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Can 'Joe The Plumber' Swing His State to McCain?
October 23, 2008 7:55 AM
John McCain's campaign focus on Joe the Plumber has given him a way to carry his message that Obama would tax small business owners.
Republican campaign officials tell ABC News that they believe the "Joe the Plumber" argument is the best shot McCain has going into the final days of the election to target Barack Obama, who is leading McCain 54-43 in the latest ABC News/Washington Post daily tracking poll.
However Obama has hit back in recent days, arguing his plan to cut taxes for everyone making under $250,000 a year means that McCain is really advocating for "Joe the CEO" or "Joe the hedge fund manager."
So far, Obama is maintaining his lead over McCain going into this final campaign stretch on key economic criteria. On the question of who would better help the middle class, the ABC/Post poll found Obama leads McCain by 62-31 percent. Obama also has an 8 point lead over McCain on trust to handle taxes.
In the key swing states, McCain has eaten away somewhat at Obama's lead in Florida, but has fallen sharply in Ohio.
In Florida Obama is up 49 – 44 percent, compared to Obama's 51 – 43 percent lead on October 1.
In Joe the Plumber's home state of Ohio, Obama is up 52 – 38 percent, widening his 50 -42 percent lead over McCain in early October.
No Republican presidential candidate has ever won the White House without taking Ohio.
The Quinnipiac poll finds Obama is ahead in Pennsylvania 53 – 40 percent, compared to 54 – 39 percent last time. Pennsylvania is the one state won by Sen. John Kerry in 2004 that the McCain team hopes to flip.
They believe they are strong in the western part of the state and that their Joe the Plumber message will work with blue collar voters there. But so far, Obama is very strong in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and the Philly suburbs.
These electorally vote-rich swing states are key.
If John McCain can't win two out of three of these swing states in Florida, Ohio, or Pennsylvania, there really isn't a path for him to get the 270 he needs to win the presidency.
Obama is ahead in all three right now.
October 23, 2008 in Barack Obama, Democrats Vote 2008, John McCain, Polls, Republicans Vote 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (718)
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"Joe the Plumber" isn't a plumber. He is, at best, a "handyman." Pay your taxes you bum, I paid mine.
Posted by: Yankee | Oct 23, 2008 8:27:00 AM
To: GEORGE, the I lied for Clinton George, the FAR LEFT LIBERAL HACK George,
As a typical left leaning so-called reporter, I wonder if you ever read the responces to your "reports' ???
Would you read a review of you by A DEMOCRATE, proven to be a hard core DEMOCRATE ???
PLEASE DEMOCRATES, PLEASE READ THIS FROM A HIGH RANKING DEMOCRATE, A MAN WHO IS KNOW FAR AND WIDE AS A STAUNCH DEMOCRATE, JUST READ IT AND SEE HIS VIEW! IT'S CALLED:
Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?
REMEMBER, this was written by a Democrat....
http://www.ldsmag.com/ideas/081017light.html
*** I wonder how many Democrates will actualy care what one of thier owns states in his opinion piece ??? Do you even care anymore to read an un-biased reporter do his JOB...
George is IN THE TANK for Obama and does NOT have the guts to tell the American people the truth about his far left media agenda. BUT THE ARTICLE YOU JUST READ PROVES IT !!!
THE MEDIA DIED THIS ELECTION !!!
AND BTW GEORGE, the 1 POLL that was found to be and proven to be and cited as the MOST ACCURATE POLL IN THE LAST 8 ELECTON CYCLES IS THE I.D.B./TIPP POLL and it show the race as of 10/22/2008 to be DEAD EVEN, WITHIN THE MARGINS and McCAIN GAINING IN ALL THE BATTLEGROUND STATES !!! So again, you George and ABC are LIARS to the American people and as the article I just linked show, YOUR PROFESSION IS DEAD, oh wait, YOUR profession is to LIE FOR THE RADICAL FAR LEFT, so you'll AMWAYS have a job.
