Joe the Plumber

Having my television glued to most of the election coverage as well as all of the local news in the Toledo, Ohio area, I was surprised to hear that a local guy, an average Joe as many would call him, made his way into the political limelight.

While all we are hearing on the television, the radio and across the news at the moment is John McCain and Barack Obama's bickering and campaigning for their claim for the presidency, over the past few days another name is taking center stage and gaining attention- not just in local media but in the world media; Joe the plumber.

Joe the plumber made his way to the front of the busy line to talk with democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama when he recently campaigned in Toledo, Ohio, which is located in Northwest Ohio near Joe's home. He asked Senator Obama why if elected, he would want to tax those in the upper middle to upper class income group ranging in the 200 to 250,000 dollar range which is what Joe is expected to profit if he purchases the plumbing business that he currently works for. Senator Obama stated that if one makes more money than those who are in a lower income bracket, that they should pay more in income taxes. He later debated with Senator McCain that the average American doesn't typically make that much money and someone who makes $30,000 a year shouldn't have to pay as much or equal tax as someone who makes three times as much money or more per year.

Senator McCain argued that we need to provide small business owners, like Joe the plumber the opportunity to succeed and improve their financial lifestyle, not defer them from doing so. McCain feels that by not allowing entrepreneurs the chance to start their own businesses we are hurting the overall effect of the economy.

Joe the plumber is star struck by the amount of publicity he has received from the media. Not only was he mentioned on the last presidential debate which raked in millions of viewers from all over the globe; he is heading to the big apple of New York City to attend interviews with high profile shows like Good Morning America and CNN to explain his newfound claim to political fame.

Joe insists he is just the average family man and he currently works as a journeyman plumber for the business he wants to eventually buy. He doesn't think of himself as a celebrity or important icon in the media but there are already websites that are selling 'Vote for Joe the Plumber' and 'Joe the Plumber for President.

Who would have ever thought a blue collar worker from Holland, Ohio would break up the monotony of this November's election!