http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/1 ... 5211.html'

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, a.k.a. "Joe the Plumber," is the topic of the day on the campaign trail, in part because he held an impromptu press conference Thursday morning in front of his house to discuss tax policy, his disdain for Social Security, and his critiques of Barack Obama.

Already, however, there is some dispute as to whether or not Wurzelbacher was being accurate with his critique of Obama. His business, as ABC reports, would almost certainly get a tax cut under Obama's plan, given that he does not expect to make anywhere close to $250,000 in profits.

Moreover, for someone worried about his taxes, Wurzelbacher doesn't -- it appears - always pay them. A filing with the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas shows that he has had state tax liens filed against him, meaning he was either delinquent or didn't fully cover taxes that he owed.

(more at the link)

On GMA this morning, Joe called Obama's tax plan "socialist."

But he's undecided.

Turns out that Joe Wurzelbacher from the Toledo event is a close relative of Robert Wurzelbacher of Milford, Ohio. Who’s Robert Wurzelbacher? Only Charles Keating’s son-in-law and the former senior vice president of American Continental, the parent company of the infamous Lincoln Savings and Loan. The now retired elder Wurzelbacher is also a major contributor to Republican causes giving well over $10,000 in the last few years.

http://www.eisenstadtgroup.com/2008/...-keating-oops/

So here's what we know. Joe "the plumber" Wurzelbacher has no license to practice plumbing, has neglected to pay his property taxes, and is a relative of the Keating family. The first two points are largely irrelevant, though they will no doubt be studied by the media for hours. But the question the media should be asking is this: Is Wurzelbacher a McCain campaign plant, who was deliberately placed in Obama's path in Ohio? And if so, what does this say about John McCain's relationship with the Keatings, which he insists ended years ago? And if they say he wasn't a plant, is this just too much of a coincidence to believe?

Plant! Not to mention he owns 3 business companies. Theres no chance a little plumbing business can make that much money

I don't think there's a lot to be gained out of attacking Joe personally. There's no way he's undecided, but that's not really the point.

The real issue to me is that Joe (and McCain) is arguing a hypothetical. What IF Joe made that much money (he doesn't) and what IF Joe bought a business (he hasn't) and what IF Joe had employees (he doesn't) and what IF Obama decided to lower the tax bracket (he won't).

But that the reality is that right now, Joe would save three times as much money under Obama's plan than McCain's. He would save a lot more money that he could then use to buy that business in the future.

But Joe, like so many middle-income Americans, are being misled into voting against their own financial interests based on scare-tactics and lies by Republicans.

Wait, Joe the Plumber is a real guy? I thought he McCain was just using him to symbolize the everyday man.

yeah the republicans are using the Joes alot to champion their cause. We just need a Joe Schmo to sit next to Joe 6Pack, Joe the Plumber, GI Joe and Average Joe

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/ ... tpop_story

Joe the Plumber reluctantly admits that he would get Obama's tax cuts.

According to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, Obama's tax hikes apply only when personal income, not the value of the business, rises above $250,000.

"What goes on your income tax form is your profit, not your gross receipts," said Eric Toder of the Tax Policy Center.

So today, Joe, who said he makes much less than $250,000, reluctantly admitted Obama would lower his taxes.

"I would, if you believe him, I would be receiving his tax cuts," Wurzelbacher said.

But that wasn't it for Joe last night.

McCain wanted Obama to say how much he would fine businesses that don't provide health insurance to employees. Obama spoke directly to Joe, claiming there will be no health care fines on small business.

"And I'm happy to talk to you, Joe, too, if you're out there. Here's your fine - zero," Obama said Wednesday.

Yep, definitely not a good choice of examples by the McCain camp. Of course with the way that McCain is running his campaign that doesn't surprise me at all.