Joe the Plumber is now a war reporter in Israel
By Jimmy Orr | 01.08.09
Hey, remember that old saying, “I’d rather get my international news from an unlicensed plumber than an experienced journalist?”
We don’t either. But if that’s your motto, we’ve got good news for you: Joe the Plumber is back!
Joe the war correspondent
A conservative web site long known for its international news prowess (Pajamas TV - who else?) has hired the former kind-of plumber/McCain prop/kind-of author to be its war correspondent over in Israel.
By the way, we’re not making this up.
Oops
Sure, when Wurzelbacher (his real name) actually tried to discuss foreign policy during the campaign it was a disaster stating that he agreed with the premise that a vote for Barack Obama meant a vote for the death of Israel.
This led the conservative Fox News correspondent Shepherd Smith to call Wurzelbacher’s remarks “frightening.”
Later in that same interview Wurzelbacher said, “Listen, you don’t want my opinion on foreign policy. I know just enough probably to be dangerous.”
Smith quickly agreed.
He’s an expert
But no matter to Pajamas TV. They not only want Wurzelbacher’s foreign policy insight — they’re paying him for it. They’re sending him over to Israel to cover the fighting.
Wurzelbacher will make a 10-day trip to the troubled area to talk to “regular people” about the conflict.
“I get to go over there and let their ‘Average Joes’ share their story, what they think, how they feel, especially with world opinion, maybe get a real story out there,” Wurzelbacher told WNWO-TV in Toledo.
Starting time
He was scheduled to leave last night for the troubled region, according to the plumber’s spokesman.
Wait. He has a spokesman?
The Toledo Blade quotes Tom Tabback, the guy who really wrote co-authored Wurzelbacher’s upcoming book as saying, “They have hired him on as a regular news correspondent and this is his first assignment.”
“What they are expecting from him on an ongoing basis is to give the ‘regular Joe’ perspective on the news, and kind of apply a … litmus test to what other media may be reporting, what politicians may be saying, which I think is a pretty good fit for him,” Tabback said.
Sure.
The Blade reported that Wurzelbacher will be accompanied by a cameraman and a plunger and it is not known whether he will be reporting from Gaza.
Streaming video
Hey, at least you don’t have to HBO to watch him. Barack Obama is still getting plenty of criticism over the decision to grant HBO exclusive rights to the opening inaugural ceremonies.
<< Want to watch Obama’s opening inaugural festivities? Better get HBO | MainComments
3. will | 01.08.09
funny…
but we do we keep calling him “joe the plumber”? he doesn’t even have a plumber license, and is delinquent on his income taxes and child support… more like a deadbeat…
4. Mickey Disend | 01.08.09
And who, precisely, are Jimmy Orr and David Cook? Is there a particular reason why we should listen to these two “Net hacks” over a guy with an open heart and some brass ones?
5. William | 01.08.09
How much worse could Joe do? Whenever I read a story on a subject about which I have a fair amount of knowledge, which is rare, I find it riddled with errors. I assume that all stories are riddled with errors as well.
6. Thomas | 01.08.09
Well he will need a local name, or the locals won’t understand who he is:
Joseph the Instalacia
7. Robin | 01.08.09
I’ve got to hand it to him, Joe really knows how to milk the system. What this really shows is how shallow and sensational conservative news entertainment has become. I stopped trusting Fox about a year ago. There will always be a market for snake oil so long as people are gullible and ignorant. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the sorry state of conservative journalism.
8. tom sands | 01.08.09
wait a minute! it only suppose to 15 minutes of fame, he eating into some other nobody’s time
11. Eric | 01.08.09
Joe the Plumber is as good a journalist as anyone! And I’m not being sarcastic. I’m sure he’ll bring his preconceived notions, political bias, moral hypocracy, and general ignorance into play just like all the other journalists. He’ll be deficient on slanting his writing to garble the facts to support his views and pretending his sanctimonious preening contributes to society’s general welfare. But I’m sure he’ll figure all that and spellcheck soon enough.
12. Leeroy | 01.08.09
with all the idiot reporters drumming up the news, I think it will be great having an every day guy in there. Maybe he will put some feeling back in the news instead of a fake smile and $1000 haircut.
13. S | 01.08.09
I can tell among the postings of the message board…who the smart people are who are educated enough to understand the appropriate use of ethics and logic and pathos in communications and those who do not. Kudos to you who do understand and are smart enough to use those perameters and look at all news sources, left, right and in between and make a health assessment for yourselves. Those who criticize the mainstream media (rights fundamental to the constitution/bill of rights which helps to guarantee a free nation)are thow who do not understand the appropriate perameters of communications and are not good judges of what a news worthy story is or whom would be considered credible or ethical journalists. Joe the Plumber does not qualify. People who cite news stories are familiar with the culture, history, language, customs, religion, social and political grasp etc. of the people they are covering. Joe the Plumber was a marketing ploy for the McCain campaign and a know nothing and ne’er do well, to boot. He is hardly qualified to speak much on plumbing let alone news stories that requires a fundamental knowledge of the subject they are covering…including, a possible college degree and experience in journalism. Not just a has been blow hard that has nothing to do but champion the cultural demise and anti intellectual bent of the extreme right wing. Talk about biased and ignorant!
14. Brian | 01.08.09
Well, look what’s happening in Israel right now? Maybe we should call him “Joe the Prophet”
15. Jan Hanssen | 01.08.09
Note how much hostility there is toward Joe W, who dared to question Lord Obama. He challenges Barack, and is attacked by the media. He has the resourcefulness to secure an honest job in a new field, and is attacked again.
Media hostility toward Joe W is understandable. His unvarnished, up-front questioning of Lord Obama contrasts sharply with the most of the media’s coverage of the presidential campaign, in which His Lordship was worshiped and ushered all the way to the White House by sycophants pretending to be journalists.
16. Victor | 01.08.09
Just what we need in the USA more dumbing down. The prophetic Mike Judge reveals our frightening future best in his movie “Idiocracy” It has already been revealed that Joe the Plumber is not even adept in his own field of plumbing. This could be the start of something great after this war correspondent gig Joe could try his hand at NFL Quarterback, Assist with a surgery, redesign gusset plates for bridges, and design some new O rings for the space shuttles. Joe could be a kind of retarded version of George Plimpton.
