn010709joe.html . January 24, 2009.
  44. News: Legislative floor actions . January 7, 2009 . January 7, 2009 . Associated Press.
  45. News: 'Joe the Plumber' sues 3 in database inquiry . March 6, 2009 . March 9, 2009 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100816125343/http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/03/06/ddn030609joesuit.html . August 16, 2010.
  46. News: Judicial Watch Files Civil Rights Lawsuit on Behalf of 'Joe the Plumber' . March 5, 2009 . March 9, 2009 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090310000337/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29534158 . March 10, 2009.
  47. News: Lawsuit filed in 'Joe the Plumber' records probe . March 5, 2009 . March 9, 2009 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090310010754/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hAiRHoxm_33jOEsEXI8dqj_ZNEdgD96O5D282 . March 10, 2009.
  48. News: 'Joe the Plumber' sues 3 former state officials . https://archive.today/20130102085305/http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/05/ajoe.html?sid=101 . dead . January 2, 2013 . March 5, 2009 . March 9, 2009 . The Columbus Dispatch.
  49. News: 'Joe the Plumber' loses suit over file-snooping . August 5, 2010 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20100818194647/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/5/joe-the-plumber-loses-suit-over-file-snooping/ . August 18, 2010.
  50. Web site: Wurzelbacher v. Jones-Kelly . https://web.archive.org/web/20140212010701/http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/12a0083p-06.pdf . February 12, 2014 . March 27, 2012 . August 19, 2014.
  51. News: Former police association contractor charged with snooping on 'Joe the Plumber' . https://archive.today/20130102092000/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/10/14/plumber.html?sid=101 . dead . January 2, 2013 . October 14, 2009 . December 19, 2009 . The Columbus Dispatch.
  52. News: Joe the Plumber pursued for record deal. Ressner. Jeffrey. October 29, 2008. Politico. June 23, 2010. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20100218141618/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/15072.html. February 18, 2010.
  53. News: Joe the Plumber now pitchman for analog-to-digital coupons. November 25, 2008. December 27, 2008. Boston Herald.
  54. News: The Digital TV Transition: More Confusion . December 22, 2008 . December 27, 2008 . The New York Times . Eric A. . Taub . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081229052728/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/22/the-digital-tv-transition-confusion-reigns/ . December 29, 2008.
  55. News: Joe the watchdog? . November 6, 2008 . November 9, 2008 . The Boston Globe . Foon . Rhee . live . https://archive.today/20130118092955/http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/11/joe_the_plumber_1.html . January 18, 2013.
  56. News: The Joe the Plumber book is coming soon. Really soon . November 18, 2008 . November 18, 2008 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20090107215516/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2008/11/the-joe-the-plu.html . January 7, 2009.
  57. News: Joe the Plumber 'spreads the wealth' with book deal . November 19, 2008 . November 20, 2008 . . London . Alison . Flood . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130904043216/http://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/nov/19/obama-joe-the-plumber . September 4, 2013.
  58. News: Call him Joe the Plumber With an Austin Connection . November 19, 2008 . November 20, 2008 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110320221916/http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/books/entries/2008/11/19/call_him_joe_the_plumber_with.html . March 20, 2011.
  59. News: Joe the Plumber Lands Book Deal . November 19, 2008 . November 20, 2008 . The New York Times . Dave . Itzkoff . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20090425035118/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/arts/20arts-002.html?ref=arts . April 25, 2009.
  60. News: Joe the Plumber Pens Memoir . December 20, 2008 . December 26, 2008 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081223022115/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/20/joe-plumber-pens-memoir/ . December 23, 2008.
  61. News: 'Joe' pens memoir on his life, his dream. December 20, 2008 . . Toledo, Ohio . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20090122212627/http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20081220%2FNEWS09%2F812200366. January 22, 2009.
  62. https://web.archive.org/web/20081213063126/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5TGKzn-3WBjOSjUncMvsJmdxrIAD95003N81 Joe the Plumber:Appalled by McCain bailout support
  63. News: Nick . Carey . Both U.S. political parties offend "Joe the Plumber" . Reuters . July 24, 2009 . July 25, 2009 . Does the Republican Party represent anything I stand for right now? Absolutely not," he said. "Right now the Republican Party doesn't even know what it stands for. . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20090726131741/http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE56N65J20090724 . July 26, 2009.
  64. News: Joe The War Correspondent . January 7, 2009 . January 7, 2009 . The Guardian . London . Daniel . Nasaw . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130905181248/http://www.theguardian.com/world/deadlineusa/2009/jan/07/republicans-gaza . September 5, 2013.
