Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Margie Gardner — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:21:52 GMT

Is Joe the Plumber even registered to vote....is he Dem or Rep?

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Keith, New York, NY — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:25:01 GMT

It appears that Joe the Plumber is not registered to vote in Ohio and his plumbing license expired in 2002. It is also rumored that he is related to Charles Keating. Can you please investigate this? McCain made Joe an ICON. So this needs vetting! It is relevant to McCain's credibility.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Kathy Millonzi, Flat Rock, NC — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:31:27 GMT

I find Joe the Plumber quite convenient for John McCain. How was it that McCain was so informed about Joe and Barach's discussion? Am I being cynical when I say that I "could imagine" that Joe was orchestrated by the McCain campaign? Some genuine investigating by the MSM is order.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Richard, Bedford, MA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:34:04 GMT

Joe should understand the difference between how his wages have been taxed and how the net income of a business is taxed.

The costs of hiring additional employees, purchasing trucks and tools reduces net taxable income. That will reduce the amount of taxes paid by the business. Under Obama's plan, Joe's business would pay less tax because of a $3000 tax credit for creating new jobs, and because of a reduced tax rate for net taxable business incomes under $250000.

Business taxes are not based on revenues that customers pay to the business, but on net income after paying wages, health insurance, vehical costs and other expenses.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Kris White, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:34:09 GMT

Is Joe the plummer a registered voter?

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Bob Giannamore, Chino CA. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:34:58 GMT

To Joe: Your situation is not uncommon nor unreasonable. If you were getting a promotion you might move into a higher tax bracket. Would you elect to decline the promotion because you might be paying higher taxes? Using the fact that you would be paying taxes (what ever the amount) as a deciding factor to buy a business is not reasonable. Taxes shouldn't enter into the calculation. Will the business be profitable after you meet your expenses, and what would be your return on the investment, are your important questions?

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Bob-Ohio — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:46:04 GMT

Question? How would a slight increase in tax keep him from buying business? What's the asking price of the business. Is 275K the gross net profit. I don't believe he understands basic business accounting.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Tom Martin, Saint George, Utah — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:03:18 GMT

Joe the plumber is a rich guy to earn $250,000 per year in a plumbing supply company, and he should pay the extra 3 percent in tax above the $250,000 since he is in the top 5 percent of all income earners in the nation according to Obama's plan.

Congulation to Joe the plumber for living the American dream.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

a. schneider — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:10:14 GMT

was this a set up?

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Kendra — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:10:36 GMT

Check it out. Joe the plumber isn't a licensed plumber!

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Rick Harrison — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:14:40 GMT

Has anyone checked if he is a licensed plumber? He isn't in Ohio! Obviously that nut McCain planted the guy there. Way to go McCain. Another one down the toilet for you!!!

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

GT, Seattle WA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:18:56 GMT

I am another Joe the plumber enterpenuer in Seattle, have started and owned 7 business in the last 33yrs, I am sitting on the side line before starting my next venture until I know if I have to pay more taxes for the risk I take to create jobs. I don't mind spreading my wealth with those who are willing to put in a good honest day of work, not let the Obama re-distribute my hard earn money with people who do not pay any taxes anyway.
I see it everyday as a employer were people make good money but due to bad decisions they make in life are always broke and are looking to the government to solve there problem, those are the people Obama is targeting for his welfare hand out to get their vote, if this is the direction he takes there will more unemployed and fewer taxes to re-distribute from us enterpenures who will not create more jobs but less jobs and taxes.
As far as I am concerned this would be the beginnig of the end of the American dream and the start of socialism as we have seen in Eastern Europe, Russia and Cuba it does not work

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Bernard Via Bristol Va. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:21:03 GMT

If Joe can buy a business where he clears $250,000 a year he should jump at it. If he pays more taxes he is fortunate to do so and should not stop. Most small businesses confuse gross with taxable net.With a little tax advise Joe would be down with the rest of us small businesses setting aside retirement, taking care of tax free health care for our family. Under Obama, either way he is in good shape.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Janie Smith, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:32:44 GMT

Joe should stop whining and get in line with the rest of us who have to share our wealth with parents who get credits and exemptions none of us will ever get. Maybe if Joe pays some more taxes DINKs can get some relief.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Brett, memphis, TN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:34:15 GMT

Let me see, Joe says Obama is inexperienced and will raise our taxes. Sounds like somebody got the talking points.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Carol Konrath — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:35:46 GMT

I hardly believe that a 3% tax hike would prevent Joe from buying his business. Sen. McCain was right to speak directly to Joe at the debates. He was wrong to say he'd "help him buy his business" and then lie to him about being fined by Sen. Obama. Shame on these candidates. One underestimates the efforts needed to turn this country around and the other simply lies and lies again and again on a number of issues. However, I will vote Nov. 4 and like Joe, it will be between me and the voting booth.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

quick2no, Chattanooga TN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:36:32 GMT

Joe the Republican Plumber. God, guts, and country. Nothing about the failed policies of his party.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Steve M — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:40:25 GMT

The entire "Joe the Plummer" episode looks like another Republican staged event designed to confuse, rather than illuminate, the national discussion about the economy. Some really smart journalist should look into "Joe's" various business activities and family political connections.
It's hard to believe that any "Joe the plumber", actually "nets" $250,000+ from his craft. Does he have a clue about business deductions, etc.? More importantly, If he's running a medium sized business with sales over a quarter mil, he should incorporate and pay taxes on the salary he actually takes.
I ran a small business with sales over 1/2 million per year - nothing in Obama's tax proposals would have hurt the business, but I would receive a small reduction in my personal taxes - this whole "Joe the plumber" event smells like a Republican ruse...