17. JoeSux | 01.08.09
Joe is probably an aging FBI or CIA agent who wanted a career change, which McCain was too happy to support. The guy is about as smart as a post (the kind in the ground, not the kind on the web, lol). I agree, he can stay in Gaza, who knows, maybe he’ll get a close-up view of a rocket. 
18. crockett | 01.08.09
I find your article very prejudice. Are you indicating that it takes a degreed person to report the truth? Are you implying it takes a degreed person to talk to people about their fears, grief and opinions? That is exactly what it sounds like and tainted with jealously! I do not listen to Pajamas TV but I will say it sounds to me they are thinking outside the box. Now I know what wickedly cunning comments you can come up with that statement I just made but it is nonetheless true. NBC, CBS, ABC, Associated Press, and the New York Times are to dishonest and insecure to do such a thing, such as think outside the box. Their walls may be filled with degrees and prestigeous awards but that doesn’t make them honest, forthcoming, and in tune with the “real people” vs the political bunch they hang with. By the way of a foot note: I am a degreed person, as is my husband, daughter, and son in law. But that does not make us any wiser in the war other than what we read and hear on TV. I wish Joe the very best and look forward to hearing how it goes for him.
19. JanSux | 01.08.09
Jan Hanssen, you’re a good example of the sheeple that the USA is breeding. Baseless assumptions and media hype is the foundation of your thinking, and your sarcasm is a thin facade to cover your lack of substantial thought. Enough of that already.
20. Mel | 01.08.09
S, When you start your comment with I can tell…who the smart people are, then you should make sure you at least spell correctly. After that, check your subject verb agreement. Finally, you should only use words you understand. I do agree with your point, I can “tell among the postings of the message board…who the smart people are”. You are not one of them.
21. volunteer | 01.08.09
Sounds like Joe the plummer is probably wiser than some of the commentators to this blog - like JOe Smith & JoeSux above
Remember idiots it was the media which creats people
22. Doug B | 01.08.09
From your own Terms of Service:
[Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.]
And more:
[Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.]
And yet you allow a poster to name himself “JanSux” for the express purpose of attacking a poster named Jan Hanssen? Shame on you.
23. Nathan | 01.08.09
I agree with William. News stories regarding aviation (my career) are always full of holes and general ignorance. I always wonder when I read or hear news about subject areas about which I don’t know as much. I disagree with Robin. The conservative “news” problems are not isolated to the far right. Plenty of liberals are gullible and ignorant as well.
24. banjofiddle | 01.08.09
Well he has to start somewhere, and if he is destined to be Palin’s press secretary in a few years this is more pertinent than being a country singer. Though I am sure some of her supports would differ on that.
25. Sean | 01.08.09
Oh, the irony! That we have well defined and established licensing requirements and codes for plumbers (of which, Joe apparently fell short), protection of our Fourth Estate falls to any Gump who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Franklin succeeded (building codes), Jefferson failed (a well informed electorate).
26. Tim B | 01.08.09
I’m amazed at how conservatives can find liberal media bias in *anything*. It must be convenient to have the same excuse for every single one of your party’s and your ideology’s failures. Fine, you think American media is biased? Try watching another country’s coverage of America then. Or is that biased too? LOL
28. Joe the Schmoe | 01.08.09
Why not? We hired a completely inexperienced guy for president. Besides, the veneer of journalism is gone. It’s been slowly eroded by stories about Paris Hilton and Branjolena leading ahead of national news. So don’t tell me about how “trained” and “professional” journalists are.
29. Webster Ranger | 01.08.09
RE: #14–I assume you are referring to Joe W.’s comment that “a vote for Obama is a vote for the destruction of Israel.” In spite of the vacuum of leadership that President Bush has left since the 2008 campaign began in earnest, you’d have to be a complete moron not to realize that George Bush is still President of the U.S. Any fool can also see that Israel undertook its excursion into Gaza on its own initiative, without consulting the President of the U.S., much less President-elect Obama. Leave it to the intellectual pygmies and sore losers of the ultra-right to try to pin the situation in the Middle East on Obama or his election. “Joe the Prophet”? Get real–more like “Joe the Pathetic.”
30. Doug B | 01.08.09
JanSux, you’re a good example of the vicious and sophomoric haters that the USA is breeding. Shame on you, naming yourself “JanSux” for the express purpose of attacking a fellow poster with whom you happen to disagree. looking forward to your next clever post — lemme guess: as “Doug B Sux”?
31. JOHN THE JUNKMAN | 01.08.09
Joe can do whatever he wants when it comes to Israel. No one ever tells the truth. They are living on land that was stolen and they keep trying to steal more and we wonder why their neighbors hate them.
So Israel should be disarmed. They are the only country over there that have nukes and they will be the first country to use them.
If you disarmed everybody over there, these people would still be fighting with rocks and sticks.
In 1913 if they were to give them part of Canada instead of Turkestan, they would now be fighting with the US and Canada.
And no, I’m not anti-Jew, just pro-truth. And I know you will not publish this. You in the media rarely tell the truth.
33. charles andrew | 01.08.09
Hey Mickey, you know who else has an open heart and some big ones? Osama Bin Laden- they’re huge. What does that even mean?
35. Seth C. | 01.08.09
Whoa, having an “open heart and some brass ones” qualifies to be a journalist covering the middle east conflict from Israel? What about a degree and knowledge about the Middle East conflict (something Joe admittedly doesn’t have)? Why trust a guy’s word just because he’s blue collar?)
Just because he questioned Obama doesn’t mean he’s some straight-shootin-son-of-a-gun. He’s a moron that helped McCain lose and is now milking the system for all it’s worth.
This has to be the most alarming comment thus far:
——-
How much worse could Joe do? Whenever I read a story on a subject about which I have a fair amount of knowledge, which is rare, I find it riddled with errors. I assume that all stories are riddled with errors as well.
——-
Newsflash: They’re not, so stop assuming, because we all know what that does. and Joe can do a LOT worse than a reporter with a degree and extensive world knowledge.
Joe the Plumber lovers: please stay safely inside your mountain village, unplug your internet, drink your moonshine, and stay out of political discourse. Thank you.
36. Free C | 01.08.09
Yeah, I’d kind-of forgotten about what a three-ring circus McCain’s campaign turned into. This brought it all back… South Africa being a splinter government of the nation of Africa… the witchdoctor of Sarah Palin’s weird pseudo-Christian cult laying his magic hands on her and telling the congregation that they needed to do more to *inflitrate* their government… her husband being a member of an Alaskan seccessionist organization.
