(Jake Turcotte)
What does Joe the Plumber do now?
By Jimmy Orr | 11.04.08
It looks like a cabinet position in the White House isn’t going to happen.
With Ohio and Pennsylvania both going to Barack Obama, the chances of a McCain presidency are really dim. You could even say they’ve gone down the drain.
But that doesn’t mean Joe the Plumber is going down the drain with him, right?
Well, with election season ending and Wurzelbacher’s main currency being McCain, how does he remain in the public eye?
Book, website
He was able to use his month in the limelight to secure a book deal and yesterday he launched a web site called called SecureOurDream.com.
The purpose of the site is to help people take control of their government he said.
“I have formed this organization to bring together individuals who want to help others, while at the same time ensuring our government keeps answering our tough questions,” reads a narrative attributed to Wurzelbacher on his new site.
Harsh spotlight
But in an interview with the Guardian, he seemed a little put off from the spotlight.
“You know, fame is fleeting, leaves you hungry, leaves you cold, leaves you tired. Fortune never comes with it,” he said using words that could just end up as a country western single.
McCain
In that interview, Wurzelbacher even seemed a little irritated with McCain himself.
He vented frustration at the way McCain thrust him into the spotlight by mentioning him more than a dozen times during a televised debate with Barack Obama, in which Wurzelbacher was held as an example of an aspirational working man.
“I was unhappy that my name was used as much as it was because I think there were real other issues that should’ve been discussed during the debate,” said Wurzelbacher. “I was happy that I was used as a focal point but I didn’t think I was going to be the only point.”
Not journalism
He’s not that happy with the media either. He told the Toledo Blade that reporters need to focus on reporting facts instead of “spreading personal views.”
“The media is on an agenda as it sealed the elections for Obama almost after the presidential debates, being off-limits on many issues and involved in character assassination,” he said.
<< Obama grabs Ohio and steadily rolls up Electoral votes | MainComments
2. erin | 11.05.08
If “Joe the Plumber” didn’t want to be used, he had the power to “just say NO” to the media attention. Instead he took advantage of the situation, and now is trying to capitalize on his UNEARNED moment of fame and play the victim. I don’t see how he can “write” a book based on ????–everything about him, including his limited understanding of politics and world events, doesn’t add up to a real story.
3. Phebe | 11.05.08
For a fellow that is ‘all front and no back,’ who’d ever think sane, thinking people would vote him in for PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?????! ! !!!!!
5. tim_in_nj | 11.05.08
“joe the plumber” is going to be a mighty funny term to look back on when i’m all growns up.
on that note, I hope Obama instates some limitations on money to be used for campaigns. I know it might be viewed as hypocritical, but when the political season is as long as it is you get people talking about things that are a big waste of time. sorry joe.
6. Morgan | 11.05.08
Among the many mistakes McCain made was picking a common-man-role-model who’d been vetted about as well as that disastrous pick of a VP. Joe (whose name wasn’t Joe) the Plumber (who wasn’t really even a plumber) couldn’t stop milking his fifteen minutes of fame long enough to realize he was hurting McCain.
7. Ex Republican | 11.05.08
I left my party in the dust because of the irresponsible choices John McCain made in picking his Vice President and putting his arm around this joker “Joe The Fake Plumber”. Our Country is fighting 2 wars and working hard to fix our failing economy and McCain is makings dangerous choices like these?
As a registered Republican I voted without hesitation for Obama and I’m very proud that I did. I am also very sure that I am not the only Republican that made the same choice that I did.
8. José el Plomero | 11.05.08
When Sarah Palin introduced him in one of her rallies she declared: “let’s welcome JOE THE PLUMBER, OUR kind of guy!” Apparently a white, middle aged, heterosexual, male is the kind of guy for the Republican party. In the end the Democrats won because America is not JOE THE PLUMBER anymore.
10. overdue | 11.05.08
His book might be like a parody, coffee table sort of thing. Could be funny….
Like Erin, comment #2, I’ve been wondering how the Republicans can complain about all the free media attention they got. Every time they scream “Uncle!” it makes headlines for 24 hours.
Then they complain about the “media bias,” and THAT gets reported too, cause the media is too scared to NOT report anything they say. The Republicans had it made, and they blew it. But tough talkin’ gun slingin’ mavericks really shouldn’t whine about anything. Very unbecoming.