Posted by: Mark Garnett | Oct 23, 2008 8:32:31 AM
Joe Klein from latest "Time" talks about Obama wanting to talk to the Taliban without pre-conditions. Well, next will be Osama at the table where he can say" Brother, we did it. Wish our cousin Saddam Hussein was here at the table too"
Posted by: vs | Oct 23, 2008 8:33:18 AM
Joe Klein from latest "Time" talks about Obama wanting to talk to the Taliban without pre-conditions. Well, next will be Osama at the table where he can say" Brother, we did it. Wish our cousin Saddam Hussein was here at the table too"
I dare the liberal left blogs to censor these comments because it is Obama's true state of mind...
Posted by: vs | Oct 23, 2008 8:35:34 AM
It seems even the Plumber route is not really working that well, especially after knowing 'Joe' does not make more than $250,000/year and is not a licenced plumber. He has to be licenced in order to run a business according to state laws.
So really, a great pecentage of Americans will not be taxed more under Obama anyway. McCain once more is speaking lies.
Posted by: GWP | Oct 23, 2008 8:35:48 AM
Too bad even McCain's "Joe the Plumber" argument is completely full of crap and based on lies, too. It's already been amply demonstrated that J the P will actually do better under Obama's tax plan than under McSame's. How sad...
Posted by: fact checker | Oct 23, 2008 8:36:41 AM
Looks more and more like this guy was a plant. If not, why in the hell would they keep talking about this guy even after he was found out to be a fraud!
Posted by: John | Oct 23, 2008 8:37:39 AM
vs - so now you're a mind reader, too? Amazing! God you wingnuts are out of your heads with desperation. Sorry, fool, but nobody is buying your silly scare tactics. Idiot.
Posted by: lisa montefiore | Oct 23, 2008 8:38:30 AM
I think that McCain should try and communicate his record as a fiscal conservative, in particular the obvious corrupt relationship the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freedie Mac had (has?) with those on capitol hill. Clearly there was an improper "quid pro quo" relationship between governmental regulatory oversite and campaign donations to these corrupt politicians. If he hammered the other side of the isle in this area he might be able to break through to the apparently mesmerized American public with the party that supposedly champions the poor.
Posted by: LongT | Oct 23, 2008 8:42:13 AM
It's beyond rationalization that Joe is worried about his taxes when he doesn't pay taxes.
Posted by: Yankee | Oct 23, 2008 8:42:22 AM
who cares about pre-conditions? do you even know what they are? Fact is, if we really want to win the peace in Afghanistan we need to at least listen to the Taliban and get them talking. If we don't like what they have to say, we can always walk away from the table. But you idiot Republicans are so hung up on "preconditions" that you've blown every opportunity. Besides, it's not like your strategy in Afghanistan is working anyway. Face it, you are very stupid and ignorant people and you are not competent to run anything except your big stupid mouths. The rest of us are sick of being held hostage by your stupidity. Decent people are longer listening to your crap. The more nonsense you spew now, the less relevant you will be during the Obama administration. Grow up and get real.
Posted by: joe the voter | Oct 23, 2008 8:42:27 AM
vs: please repeat after me.
Obama is NOT a Muslim.
Not all Muslims are terrorists.
Muslims are Americans too.
Now grow up you ignorant whiner.
Posted by: radio bird man | Oct 23, 2008 8:44:18 AM
I hardly think that "Joe the Plumber" is qualified to tell us how things should be. He has problems getting his own act together, with liens on his house for medical bills and owing the Government back taxes.. I think Joe could use a little advise himself.
Posted by: Sharonkathleen | Oct 23, 2008 8:45:19 AM
Did you all know that the failed policies for Fanny-Mae and Freddy-Mac were put into law buy Slick Willy the Cigar Stroker? The last eight years were the best in your life, just because we have some hard times now does not erase the great time$ we all had when money was plentifull. We need a slight correction NOT CHANGE!
Posted by: RSC | Oct 23, 2008 8:45:57 AM
Obama - African American - Even in how he "identifies" himself, he doesn't put America first.