It’s too bad; McCain’s a good man. But if he can’t control his own campaign, the Whitehouse is the last place we want him.
Well, at least we’ve seen the last of W. His legacy? “At least he didn’t push the button.”
38. Michael D | 01.08.09
“Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career….”
This is a point to brag upon?.
Good thing Obama is a licensed politician and too bad the authors of the Constitution of the United States of America were unlicensed…
39. Jim Dandy | 01.08.09
Joe what’s-his-name got his start by lying to Barack Obama about his profession and his intention to start a business. He lied about being a plumber and thereby took work away from real plumbers. He lied about his taxes. His whole life seems to be about lying. Yes, that is the guy I want to tell me the facts about the middle east situation.
40. AFV | 01.08.09
Joe the deadbeat welfare recipient loser? has a ring to it. and to compare some internet site nobody has heard of to NBC ABC or CBS is as moronic as Joe himself.
41. Trouble Mandeson | 01.08.09
Not surprising in these screwy times. After all people actually backed “I can see Russia from my house so I have foreign policy experience” Palin! What a bunch of idiots Americans are… I’m embarrassed for us.
42. James M. | 01.08.09
“7. Robin | 01.08.09
I’ve got to hand it to him, Joe really knows how to milk the system. What this really shows is how shallow and sensational conservative news entertainment has become. I stopped trusting Fox about a year ago. There will always be a market for snake oil so long as people are gullible and ignorant. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the sorry state of conservative journalism.”
Then Joe should fit in well with the other 1.5 million that “BO” the mesiah wants to redistribute the wealth to.
James
43. Sara | 01.08.09
Jimmy Orr, what makes YOU an “experienced journalist”? In your article you read more like a-wanna-be comedian than an “experienced journalist” 
44. Owen | 01.08.09
Wow, Mr. Jimmy Orr really seems up in arms over preserving the integrity of the fine American journalism institution. However, one of the primary goals of successful journalism is to present an objective view of the situation. When Orr decides to take an obviously biased and one-sided approach to his own writing, it immediately turns into an opinion laden editorial piece. Not news. You criticize Joe the Plumber because of his lack of journalistic gravitas, and in the same breath, you break all of the tenants you seem to accuse joe of breaking. The interesting part is that YOU are the one with a job as a journalist pretending to be a journalist. Joe the Plumber’s views and “reports” are clearly slanted with opinion, but he’s not trying to hide that fact like you are.
45. NinaK | 01.08.09
Let’s see, this guy is not too sharp, however, he is an opportunist and takes advantage of situations. He LIED to Barack Obama when he said he was buying a plumbing business….the guy could not even afford to pay his taxes and child support—-how could he afford to buy a plumbing business?? He LIED! McCain promptly grabbed this guy to try and discredit Obama and Sarah Palin thought he was the best of the best of the Joe Sixpacks!! Very, very grateful McCain and Sarah Palin lost the election….can you imagine the kind of people they would name to their administration??? Scary, very scary!! Very funny is the fact that this guy said he lost ALL respect for McCain while travelling around with him on the McCain Express!!! I don’t hear McCain talking about “Joe the Plumber” these days, do you?
46. Dudley the Carpenter!! | 01.08.09
With all the distruction going on over there I guess they can use even a plumber.
47. andy corax | 01.08.09
open note to “srew you joe” —
No, we can’t call him a weasel — weasels are innocent and highly clever animals, who stick to what they’re good at.
There isn’t an animal to whom I would compare Joe, who is merely an opportunist. Good for him! If an idiot wanted to hire me to go to Israel and talk to people, I’d do it, too.
Joe isn’t the condition, he’s merely a symptom.
48. Louise Cohen | 01.08.09
Is this article supposed to be responsible journalism? If you have an issue with Pajamas TV, why don’t you address the facts? This article has not cited and discredited any lies, errors, or distortions on PJTV, but simply resorts to sneering. Please save that supercilious attitude for “witty” cocktail party chat amongst your friends. Try reporting facts rather than demeaning people with whom you disagree. If you sincerely believe that the world’s problems can be resolved by dialogue between factions, you should set an example by engaging in respectful discourse with fellow Americans who see the world from a perspective different from yours.
49. Robin from Colorado | 01.08.09
Conservative news entertainment is a business and sees profit with Joe just as they did with Hannity the bartender with the silver tongue. Shallow and sensational is what the uneducated masses buy. Murdock is a master at capturing the masses with Fox. The more I learn about the conservative infomercial entertainment business, and this story is yet another example, the more disgusted I become of the hypocricy and lack of integrity. As long as the average education of Americans remains so dismally low, there will always be a market for the likes of hacks like Joe. You got to hand it to him though, with the economy on the skids and no work for even real plummers, he’s an opportunist. I don’t see much difference between this and pornography - they both profit from people’s base instincts and ignorance.
50. Kyle | 01.08.09
While I do agree with Jans point of Obama being ushered in by sycophants (and I have not heard a good argument against this), let’s be honest. JanSux is right… about all the right wing has sought to throw at the Obama team is shallow sarcasm, in their minds making up for the lack of substantial, thoughtful dialogue. I am truly disappointed… this coming from a conservative disgusted with the Republican Party. We’re not in preschool Doug, this is the internet.
51. Any Fool | 01.08.09
Webster Ranger (#21).
Are you kidding me ? “Joe the Prophet” is the funniest comment here. I don’t think it is anti-Obama at all. Even if it was, aren’t we supposed express any criticism of the President any more, whoever that person might be? By the way, I voted for Obama - not that should make a difference, but I think it does to you.
“Any fool can also see that Israel undertook its excursion into Gaza on its own initiative, without consulting the President of the U.S…” - if you meant it as a joke it wasn’t funny, and if you are serious…- I don’t know what to say. Did you know that the United States gives Israel 3 billion dollars a year in military aid, for starters?
“Any fool” all right - have your own head examined.
52. James | 01.08.09
News flash - Joe The Plumber to star in Holiday Inn TV commercials, with end line: “Well, I’m really not a plumber but I stayed in a Holiday Inn last night!”.
53. Krunky-in-Cincy | 01.08.09
I’m entertained by the folks who are placing Joe on a pedestal as though he’s a bastion of character who had the audacity to challenge Obama and was thwarted for it.