  65. News: Joe The Plumber Files First Reports From Israel On Gaza Crisis . https://web.archive.org/web/20130518080303/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/11/joe-the-plumber-files-fir_n_156978.html . May 18, 2013 . Amy . Teibel . Associated Press . Huffington Post . January 11, 2009.
  66. . Republicans in Distress: Is the Party Over? . Michael Grunwald . May 7, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100623072006/http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1896588,00.html . June 23, 2010.
  67. News: Robert Mentzer . 'Joe the Plumber' shares conservative views . Wausau Daily Herald . June 26, 2009 . May 4, 2018 . August 1, 2009 . https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090801043104/http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20090626/WDH0101/906260520/1981 . dead.
  68. News: "Joe the Plumber" Bashes John McCain . February 15, 2009 . Tucker . Reals . CBS News . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20100216175424/http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/02/15/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6209201.shtml . February 16, 2010.
  69. News: Joe the Plumber dumps on John McCain and Sarah Palin . Richard . Adams . . February 16, 2010 . London . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160515034151/http://www.theguardian.com/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/feb/16/joe-the-plumber-palin-mccain . May 15, 2016.
  70. News: Wisconsin budget cuts: Madison rally attracts thousands . BBC News . February 19, 2011 . February 20, 2011 . His message was: "Unions don't deserve anything, you don't deserve anything, you work for it yourself!" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20110220083702/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12517062 . February 20, 2011.
  71. News: 'Joe the Plumber' says he's in UAW . February 17, 2014. Tom . Troy . . Toledo, Ohio . February 18, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140306163354/http://www.toledoblade.com/Politics/2014/02/18/Joe-the-Plumber-says-he-s-in-UAW.html. March 6, 2014.
  72. News: Sargent. Greg. Joe the Plumber Gets a New Job. August 5, 2016. The Washington Post. February 18, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160822202514/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/02/18/joe-the-plumber-gets-a-new-job/. August 22, 2016.
  73. Web site: An Open Letter: To the parents of the victims murdered by Elliot Rodger . Wurzelbacher . Joe . May 27, 2014 . BarbWire: "Politics and Culture / News and Opinion From a Decidedly Biblical Worldview" . May 27, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140528022426/http://barbwire.com/2014/05/27/open-letter-parents-victims-murdered-elliot-rodger/ . May 28, 2014.
  74. News: 'Joe the Plumber' Pens 'Harsh' Open Letter to Isla Vista Relatives . Gittens . Hasani . May 27, 2014 . NBC News . May 27, 2014 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140528004803/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isla-vista-rampage/joe-plumber-pens-harsh-open-letter-isla-vista-relatives-n115561 . May 28, 2014.
  75. News: Joe The Plumber: 'Your Dead Kids Don't Trump My Constitutional Rights' To Have Guns . Lavender . Paige . May 27, 2014 . The Huffington Post . May 27, 2014 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140528021722/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/27/joe-the-plumber-guns_n_5397981.html . May 28, 2014.
  76. News: Joe the Plumber to parents of Elliot Rodger's victims: "Your dead kids don't trump my Constitutional rights" . Isquith . Elias . May 27, 2014 . Salon . May 27, 2014 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140527224426/http://www.salon.com/2014/05/27/joe_the_plumber_to_parents_of_elliott_rodgers_victims_your_dead_kids_don%e2%80%99t_trump_my_constitutional_rights/ . May 27, 2014.
  77. News: 'Joe the Plumber' praises Trump, cites his 'beautiful women'. Reuters. March 4, 2016. May 4, 2018. Reid. Tim.
  78. News: Joe the Plumber to become Joe the Politician? . October 18, 2008 . October 27, 2008 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20081022173119/http://www.wsbt.com/news/election/presidentialnews/31217114.html . October 22, 2008.
  79. News: GOP group says Joe the Plumber is the right guy to unclog Washington . Heslam . Jessica . October 18, 2008 . October 23, 2008 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081022071213/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1126280&srvc=2008campnews&position=4 . October 22, 2008.
  80. News: Joe the Plumber for Congress? . October 17, 2008 . October 23, 2008 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081021094208/http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/dinan/2008/Oct/17/joe-plumber-congress/ . October 21, 2008.
  81. News: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) Urges Homeowners to Stay in Foreclosed Homes. Democracy Now!. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20090902114415/http://www.democracynow.org/2009/2/3/rep_marcy_kaptur_d_oh_urges. September 2, 2009.
  82. News: Campaign to 'plunge the crap out of Washington' . October 17, 2008 . October 24, 2008 . CNN . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081020051419/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/17/campaign-to-%E2%80%98plunge-the-crap-out-of-washington%E2%80%99/ . October 20, 2008.
