Chat Details

'Joe the Plumber' Wurzelbacher 10-24-08

This chat will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2008.

Read the transcript of the live chat with Joe Wurzelbacher, better known as "Joe the Plumber," who joined us on Friday, Oct. 24.

Transcript

2. • Many on the right are suggesting that you are being "savaged" by the press, but haven't you A) chosen to jump into the political arena and B) been proven wrong on your view that Obama's tax cuts would hurt you--even if you purchased the company for which you work? Shouldn't the press question the veracity and reliability of people who volunteer for the spotlight? by Pensacola, FL
   • Answer: A: NO B: NO Shouldn't somebody question the press about their veracity and reliability? by
5. • Do you believe Obama will actually stick to his current promise of only raising taxes on incomes above $250k, or will it go lower? by La Jolla, CA
   • Answer: That's the big question isn't it. What worries me is that he is deciding that $250k is rich right now, but what's to stop him from changing his mind? As we all know, politicians change their minds at the drop of a poll. Personally, I think it will have to go lower. How else will he pay for all he wants big government to do? by
9. • Hi Joe. If you are making the average plumbers' salary, you will get a greater tax break under Obama ~4x greater than McCain as well as an education credit to get your plumber's license. Will this help or hinder your dream of owning your own plumbing business? When you do start your business - according to your business plan - when do you anticipate personally clearing greater than $250,000 income/year? by Grayslake, IL
   • Answer: Whether or not his tax plan, as he states it today, would help me, it still comes down to principles. I don't want someone else's hard earned money. How can you be sure they're not going to change their minds and decide you make too much money and want to take more of it to "spread" to someone else. Unfortunately, as much as Obama says he wants to help out small businesses, this small business opportunity is now dead. by
11. • Do you like the fair tax? if so would you conceder being a voice for the millions who support it? by spartanburg SC
    • Answer: 100% without a doubt I like the fair tax. It would have to be structured properly of course. But I like the principles of it, and especially the idea of doing away with the IRS. That being said, I'm a big proponent of the flat tax, which I believe would have the same effect and is just as fair. We all have to pay taxes for the defense of our country and certain basic government protections for the people. I would be interested in supporting and presenting either tax reforms to Middle America. by
14. • Why do you think the national media so quickly scrutinized and questioned your beliefs, private life and past, but didn't show nearly as much curiosity about the personal associations and public record of the Democratic nominee for president? by Gaithersburg, Md.
    • Answer: Because the media has an agenda, pure and simple. by
15. • Sen. McCain is kicking off his "Joe The Plumber" tour, in Florida, today. What invitations have you received from the campaign to join them for campaign events before Election Day? by Washington, DC
    • Answer: I did not receive an invitation and learned about it on the news only this morning. No one from either campaign has asked me to join them. I'm out to stick up for the regular folks. by
16. • You have been unfairly probed and dragged through the mud by the liberal press. Do you think others look at your experience of simply asking a candidate a question and be scared off from speaking one's mind? Are private citizens now fair game to the press if they ask a challenging question and the media doesn't like it? by Valencia, Pennsylvania
    • Answer: If we are too afraid to question our elected officials, the America I grew up in and love is gone. Maybe if enough of us are willing to question our government and those in other places of power, perhaps we can take back our country. by
17. • When you were face to face with Obama, what were you thinking and how did it feel? What was your gut feeling as Obama answered your question? by Thomasville, AL
    • Answer: When I was face to face with him, my honest first impression was that I expected something more. I had heard so much about "his presence" in the media that I was surprised to find that he seemed very average. My gut feeling as he answered my questions? I was scared for America. by
19. • Joe, whom are you voting for? by Washington, DC
    • Answer: A REAL AMERICAN ... I want a president who believes in democracy and the American People and the American Dream. I want a president who believes in smaller government and the ideals of our forefathers--and doesn't believe those principles are outdated. I want a president who is not going to lead us into socialism and despair. I want a president that can stand amongst some of the great leaders of our past. by