Are you folks serious?
If you laud such triviality then you have my sympathy.
54. Doug B | 01.08.09
Note to Trouble Mandeson:
Sarah Palin never said “I can see Russia from my house.” Tina Fey said it.
I’m embarrassed for us, too, since we can’t seem to tell the difference between real people and SNL parodies.
55. Sue P | 01.08.09
How dare Joe accept a job offer as a reporter! Most people have to undergo years of conditioning and indoctrination before any of the mainstream media outlets will deem them acceptable for such a position. This is necessary in order to maintain the high levels of objectivity, thorough fact-checking, and probing analysis they offer us on a daily basis. BWAAAH-HAAAAH-HAAA-haaaahaaah!
56. Doug | 01.08.09
CNelson, why do you want to look foolish? A New York Times reporter might not be writing what you want to read but comparing Joe the Plumber favorably to a NYT reporter regarding intellect is just idiotic.
57. Forget about Joe | 01.08.09
6. Thomas | 01.08.09
Well he will need a local name … Joseph the Instalacia Try Yosef HaShravrav
31. JOHN THE JUNKMAN | 01.08.09
John the Junkman tells the truth like a lying rug. He is right about the lack of love for Jews but he is not smart enough to understand that people often bite the hand that feeds them.
Note that one of Gazas complaints is that Israel cuts off shipment of goods to Gaza. Well Hamas wants their own country. Why is it that they can only manufacture rockets to shoot at their neighbor? If the Arabs would farm they could feed themselves. Remember that Gaza under the Jews had a flourishing export business which in their infinate wisdome Hamas destroyed as soon as Israel turned over Gaza to them.
If you disarmed everybody over there, it is the Arabs who would still be fighting with rocks and sticks. If they could ever destroy the Jews their next target would be Americans and ultimately they would turn on themselves.
The Junkman says “And no, I’m not anti-Jew”. This moron does not even understand that his statements are the exact opposite of the truth.
58. Robin | 01.08.09
James says: “Then Joe should fit in well with the other 1.5 million that “BO” the mesiah wants to redistribute the wealth to.” I recall the initial conversation BO had in Toledo with Joe and he did mention spreading the wealth around. I fail to see why this is not such a bad idea. If our economy depends so much on consumer spending (70%) then wouldn’t it be a drag on the economy to go back to the “gilded age” where robber barons controlled everything and we had 25%unemployment - as in the Great Depression? I am so tired of faux conservatives calling me a “socialist” for supporting BO, when my whole life I have been a capitalist homebuilder. This economic disaster hopefully will allow James and his ilk to learn something about economics and free markets and realize prudent regs and oversight protects our capitalistic system from ruin. Please open your mind young man and learn something. America deserves better than what you are offering.
59. Reno | 01.08.09
Well this is america - land of opportunity. IF he’s smart enough to milk his 15min of fame for fortune, well people are famous for worse reasons. I just won’t be so sure about his analysis. He’ll interview some people, get air time, and before you know it, he’ll be running for congress.
60. Foreigner | 01.08.09
Who put journalism on such a high pedestal? The news industry is full of opinions and biases, the only difference is that a large army of expensive support polishes, buffs, and then calls the results “insightful”. Joe doesnt have that luxury, at least not yet. Go for it Joe, you are as qualified as the “professionals” in the field!
61. Seth C. | 01.08.09
Doug B.
Palin DID however say she had foreign policy experience because Alaska was so close to Russia, and that some parts of Russia can be seen from Alaska, as if that means anything. That is JUST AS DUMB as “I can see Russia from my house”. It doesn’t matter who said what. The point stands: Palin is an idiot.
62. brutus inquisitor | 01.08.09
Reads like we have some frustrated, unfulfilled folks on this blog. Perhaps some of you are a bit envious regarding Joe the Plumber?
JTP is going on an adventure! Agreed, we perceive him not well prepared or well qualified. Have you ever been qualified & prepared for your adventures?
Well, nor I. I have failed, made an *** of myself, come to bodily harm, and leaked essential fluids on some of my adventures. Some adventures turned out well and profitable.
So, let us give JTP a cheer for boldly going and I hope that we get some good comedy, bathos, pathos and wisdom out of his adventure.
63. Krunky-in-Cincy | 01.08.09
If Joe failed as a “plumber” under 8 years of the Bush administration and he succeeds as a “journalist” under the Obama administration, maybe he should change party affiliation.
64. Jim Dandy | 01.08.09
As Joe wrote in his first report: “Last week I couldn’t even spell corespoondant, and this week I are one”.
65. Bill C | 01.08.09
So, Seth…
If the woman who is Governor (please reread that) is an idiot, that means that the majority of Alaskans are bigger idiots for electing her. And unless you’re the Senator from your state with an even loftier position, her being an idiot make you what? Pondscum?
66. Charles R | 01.08.09
To Doug B- while Tina Fey may have said “I can see Russia from my house” on SNL, Palin DID suggest she had foreign policy experience, being so close to Russia- so try to tell the whole truth instead of just the convenient part.
Joe the Plumber as a serious journalist? Not so much. But for (unintentional) comedy as “on the street guy”- that’s GOLD!
While I’m happy for PE Obama, I would harldy refer to myself or anyone I know how voted for him as a synchophant (and the mere suggestion that any of us should owe anybody any kind of explanation as to why this is, is absurd) I’m also not naive enough to think **** be a cure-all. Quite the contrary. And some of that is going to be because of resistance from so-called “smart” people like yourselves attempting character assassination at every turn. Ironically, you’re the same people who champion Reagan- an awful man who’s only true victory came at the expense of the Russians (and he merely out-spent them.) He gave us the (unsuccessful) war on drugs, he turned his back on millions and he spit on the people with his notion of “trickle-down” economics- another notion you champion while decrying Obama’s plans to move the money around as “socialism.” I think that’s comical. It’s funny because you all would take more money in a heartbeat.
There’s a concept that Americans tend to vote against their best interests by voting VALUES- I seriously urge you all to consider this point. Not saying we should throw values out the window, but I am saying a little more common sense would go a long way. But looking at this board and it’s it’s quite clear emotions seem to cloud judgement will alarming frequency. So what do we do? I would invite you all to INTELLIGENTLY discuss some real world options for fixing the mess that is America- including taking a good, long look at our economic system.