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

donna-Charlottesville, VA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:42:09 GMT

I AM SO PROUD TO BE AN OBAMA/BIDEN SUPPORTER.

Sen. Obama is a brilliant man with a steady hand and wisdom who will lead The United States and her citizens back from the brink to a country once again brimming with prominence, honor and prosperity.

Sen. McNasty said today ‘WE SHOULD LEARN FROM OUR PAST AND OUR MISTAKES’! McLame/Falin are either suffering from senility or they’re just plain stupid. If we elect McWar, we will be repeating every mistake from the past 8 years. Get a grip America, this duo that by the way would be the first ticket where both candidates have been convicted of ethics violations. WOW, do we really want another administration that winks at ethics charges?

The McDisaster campaign has run completely amuck… They’ve lost sight of what is important, the economy, change, and most of all Americans do not want more Carl Rove/Steve Schmidt/Rick Davis tactics running our Country!

Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden are both intelligent, wise, calm and both have a great deal of integrity, I for one want my next president and vice president to be intelligent, wise, calm and possess a great deal of integrity. We need these attributes to heal our country.

I was listening to the interview you played between Joe 'the plumber' and Katie Curic this morning.

I'm wondering if you caught two statements made by Joe?

At one point he said...Obama is an eloquent speaker, he even speaks better than me, and then later he made reference to
Sammy Davis Jr.

I don't think there is much uncertainty about which he is going to vote for!

I am an Obama supporter with an open mind who has voted both sides of the isle. However, McCain is grouchy, old and I believe showing sign of senility. And his running mate chops off word endings and thinks it's cute. She has been charged with ethics violations as has McCain making their ticket the only one where both have been charged with ethics violations. AND, Palin is the last person I want as a roll model for our young people. Now we hear that her future son-in-law will be dropping out of high school.

We've had 8 years of stupidity in the Whitehouse; we can't afford more of the same.

Donna

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

kevin from NYC — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:44:13 GMT

A plumber business in Holland, Ohio which makes over $250k a year. I knew plumbers got paid but that much? No offense to Joe, who seems like a hard working Joe but I think this may be another case of McCain not doing his homework again before the big test. Kevin from NYC

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

ALEX BAKALETZ,AVON,OH. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:01:10 GMT

Looks like Joe the plumber had his head in the sewer
the last eight years and did'nt see what went wrong.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Grampian — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:03:10 GMT

Gee, I wish I made $125.00 an hour. Our Plumber has two homes, takes half the winter off "too much work".

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Anonymous, Columbus, OH — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:03:23 GMT

Joe the Plumber is a confused individual. Obama's plan would raise taxes on BUSINESS OWNERS who's own PERSONAL INCOME is over $250,000 a year. NOT businesses who generate more than $250,000 in sales a year. That would be ridiculous, $250,000 is nothing to a small business. I work for a small business and we generate millions annually. McCain's plan is to confuse the American people and unfortunately Obama isn't doing a great job of explaining his plan to the average citizen. Let's face it, if you're making over $250,000 a year you're VERY well off!

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Thomas Paxton — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:17:22 GMT

Um....go to http://www.courtclerk.org/comp_name_search.asp and put in Joe's name....oh oh!

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Upper Marlboro, MD — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:21:21 GMT

Joe the plumber is about to make over $250,000 a year. To me he is NOT middle America. He is a very successful guy looking to do better. More power to him but if he is able to make what he says then he is doing better than most in this country. Enough of Joe already!!!!

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Chedar, daly city, ca — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:21:23 GMT

Joe may not be a plumber? Who knows. He just want to be in the limelight to get his 15 minutes of fame. I'll be surprise if the guy know how much a plumber makes. Even if he buys a business with people working for him, I will be very much in doubt if he can make a gross profit of $250,000 a year to be subjected to taxed at a higher rate. By the time he get his salary and pay his employee with benefits, it ain't much left Joe for uncle sam to tax you.

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Mark Grant — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:24:59 GMT

If Joe is bringing home over $250,000 after taxes and business expenses, I'm going to be a plumber! Why does he live in such a modest little home if this is true?

Trick or treating for tidbits on ‘Joe the Plumber’

Tom Obrien, Seattle — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:33:54 GMT

Joe the plumber is a right wing plant. He is a plumbers helper with no plumbing license. Using ordinary business purchase multipliers, Joe would have to come up with about $l.25 million to buy an existing business that threw off that kind of annual revenue. Good old Joe probably couldn't buy a six-pack on time payments,. much less have access to that kind of money.