  83. News: Web site urges 'Joe the Plumber' to run for Congress . October 19, 2008 . October 23, 2008 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081208050658/http://www.toledofreepress.com/2008/10/19/web-site-urges-%E2%80%98joe-the-plumber%E2%80%99-to-run-for-congress/ . December 8, 2008.
  84. News: Joe the Plumber for Congress? . October 20, 2008 . October 23, 2008 . . https://archive.today/20130210005905/http://www.northwestohio.com/news/story.aspx?id=209809%23.URbwwX3LdVc . February 10, 2013 . dead.
  85. News: Joe for Congress? . October 17, 2008 . October 27, 2008 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081019032837/http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/10/17/joe-for-congress/ . October 19, 2008.
  86. News: Now, Joe the Plumber wants to be a Congressman! . October 25, 2008 . October 26, 2008 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20081027113037/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/now-joe-the-plumber-wants-to-be-a-congressman_100111532.html . October 27, 2008.
  87. News: 'Joe the Plumber' files for a congressional run. October 10, 2011. Reid. Pillifant. Capital New York. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20111011083231/http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/culture/2011/10/3685288/joe-plumber-files-congressional-run. October 11, 2011.
  88. News: 'Ohio's 'Joe the Plumber' gets GOP nod for Congress' . San Francisco Chronicle . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120307153424/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2012%2F03%2F06%2Fnational%2Fa214104S55.DTL . March 7, 2012.
  89. News: Dennis Kucinich concedes defeat to Marcy Kaptur in Ohio Democratic primary . CBS News . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120308071527/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57392078-503544/dennis-kucinich-concedes-defeat-to-marcy-kaptur-in-ohio-democratic-primary/ . March 8, 2012.
  90. News: Noga . Joe . November 7, 2012 . Marcy Kaptur coasts to win in 9th District congressional race . Sun News . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160424105843/http://www.cleveland.com/sun/all/index.ssf/2012/11/marcie_kaptur_coasts_to_win_in.html . April 24, 2016.
  91. News: Joe the Plumber calls to 'start shooting' immigrants at the border . The Raw Story . August 14, 2012 . February 18, 2013 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130606173447/http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/08/14/joe-the-plumber-calls-to-start-shooting-immigrants-at-the-border/ . June 6, 2013.
  92. News: Bingham . Amy . Joe The Plumber: 'Put A Damn Fence On The Border Going To Mexico And Start Shooting' . The Huffington Post . August 13, 2012 . February 18, 2013 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120905090656/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/13/joe-the-plumber_n_1773590.html . September 5, 2012.
  93. News: Bingham . Amy . Joe the Plumber Unfiltered: Build a 'Damn Fence' and 'Start Shooting' . ABC News . August 14, 2012 . February 18, 2013.
  94. News: Jewish Dems slam candidate 'Joe the Plumber' for Holocaust remarks . https://web.archive.org/web/20120623075454/http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/06/19/3098531/jewish-democragts-slam-joe-the-plumber-for-holocaust-remarks . June 23, 2012 . . June 19, 2012.
  95. News: "Joe the Plumber" links gun control to Holocaust . https://web.archive.org/web/20120620014311/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57456545-503544/joe-the-plumber-links-gun-control-to-holocaust/ . June 20, 2012 . Brian . Montopoli . CBS News . June 19, 2012.
  96. News: Johnson . Luke . 'Joe The Plumber' Claims Gun Control Caused The Holocaust . The Huffington Post . June 19, 2012 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20130824180404/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/19/joe-the-plumber-gun-control-holocaust_n_1609652.html . August 24, 2013.
  97. News: 'Joe the Plumber' campaign video blames Holocaust on gun control . https://web.archive.org/web/20120625020204/http://thehill.com/video/campaign/233575-joe-the-plumber-campaign-video-blames-holocaust-on-gun-control . June 25, 2012 . Cameron . Joseph . . live . June 19, 2012.
  98. News: 'Joe The Plumber' Links Holocaust With Gun Control . https://web.archive.org/web/20120621055211/http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2012/06/20/joe-the-plumber-links-holocaust-with-gun-control/ . June 21, 2012 . CBS Cleveland . June 20, 2012.
  99. News: Ignazio Messina . June 19, 2012 . Wurzelbacher video blames Holocaust on gun control . . Toledo, Ohio . https://web.archive.org/web/20120625020848/http://www.toledoblade.com/Politics/2012/06/19/Joe-the-Plumber-releases-controversial-video.html . June 25, 2012.
  100. Web site: July 28, 2023 . 'I Started Crying': Joe the Plumber Gets Candid on Prayer, Faith as He Fights Cancer Diagnosis . August 24, 2023 . Faithwire . en-US.
  101. News: Joe Wurzelbacher, known as 'Joe the Plumber' in 2008 election, dies at 49. August 27, 2023 . BNO News. August 27, 2023.

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