***GASP*** is that an attack on capitalism? You darn right it is. Look at all the capitalistic greed going on in your back yard- $6 hotdogs and $9 beers at the ballpark, a baffling tax code that throws your money to golden toilet seats instead of our crumbling education system, corruption scandals on boths sides of the aisle…where will it end? When the people find some way to unite and say enough- even if we don’t completely agree on everything else, until we can achieve that moment, none of us really can complain about the turd-burgers they’ll keep serving us in the meanwhile.
So let us open honest debate about how to really restructure the country and our economy and put money and power back in the hands of the citizens- and I don’t just mean the top .5%.
67. Barry | 01.08.09
Well, the conservatives seem to be enamored of ignorance as a kind of “authenticity”…. Sarah Palin wasn’t ignorant, she was a “real American”, and now Joe the Plumber - he is not totally unprepared, he “brings a fresh perspective” *LOL*. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Common Man, but if I want to hire someone or listen to someone, I draw the line at someone who actually knows something, rather than someone who just feels strongly about what they don’t understand. This fixation of the GOP on choosing people of the lowest possible intellect and background as the thought leaders is totally baffling to me.
68. JoelNC | 01.08.09
Jeeze Louise! I thought the CSM was a magnet for all types of THINKERS - left wing, right wing and no wing. This board is chock full of Luddites and Know-nothing Party members. Give me William Buckley and George Will AND Maureen Dowd and Thomas Friedman - and you yahoos can learn from JTP. But would you mind not posting? You’re driving down the signal-to-noise ratio.
69. Doug B | 01.08.09
Note to Seth C:
My point had nothing to do with whether Sarah Palin is an idiot. It was simply to point out the irony of a poster named Trouble Mandeson mis-attributing a Tina Fey quote to Sarah Palin, and then having the chutzpah to say, “What a bunch of idiots Americans are … I’m embarrassed for us.”
Stones and glass houses. Roger that?
70. Mike C | 01.08.09
My guess is that this guy will do an equal or better job at reporting as the current lot of wimp “journalists”. As we now know, an ivy degree and manicured nails has little to do with honesty and integrity. Let’s see what happens. I will keep an open mind.
72. Pete Peeva | 01.08.09
They are going to dispense with Joe in Gaza - the latest place where war was possible to promote arms sales. The Neocons are hoping their false flag attack in Mumbai will produce real fruit as well. You embraced the lie now enjoy the love…
73. Blast3r | 01.08.09
Joe the Plunger is an idiot. Is someone supposed to take him seriously? Mr “you’re going to raise my taxes that i don’t pay” and who agreed with some lunatic that a vote for Obama is the ‘death of israel’. Pajama TV are idiots.
75. lori | 01.08.09
WOW! Please send Jo home and send a experienced and well educated person to do that job. I think that there must be young new Jounelst to do the job. Reward someone who has worked hard study for that role. Jo my tolit is pluged.
77. tdub | 01.08.09
…and we should care, because???????????
Well, I guess there are never enough lazy, biased hacks posing as journalists out there, so one nore shouldn’t screw things up too much….what’s he going to report on? No journalists are allowed into Gaza…everything’s being done by Palestinian stringers….
78. Marcos El Malo | 01.08.09
Good for Joe. Certainly, he’s trying to milk his 15 minutes for every opportunity, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Those of you that are calling foul because of his lack of “credentials”, please stop reading all news related blogs NOW, unless they are written by “qualified” journalists. (Note: I’m not sure what counts as “qualified”, but let’s try to use something other than “reflects my own political bias” as the standard.)
The one thing I wanted to comment on was Shep Smith. Many years ago, I had written Smith off as yet another narcissistic news clown. Yet over the past few years, I’ve had to revise this view. Smith is actually a good TV journalist, and I expect more good things to come from him in the years to come. The one piece of advice I’d give him is to cut down on the eye make up a bit. Just a little bit.
79. fiendish avatar | 01.08.09
I love it. People who get their news from the media complain about the media. Most people don’t realize this, but the majority of online “news” sources are live and ongoing op-ed pieces that do little more than regurgitate and subsequently criticize what the MSM has already reported. Sure, you get some nuggets of information from the Net before MSM has a chance to get to it, but it is often wrong, distorted, and/or completely made up. (Consider Matt Drudge’s reporting of the McCain supporter who cut herself and painted a black eye.) So you’re not actually getting news from alternate sources; you’re getting news filtered to you by alternate sources WHO GET THEIR NEWS FROM THE MSM. (Sorry for yelling.) This isn’t a right/left thing; but sides criticize facets of the MSM, and both are equally as guilty of using the MSM to get their news despite their criticisms.
As to you nuts who think Joe the Dummy was mocked because he questioned Obama really need to check in with reality. For the past 8 years, anyone who dared criticize W was a liberal, a socialist, a terrorist, or a treasonous hippy. Your biggest advocate, Mann Coulter, has made millions saying just that over and over again. And it wasn’t Joe’s questions that got him the media attention; it was McCain’s repetitive reference to Joe during the debate that got people interested in who this guy was. Nobody cared about Joe the Plummer until John the Senator (God bless him, by the way—I really think he is a great senator) made him a minor celebrity in one of the most watched debates in decades. So take off your tin hat and take a breath. Everything is going to be okay. You can criticize Obama. Lots of people have, and are still doing it, and they’ve not been locked up or had their careers destroyed. And guess what: you’re allowed to support a guy who dodges child support and knows just about enough to be dangerous (in his own words), if it makes you feel better.
Again, I love it.
80. Joe the Doppelganger | 01.08.09
Anyone who gets their “info” from chop shops like WorldNutDaily & Pajamas TV is a fool.
81. Chris M | 01.08.09
Experienced journalist ? What the heck is that. Duh! I saw this thing an I wrote aboud it. Talking heads are cheap. Bubble headed bleach blond comes on at 5 …
Journalists are a joke, I’d rather have a guy who knows how to clean a toilet reporting.
82. jdcarmine | 01.08.09
I guess Israel sort of agrees with Joe in light of the recent Gaza attacks. Kill the enemy soon to be coddled by the big O on Jan 20. Whatdya think Shep??? Oh no, Israel isn’t terrified of the Obamanator, not a smidge.
83. DeeJay | 01.08.09
Seems Joe is giving up on his dream of owning his very own plumbing company — Unless he plans on fixing a few Palestinian toilets while in Gaza. Methinks Paris Hilton has met he match as there is now someone else out there with less talent than her that has turned a little bit of fame into a career.