11. Craig Alan | 11.05.08
I heard this guy wasn’t even a licensed plumber - right? Worse yet - if you watched Joe’s (Wurzelbacher’s) entire interaction on the news interview with OBAMA, Joe was actually conciliatory at the end of the interview with OBAMA; as he started to realize that he would likely do better with OBAMA after the conversation. The 5 seconds of fame Joe got went to his head I’m afraid. It appears that had “Joe the Plumber” been more astute to begin with and had he done some reading/research on OBAMA’s economic policies that he would never have made the accusations he did towards this candidate (now president). Can this guy even afford to buy a company? He didn’t appear to have it together. Didn’t he have a lien on his house? If you’re a person with enough money to start a business would you be able to fix up your house and also be able to pay of a couple thousand dollars for a house? Seems to me that Joe should get real!
12. Bill | 11.05.08
I don’t see where it’s Joe’s fault that McCain kept mentioning him. I assume he was invited to attend those campaign rallies, he did not just show up on his own. Blame the McCain campaign folks for not realizing that the entire Joe the Plumber message was not resonating with the public. The smart ones had immediately realized that the entire premise of his concern (that he would pay more taxes) was bogus, not to mention the entire “share the wealth” tag line that was ridiculous because it’s how the US tax system works!
I read an article that said that Joe was now unemployed. I hope he can get a job as a plumber again, hopefully no one will care that he’s not licensed.
13. ds | 11.05.08
Get a job, joe the plumber. forget the recording contract. In 3 months, no one will remember you.
14. Big Blue | 11.05.08
Does anyone want ot join me on the countdown to Joe the Plumber on “Dancing with the Stars” or maybe thoe “Smoking Gun Presents” things on TruTV. Do they still have Hollywood Squares? Joe was a campaign ad and like all the ads they stop, thank God, after the election. Someone should tell Joe he’s been cancelled.
15. scoobydoo | 11.05.08
Nice to know that Ohio didnt buy into the common man fabrication. It seems our plumber has no clothes.
16. Joe the Retired Guy | 11.05.08
He did NOT ask any tough questions, all he asked (under hypothetical assumptions) is: Won’t I make more money under McCain than you?
17. Nimble | 11.05.08
I certainly hope Joe will use his “snake” to rout out the GOP sewage that spewed from the sewers this election. Its plumbing is leaking. clogged and needs replacing badly.
18. antc | 11.05.08
Bravo everyone, we finally got it right!!! I have voted in three elections now and this is the first time the candidate I voted for won. I’m feeling this emotion right now and I’m not sure what it is, could it be pride? The United States in one day went from being loathed by much of the world, back to being the envy of many countries eyes. Now we just have to focus on keeping this momentum going and proving to the rest of the world that a powerful nation is one that doesn’t need to use military to accomplish its goals.
20. David | 11.05.08
If Joe the Idiot didnt’ want to be thrust into the spotlight he shouldn’t have accepted McCain’s request he go confront Obama. Anyone with half a brain could tell it was scripted.
21. Kevin | 11.05.08
Joe can study for his license exam and work a bit to pay his back taxes. Then? He can be happy and proud that he lives in the greatest nation on earth in one of its most momentous and historically significant epochs,
22. Joe the Inconsequential | 11.05.08
Why do we even care? His 15 minutes of fame were up 3 weeks ago. I am SO glad this joker didn’t make one blip on the electorate’s radar last night. That’s all I have to say.
23. Ron | 11.05.08
Genius business opportunity: He should sell plungers with his face on them. Maybe **** finally make over $200,000 and he can be taxed at a higher rate.
25. Dean Witter | 11.05.08
Part of being an ‘everyman’ is having the modesty to know when too big a fuss is being made about you. This guy didn’t pass that test, perhaps because he realized that sadly, there is no real money in working anymore, the money in America is in being a hedge fund manager or becoming some sort of media icon. Lacking an MBA, Sam (er, Joe?) took the opportunity to choose the latter career path. With massive layoffs and more to come, I don’t really blame him either.
27. Geoff | 11.05.08
What a great feeling knowing that Joe ‘the unlicensed overstating his income and that of his potential business’ Plumber will now be a curious afterthought in election history. Return to spinning your daydreams with your bar buddies. Go back from whence thou came, Joe. Call your publicist and tell him you’re over.
28. Working stiff | 11.05.08
Joe should be reimpursed and enumerated by Fox and Hannity specifically for the exploits…..
29. Marg | 11.05.08
Why did anyone want his autograph ?At rallies I couldn’t believe it up there with a pen in his pocket.I guess he will have to let his team go now that was doing his bookings for talks.Thank goodness.
30. sb | 11.05.08
To all you libs…Joe the plumber does not have to get a job or pay his taxes…he can sit back and collect from you that make over $250,000 FREE MONEY BABY!!!
