Debate Puts Spotlight on 'Joe the Plumber'

Back on trail after debate, Republican still has Obama-baiting plumber on lips

(NEWSER) - Joe the Plumber remained a fixture of John McCain’s campaign today on the heels of his prominence in last night’s debate, the Chicago Tribune reports. “Joe's the man,” the Republican said at a rally. “He won and small businesses won across America. The American people are not going to let Sen. Obama raise their taxes in a tough economy.” More»

Democrat's tax plans amount to 'welfare,' Republican charges

(NEWSER) - John McCain criticized Barack Obama’s economic plans yesterday as the Republican focuses on portraying his opponent as a tax-and-spend liberal with a socialist vision for America, the Los Angeles Times reports. McCain had hoped to iconic plumber Joe on his tour of central Florida, but Joe Wurzelbacher refused. Instead, McCain appeared with several small-business types, including a florist and sports-bar owner. More»

Wurzelbacher hurts pros by having no license, he says

(NEWSER) - Joe Wurzelbacher may be the most famous plumber this side of Super Mario Brothers, but Troy Dunn doesn't think much of him. “Joe the Plumber isn’t even a licensed plumber,” says Dunn, the 44-year-old licensed journeyman who fixes Barack Obama’s toilets. “He's taking our work. McCain talks about the middle class, and then he brings up this guy as his champion. The middle class is being hurt by people exactly like him.” More»

The pitbull with lipstick might've been a game-changer, but enough already

(NEWSER) - It's an inevitability of any election season: Some phrases will get bandied around so much that the hapless American, simply trying to do his civic duty by paying attention, will be crushed under the sheer weight of political verbiage. The Red Eye lists the worst offenders:

• Change: As in, change the channel now.
• Hockey mom: We're not in Alaska any more.
• Joe the Plumber: He's not a licensed plumber, not named Joe.

McCain's guest nowhere to be found during first Ohio rally

(NEWSER) - The image of John McCain looking for a nowhere-to-be-found Joe the Plumber has surfaced on YouTube and is being forwarded by gleeful Democrats, notes MSNBC's First Read blog. “Joe’s with us here," McCain said at an Ohio rally yesterday. "Joe, where are you?," he asked, looking around. "Where is Joe? Joe, I thought you were here today." More»