84. Ana | 01.08.09
The contemptuous attitude of the CSM article is an example of why people, starved for objective, factual news are abandoning newspapers for other sources.
Perhaps it’s no wonder that so many papers are failing or cutting back, just as the Monitor recently cut back from daily to weekly publication. …and perhaps has something to do with the Monitor’s $19 million losses in 2008.
Drop the sneering agendas, check the facts, report the news. Maybe people will want to read your paper again some day if it still exists.
86. Tom in Alabama | 01.08.09
The only thing that shocks me about Joe’s ambitions in journalism is that FOX News did not hire him. After all Hannity fell in love with this moron who FOX tried to portray as the all American hero. But the average “joes” were turned off by this fake plumber just like average voters were turned off by clueless Sarah Palin.
87. stan | 01.08.09
isn’t america great, the only place where one can be totally annonymous, having 15 mins of fame, and then ending up being an expert news correspondent simply by being created by the media, nothing like instant credibility.
89. Tom Tee | 01.08.09
Hey MiceC, what is this about the “current lot of wimp “journalists”? More journalists have died covering the Afgan and Iraq wars than any wars in history. Lets see how close to the action Joe the Fake Plumber gets as he reports “real” news that only Fox News could have the gall to air.
90. Stupid American | 01.08.09
#4 - Mickey - please scroll up, look to the right of your screen and read that “net hack” Jimmy Orr worked for GWB and the Governator - seems conservatives can think critically. Mr. Cook was CSM’s EDITOR for 7 years. That credential alone elevates him above “hack” status IMO.
91. Teresa | 01.08.09
I’m curious to know why people with such hateful, vitriolic, bigotted attitudes as most of the commenters here exhibit would bother with a Web site with the word “Christian” in it, since your knee-jerk liberal opinions seem more appropriate for Web site titled we-hate-Republicans-no-matter-what-they-do-or-say-and-we’re-proud-of-our-own-bigotted-ignorance. So Joe the Plumber is a “McCain prop?” Is it impossible for you to believe that a regular guy can ask a regular question? Wow. I guess only liberals ask real questions. What a sad commentary on the people who wrote such things. You claim to be of the party of tolerance but go around trashing anyone who disagrees with you. That… is the definition of Democrat.
93. JR | 01.08.09
Wow. I’m a conservative…must mean I’m an auto-idiot according to a majority of posts here. Must also mean I want a deficit, no jobs, poor economy, I’m rich, uneducated, and against education. LOL In reality I think it’s pretty lame to give him the title of a journalist, as he hasn’t earned the right between schooling and/or experience. But I also think it’s cool someone “real” is out there trying to report the dirty. I don’t know many journalists (most of whom seem liberal) who have the balls to go INTO a war zone and report. (Baghdad’s Green Zone doesn’t count BTW LOL) Conservative out.
94. JR | 01.08.09
Also, agreeing w/ post #88:
Most liberals I know are atheist or non-practicing. Most conservatives I know actually know there’s more than church services just on Sunday (aka practicing their faith). Funny.
95. Douglas White | 01.08.09
I agree with Jan Hansen.He stood on his own and challenged the great Obama, and the media made sure he paid for it.Obama”s speaking ability, the entertainment business,the media,especially the media, and the phony money got OBAMA ELECTED, ‘Joe” had the guts to question them all. Maybe we would get some correct news from him.
96. Ex-Reporter | 01.08.09
Why is anyone surprised? The whole “Joe” phenomena was just a media stunt from beginning to end, this is the oldest trick in the book. The sad part is that as low skiiled as many journalists are today, **** probably give them a run for their money.
97. leighg1 | 01.08.09
Yes Joe the plumber can stay there for good so we have one fewer tax cheaters here in the US.
99. bobb who | 01.08.09
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! journalism in the US is a farce, just read this article. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
100. Krunky-in-Cincy | 01.08.09
To Teresa, so…are you saying that Republicans don’t thrash people that disagree with them, like you just did with your response?
101. benjah | 01.08.09
which regular joes will he be talking to?
the ones who voted for the apartheid regime?
or the ones who are dying by the hundreds?
102. Cassy | 01.08.09
@Doug B. Sara Palin never said she could see Russia from her house. She talked about Putin rearing his ugly head and Oh! where do they go Alaska. And yes, she didn’t use proper English either.
Personally she should be grateful Tina Fey made her a caricature. It was a step above the one she drew for herself.
@Teresa - I agree with you partially. I didn’t know Jesus had a political party. From what I’ve read on this site, the hate is spewing from both sides of the political aisle.
104. Larry Linn | 01.08.09
I assume that he will report for Fox. He has all of the qualifications: no experiance, big ego, but wiloling to be a pawn for the neocons.
105. chad | 01.08.09
This is kind of interesting, I hope they just give him a handicam+mic+laptop and turn him loose. It would be cool to see rough unedited interviews from Israeli bars and hangouts. It would make good YouTube.
106. Joe L | 01.08.09
This is kinda off the subject but is it just me or does Joe the Plummer kind of look like President Bush in that picture above
109. George | 01.08.09
“Joe the Plumber is as good a journalist as anyone! And I’m not being sarcastic. I’m sure he’ll bring his preconceived notions, political bias, moral hypocracy, and general ignorance into play just like all the other journalists. He’ll be deficient on slanting his writing to garble the facts to support his views and pretending his sanctimonious preening contributes to society’s general welfare.”
The naivete and ignorance of Americans never ceases to amaze me. Do you think journalists can just do whatever they want to? How many jobs let you do that? What is the name of this fairytale land that you live in? If you want to spew some bile about the media then aim it where it should be aimed, at the OWNERS of the media. NOT its’ employees!
111. AgentLemon | 01.08.09
I knew that this clown and Sarah “Man Chin” Palin would never ever go away again. I wish the media would stop encouraging these morons. And to the moron that wrote this -
“I’m curious to know why people with such hateful, vitriolic, bigotted attitudes as most of the commenters here exhibit would bother with a Web site with the word “Christian” in it, since your knee-jerk liberal opinions seem more appropriate for Web site titled we-hate-Republicans-no-matter-what-they-do-or-say-and-we’re-proud-of-our-own-bigotted-ignorance. So Joe the Plumber is a “McCain prop?” Is it impossible for you to believe that a regular guy can ask a regular question? Wow. I guess only liberals ask real questions. What a sad commentary on the people who wrote such things. You claim to be of the party of tolerance but go around trashing anyone who disagrees with you. That… is the definition of Democrat.”