31. Heather | 11.05.08
He’s not that happy with the media either. He told the Toledo Blade that reporters need to focus on reporting facts instead of “spreading personal views.”
Sorry plumber boy, where would your ‘fame’ be if the media didn’t ’spread personal views’?
32. Mark | 11.05.08
For all of you who are picking on Joe - I hope you are thrust into such a meatgrinder situation as he has been for only asking a question! May your time be twice as bad as his. He never claimed to have a plumber’s liscense - he curently works under his boss’s liscense - something that is done in every state as one works toward getting their own liscense - which he is almost ready to test for soon. Get real! We should be decrying the treatment received by Joe for simply asking a question. State officials looking into his records to dig up dirt, media who supported Obama digging up all the negative stuff they could find, etc. No wonder he wanted to set the record straight for all the good it did him - because of people like you - embittered, valueless, and clueless.
33. juan | 11.05.08
How was an unlicensed plumber’s helper going to get he money to buy the business? Even still, what was the NET PROFIT projections for that business? If they were high enough to affect his taxes he probably couldn’t afford to buy the business in the first place. This whole story is fake. He is a guy who will pay LESS taxes under Obama, but goes national by claiming the opposite. Where is the truth? He should slink back into his hole an live the rest of his life as a hard working constructive part of society (where he will benefit from Obama’s tax plan).
34. B Carter | 11.05.08
Not much of a future for Joe, no endorsements, etc. Nobody wants to associate themselves with a loser. However, on the other hand had Joe reassessed his position a created alliance with Barack Obama it’s my belief things would have been quite different for him. He’s not a very smart business man!
35. shane | 11.05.08
Joe the plumber and Sara Palin deserve each other. They don’t truly represent America.
36. Joe the Matt | 11.05.08
JTP’s website is just hilarious. He is selling ‘freedom memberships’ for 14.95/yr, which grant you access to his forum and blog, neither of which presently exist, and a free signed copy of his book, which has not been written. You also get free shipping on all JTP merchandise. What merchandise does the official JTP store offer, you might ask? It offers a pre-order of the unwritten book and the aforementioned freedom membership. And if you decide to pre-order the non-existent book, you get a freedom membership, absolutely free for one year! I think the term ‘Potemkin Village’ just got a new definition, and it is “noun-Joe the Plumber’s website”.
38. HelpThemSeetheLight | 11.05.08
Responses to responses:
5. tim_in_nj | 11.05.08
How does an unknown unseat an incumbent without a lot of money? Name recognition garners a lot of votes and the country is too large to reach the lesser informed without a lot of money.
11. Craig Alan | 11.05.08
I don’t believe there was anything President-Elect Obama could say to win over Joe-the-Plumber. I believe Obama’s skin color was a barrier between him and JTP after hearing an interview JTP had done with Katie Couric. JTP laughed and said that Obama “tap danced as well as Sammie Davis, Jr.” in his responses. Also, he was visibly agressive and combatant with Obama in their initial encounter. If I remember correctly, I don’t even think he shook Obama’s hand — but I could be wrong here.
John McCain used Joe the Plumber. But JTP was a willing tool.
39. MrSquirrel | 11.05.08
Now Sam-Joe the Not-Quite-A-Plumber can get back to what he does best… unclogging toilets, and not paying his taxes.
40. Sookie | 11.05.08
Is he really unemployed? Oh the deliciousness of it all if he goes on unemployment…
I especially loved that the McCain campaign had newsn crews in his livingroom to record his reaction to being mentioned during the debate. I’d bet my last dollar he otherwise wouldn’t have watched.
41. Joe Sixpack | 11.05.08
I’m sure Joe will agree that the election of Senator Government is a bresh of freth air.
42. Muscle Gay Stud NY | 11.05.08
There’s gonna be a job opening for a WHITE HOUSE CLOWN when the incumbent clown leaves office. I’m sure Joe will fill in the shoes nicely…
43. Louise Riley | 11.05.08
Joe the Plumber is a Fraud. Thank God we won’t have to hear about him again!
44. pw | 11.05.08
Hey scoobydoo what makes you better then Joe to say he is common ..whatkind of man are you ??? a uncommon freak? I guess that statement is like Obama’s commenthie Grandma was a typical white person …(RACIST)
45. arnold kemp | 11.05.08
Jo(k)e the plumber you are comical. You must be a slow thinker or a racist. You keep coming on telivision and making a fool of youself. Keep making a fool of yourself so we can have some good laughs!!!!!