It’s not so much hating republicans, it’s hating ignorance. And Sam(real name)the Plumber has ignorance coming out of his pores. Read any quotes by him, watch any video of him and tell me this is a knowledgeable person with informed opinions that would mean anything anywhere. Even commentators on Fox, the GOP’s personal propaganda department (because Sean Hannity is fair and balanced..) said Sam’s comments were frightening because he obviously has no idea what he’s talking about. “why do you think a vote for Obama is a vote for the death of isreal? I challenge you to find out why I think that- was his actual answer. As far as the “regular guy asking regular questions” part of that nonsense, she may be right since ignorance and being opinionated without a clue seem so be the norm in this great country of ours. I’m ridiculously opinionated but at least I know what I’m talking about.. /endrant
112. Joe the Logical Guy | 01.08.09
Dude! Your 15 minutes were up months ago! Give me a break! You are just a nobody loser. I know this is hard to accept, but get a flippin life.
113. George | 01.08.09
“I agree with Jan Hansen.He stood on his own and challenged the great Obama, and the media made sure he paid for it.Obama”s speaking ability, the entertainment business,the media,especially the media, and the phony money got OBAMA ELECTED, ‘Joe” had the guts to question them all. Maybe we would get some correct news from him.”
Dear God, it wasn’t 8 years of Republican corruption, a destroyed economy, a pointless war, the destruction of the US constitution or any of Bushes other crimes that got Obama elected. It was money and the media? You sir are too stupid to be a member of the human race. I hereby rescind your rights as a human and officially classify you as a household pet. Now, run along and get back in your litter box…
115. John | 01.08.09
Great to have a guy like Joe the Plumber instead of some liberal Obama fawning imbecile. Lets face it the mainstream media is so biased and whacked out the Joe the Plumber maybe a breath of fresh air.
116. Shawn the Plumber | 01.08.09
You people that attack Joe the Plumber are complete morons, stop attacking him, you elitist pigs. By the way, the only licensed plumber that shows up to your house is the owner of a company. The plumbers that work for him are generally not licensed, yet are stilled called plumbers. Just because Chris Matthews and other elitist imbeciles tell you what to think, doesn’t mean you should be posting it here
117. walters Sr. | 01.08.09
Hey Joe, Didnt care for you being suck to Mc Cain trying to get to Sara but fox news will drive anyone to being a reporter.Can u see Russia from ohio?Do not tell Hammas you are Repub.Of course you may not run into them from a bomb shelter.When u get back from the shelter apply to fox news as they are looking for more experts. Kidding you joe.Come back alive and tell it like it is.We need some un-biased,non-doctered up reporting.DO NOT take 2 words from a sentence and twist it like all the other news???? so called news reporters.Stop by fort bush in bagdad and tell us how the 700 million$ is doing please!You get hair,clothes,couple hundred thousand like Sara,insist on it! Good Luck and just tell the truth if they let you!
118. Dan | 01.08.09
Well I hope pajamas TV isn’t going to pay him too much for his foreign policy “expertise”
121. Wee T | 01.08.09
Reporting of facts: the best what reporting should be
Commentary on facts: getting dicey what most network news is
Speculation before the fact: idiotic what the remainder of network news is
Commentary on the opinions about the speculations of the opinion before expressed:
this thread is…
oh I give up.
it’s not worth another
123. Doug B | 01.08.09
[Doug B, Your post is idiotic and immature!]
And you’re quite the clever wordsmith, Dougsuks.
124. Good luck | 01.08.09
You think he’ll pay the airport tax before he flies there and before he flies back?
125. William S | 01.08.09
I think it’s great that a true American hero like Joe the Plumber is going to Israel and Gaza. Maybe he can apply for citizenship and skip out on his taxes there as well. What a patriot!
126. William S | 01.08.09
by the way, for Shawn the Plumber, Chris Matthews works for Fox and is about as conservative an anchor/reporter as there is. Perhaps you should have used a different journalist to highlight ‘elitism’.
know before you post, that way you look less non-elitist
128. Gaby Pollak | 01.09.09
“Experienced Journalists” are *****. They need to keep their Arab overlords happy in order to be safe and welcome in Middle East. And they sacrify truth for it.
129. fahqguys | 01.09.09
Oh.My god. All the people posting thoughts like “who says you have to be highly educated or degreed to report the news” “pajamas TV is thinking out of the box by letting an average joe speak his mind” blah blah blah. Can you use the word maverick too, please? Give me a break, what a joke. Yeah you’re right, we should have an alaskan PTA member as the VP, and a plumber as a field reporter. Let the dumbest people get us our info, cause we’re kinda dumb too, and it’ll all work out. Let me explain something to all of you idiots: Average people are average for a reason. If Joe the Plumber wanted to be a journalist, he would have studied the craft, yes probably in a university, you twits, and worked his way up, like everyone else. Instead, a (unlicensed, read LAZY) plumber gets 15 mins of fame for spouting his uninformed opinions, and parlays that into a new career for which he has no real respect or even knowledge of. Journalism is already a joke these days, and this is exactly why. You’ll all be getting coverage for the 2012 election on TMZ and Access Hollywood.
130. morons | 01.09.09
oh yeah, we need some “undoctored, unbiased” reporting. idiots. KNow what you’ll get? Uneducated reporting, because this guy doesn’t understand the issues, could’n possibly. Like hiring Brittney Spears to call the Super Bowl.
131. Mercy Martinez | 01.09.09
I think it is very telling when you read all the hateful comments that liberals make about conservatives. Thank goodness that libs are the party of tolerance, otherwise imagine how much more hateful their comments would be! I used to be proud of being a journalist. But liberal writers like the commenters here have made it a dirty word. I’m a writer.
132. Photojournalist | 01.10.09
@ 93. JR
>> “I don’t know many journalists (most of whom seem liberal) who have the balls to go INTO a war zone and report. (Baghdad’s Green Zone doesn’t count BTW LOL) Conservative out.”
*** Mate ? ? ?
Where do you think the pictures and video footage of combat comes from? They come from Real Journalist. training not held by Joe the Not-an-accusal-licensed-plummer-eather. Also BTW every journalist I know has more “Balls” than Joe, because Joe is more than likely not going to Gaza, where the fighting is, but will hold up in some nice 4-star near Jerusalem and interview other blue collier workers, Like his bellhop, about **** nether of them have a clue about. Not to mention that being in Iraq, even the green zone is far more dangerous than Israel, 136 Journalist have lost their lives in Iraq since 2003 compared to 9 in Israel since ‘92. Speaking of “balls”, How many conflicts have you covered? And the conflict of getting your lard *** to fit in to a seat doesn’t count.
even Fox Not-News wouldn’t broadcast this Junk
One more point, this is not a radio, this is the Internet, you don’t have to say out when you get finished babbling. Sorry for the mix up.
133. Omar | 01.10.09
you guys a retarded, he is not “milking” the system. He is simply taking on an opportunity. I am certain many of you would the same. Being a plumber doesn’t make you stupid. And he doesn’t need a plumbers license to be a plumber if hes working for someone else….
He was not self-employed rather looking into it!!!
134. John Houseman | 01.11.09
LOL Jan, yes, I love that. I’m sure you were one of those who were lining up to suck the milk from your lord Bush’s ****** when he got elected. Sorry, nice try, thanks for playing, and I for one am glad that America rejected neoconservative ideals. Go cry in the corner with your dolls.
135. Babaloooo | 01.11.09
Hmmmm, demonizing the press for reporting on the war. Then why does he have his dumb*** there???? Stay away and leave the plumbing to actual plumbers, apprentices and journeymen that have met the license requirements.
136. Churchill | 01.12.09
God for bid he has to go the Hospital,perhaps he can stiff them,
Like he ran out on his own bills,Or maybe he’s planning on buying a Business One day and
he just wants to check out gaza,with Joe the Plumber and His Dreams of reality are somber.
137. The dumber plumber | 01.12.09
Bahh..those who sow violence shall harvest violence. It has never been any different throughout the history of humanity, and humanity is yet to release itself from the shackles of its own trauma. Goodluck to everyone, we are all on our own to make it any different.
139. Arwen | 01.12.09
Dear Mr. Jimmy Orr,
I watched Joe’s coverage on PJTV and *loved* it. You guys fawned all over Barack because he represented “change” and who cared about his not having any “qualifications”. (But oh I forgot, he’s black, so he’s new and exciting. Whatever!)
140. Mike Dugas | 01.12.09
Gee Joe what are you worried about? That a little truth might get through?
That maybe some of Israel’s story might get through and that maybe people may realize that it’s Hamas and Iran causing all of this and not the evil Jews?
Or do you feel threatened that Joe might steal some supposed journalists thunder? Did you know Joe that some of the finest, if not the finest, war correspondents weren’t liberally brainwashed college graduates. Ernie Pyle being the greatest of them all, also bringing the average Joe’s story on WW2.
There’s Stephen Crane who wrote “The Red Badge of Courage” and even more recently there’s Jeff Emanuel and Michael Yon, all bringing us un-spun stories of what’s going on in various war torn regions.
Give Joe Wurzelbacher the space to succeed or fail on his own there Joe Orr.
Orr you risk looking like the fool the rest of the MSM is taken for.
141. Fred Sanford | 01.12.09
Most reporters now days put a slant based on their political views or by who hired them. The age of ‘just the facts’ are over. The writer of this blog sounds to me like he is full of sour grapes. Why do reporters feel they are any better at asking questions than this guy? Again, status quo feeling challenged and they lash out in a personal attack. Love the hateful published attacks on Joe being published on this ‘Christian’ blog. If your reporting is so good, it will stand up to the challenge. How disgraceful, you were brought down to mudslinging. Cast no stone….
142. sharinlite | 01.13.09
Oh, to read all of the “tolerant, civil, evenhanded, fair, balanced and just” on this comment thread! Wow….and on a religious media site to boot. At the very least Joe has been in the sh## for years, licensed or not, so he knows just exactly where most of you come from. For me, thank god for plumbers, electricians, appliance repair folk and gardeners…none of which I have ever been or can be but sure need ‘em all the time! For those of you whose bad attitude leaks through, try doing these jobs yourselves and discover that it’s easier to be a “journalist” than a plumber!!!!!
143. Steve | 01.13.09
All I can say is that it is refreshing to get real news without all the PC garbage from the MSM. If you do not like joe that do not listen to him. And Jimmy Orr, what are you afraid of? Loosing you job?
144. himom | 01.13.09
I like Joe’s reporting, actually. It’s rough around the edges but gives you a pretty good idea of what’s going on in his immediate area. The people who hate him and would rather the mainstream media do the job of reporting should ask themselves how the mainstream media let things get so bad that plumbers have to go do the reporting for them.
145. shoofly | 01.15.09
Note to Will: Apparently Chris Matthews is not a broadcaster; as I doubt he holds a personal Broadcasters license. (Or maybe he works for someone who does). Would you check with him on that and get back to us? Is he still broadcasting or is he just a deadbeat bigmouth now? Haven’t seen him in a while.
Learn this; you do not have to be licensed in a trade to work in that trade and title yourself in that trade. If you fix toilets and works on pipes, or drains, etc. you are a plumber. If you work “for” a plumbing contractor where licenses are required, you do not yourself need to hold (and annually pay for) a license. If you are a homebuilder and go to work for a GC, you do not have to have ever held a contractors license, but HE does, if you already do, you place it perhaps in retirement (and pay a much smaller “retired license” fee), or whatever is the policy of your employer. There are all sorts of legal reasons for these things. Would you please get the word out to all your liberal buddies, especially the ones in the media? They haven’t a clue about much of anything that they report. That’s why Joe the Plumbers common sense credentials and genuine inquiry will make him much much more believable war correspondent than any of them.
146. mike | 01.15.09
Joe, you are getting in the way of the media’s on going effort to de-legitimize Israel. How dare you!
147. Enrico Latonovitch | 01.20.09
Reporters go in with many preconceived notions. Joe is not a trained reporter, so what he says won’t be smooth, or based on what so called “experts” have to say, but it is refreshing to hear someone share his gut reactions to the situation, whether or not one agrees with what he says.
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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. C Nelson | 01.08.09
Well, Joe should fit right in with all the ignorant and biased journalists from NBC, CBS, ABC, Associated Press, and the New York Times.