46. RadianChalant | 11.05.08
I could not stand to hear about ‘Joe The Plumber’ after the second time I heard John McCain mention him at the debate. It seemed like sheer stupidity. The people in this country, can be very sensible when necessary. I hope that the plumber is flushed for good. I hope Sarah Palin disappears into a distant, faint memory. Let us heal our country, then move forward. Let there be peace in this world for everyone, reaching out with hands instead of weapons. The youth in this country really came out to vote; we should be so proud of them. Any republicans who came over to vote for Barack Obama, you did not jump ship; you just reached out a hand. Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama and Vice President Elect Joe Biden.
49. Joen | 11.06.08
McCain kept thrusting private citizens—Palin and Joe the Plumber–in the spotlight to articulate foreign and domestic policy who didn’t understand either. Two very human bad decisions.
50. JM | 11.06.08
Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber did for John McCain what riding in a tank did for Michael Dukakis.
Poor, poor John.
51. Web Smith | 11.06.08
Scary. Who says that Joe has to be licensed of belong to a union to practice his trade? Who says that unions and government get to decide whether or not Joe is a plumber? Who wants to be free?
52. Jerry Ulibarri | 11.06.08
As long as “Joe” insists on staying in the limelight, I think it’s time for some real vetting.
I suggest he present his curriculum vitae. That can be a beginning.
53. Jerry Ulibarri | 11.06.08
I looked at “secureourdream.com” and the only active link is “buy my book”.
Dude, it’s not working. Get to work, take care of your son, and pay your taxes.
Obama won, so you’re forgiven.
54. Jerry Ulibarri | 11.06.08
I looked at “secureourdream.com” and the only active link is “buy my book”. I tried to send “Joe” a comment, but there was no avenue. I’ll just write to him here:
Dude, it’s not working. Get to work, take care of your son, and pay your taxes.
Obama won, so you’re forgiven.
Also, go to “Change.gov” It’s a grown up version of “secureourdream/buy my book”
55. ROBERTHA | 11.06.08
Craig # 11 I agree with you, the way I seen it was that Joe the fake was on Obama’s side and then he was approached by the Mcain crew, and saw it as a chance at fame. So sad, be a man, and stand for what’s right.
This is to Mr. Bill # 12 we all have a free choice, Yes it was Mr. want to be’s fault, he had a choice to say that he agreed with our new President Obama, or take the low road to try to achieve fame and agree with Mcain. joe joe get over it, you blew your chance at fame, maybe you can go to school and learn to build bridges, and build a bridge and get over you minute of fame. 
so sad !!!!!!!! don’t cry, Obama being the man that he is, will still help you. That’s why he’s Prsident. Yeah OBAMA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
56. elwood | 11.06.08
I hope Obama selects him to be “secretary of the posterior”. He is more than qualified.
57. san | 11.06.08
im glad i dont have to see his ugly face again. he represent ignorance and uneducated fool. now is mcain or palin going to offer him a job. maybe work on mcain houses unclogging the toilets, or even better go to wassila where the fools like palin fit well. they make a nice couple of ignorants.
59. Bokwe | 11.07.08
Thank Goodness, the US almost went down the drain with Joe The Plumber around. What a wonderful show we missed here in Africa. I wonder whether Joe would consider coming to South Africa to teach us how to clown our canditates into oblivion, as our politicians seem to love it, too? We have an election coming soon. April 1st might be the date! Please Joe our taps are leaking.And here you don’t bother about a licence!
60. steve | 11.07.08
Just for laughs I just went to his website–it’s all “coming soon” except the bits where you send him money for his “coming soon” book. Hmmm…I don’t know about you, but when I sent money to Obama, I knew I was getting something in return.
Hey Joe, get a job!
61. may | 11.10.08
I think the ones that do not like Joe is scared of him and I think the one’s that don’t like him, live for the worldly things and that is what got us in this boat in the first place.Joe asked a question, that all of us should had askedas Americans and because he question Obama plan, the ones that do not like the question want to be judge and jury against joe.I think Obama is the pipe piper for those who had voted for him, he going too take all of us to the river and drown us like rats.I hope am wrong, but that to be seen.I will give him a chance to prove his self and that is more then what ya’ll have done for joe.
62. Scott | 01.07.09
Personally, I can’t wait for a book written by an unlicensed plumber that plumbs the depths of foreign policy and American values. Perhaps, he can include a chapter on tax evasion and obtaining employment with faulty credentials. I don’t enjoy paying taxes, and I am a nurse and would love to become a doctor- without the uneccessary education. I am counting on some tips from Joe! I think this guy has sprung a leak.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Aimee S | 11.04.08
Scrubbie bubblies, scubbie Bubblies…pay your taxes