Posted by: 1Locke1 | Oct 23, 2008 8:46:02 AM
Joe the unlicensed plumber is a fraud who doesn't pay his taxes or actually run his own business. I am a REAL plumber, and a union man, and I am voting for OBAMA!
Posted by: kevin the plumber | Oct 23, 2008 8:46:16 AM
Folks really need to WAKE up. Fashion is not what this election is about. It's about the publics need for Government to be accountable for its' decisions and actions. OBAMA PLAN 605 million campaign + 155 million more, fine suits, planes, trip to Europe, Greek Columns at Nomination. No one bickers at this outrageous spending. Attack only his opponents.When Obama wins he will spend this country into a dither just as he has spent on his campaign. The new problem is everyone is voting on marketing, and clever marketing talent he has. Next to Mickey D’s and Coke, Obama belongs in those ranks. This voting on marketing will cost our country and uneven balance in the white house, none like ever before. This country will become the Democratic nation. This house has currently been controlled by the Democrats since 2006. There will be no checks and balance to counter things, because with this big sale of the Democrats on the shirt tails of a Democrat Obama President this election there will been 2/3 more Democrats in the senate and congress with a Democrat Speaker. So continue not to pay attention, this is exactly what they want a quiet entry with no fuss or negative attacks. Most of our public citizens are behaving like sheep, and now the swing of all the weight to one side without considering it’s effects.
Posted by: Mel | Oct 23, 2008 8:49:14 AM
If obama goes to Joe the plumbers neighborhood and gets out of his car and approach's homeowners, how can he possibly be a plant??? He just got caught on his real agenda of "spreading the wealth". One major lie on obama's tax cut proposal for 95% of american's is that it doesn't state the 250k is for families, individuals making close to 100k will be taxed higher and the 250k benchmark is a lie, its really at 229k and under. 40% of that 95% do not pay taxes so that is welfare. In this economy if you really think you will get this tax break you are crazy with all the spending Pelosi is planning, she is the puppeteer here. Those unemployed due to the higher corporate taxes he is planning on employers will not help taxpayers either. I would rather have a job, thank you but no thank you.
Posted by: Concerned in Atl | Oct 23, 2008 8:50:35 AM
RSC - WRONG! The policies that undermined Fannie and Freddy were part of the repeal of the Glass-Steagal act of 1933, key provisions of which protected against exactly the kind of unregulated credit speculation which did so much damage to Fannie and Freddie. The repeal of Glass-Steagal was led by Republican Senator Phil Gramm - NOT Bill Clinton. Clinton signed the bill, ( Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act, Pub.L. 106-102) but Phil Gramm led the charge and put his name on it.
Do you dumb Republicans really think that the rest of us aren't going to call you out on your disinformation and lies anymore? Get used to it, clown, because Republican lies will never be tolerated again. Your free ride of foolishness is over.
Posted by: fed up with dummies | Oct 23, 2008 8:51:48 AM
What About ANTHONY THE UNEMPLOYED, Joe the Plumber is a Rich Guy he is planing to Buy hes company, but what about the People who work, dont have home, they paid Rent, leave Pay check to Pay check, WHAT ABOUT 60% OF THE AMERICAN WHO LEAVE LIKE THIS.....
Posted by: Anthony | Oct 23, 2008 8:51:58 AM
TO: Kevin,
Can I get a Democrate to please read this link then talk to me about your opinion ???
I am attempting to talk to and debate with any reasonable Democrate that will not resort to name calling or bashing!!!
Here is the link:
http://www.ldsmag.com/ideas/081017light.html
Mark Garnett
Posted by: Mark Garnett | Oct 23, 2008 8:52:28 AM
ABC is censoring posts it doesn't like even though there are no violations!
Posted by: LongT | Oct 23, 2008 8:52:53 AM
Slow the Voter -
You are perfect example of what is wrong with the left coast. You are so clueless that you can't even be talked to. So go vote, by pulling one big lever, because that's how you were taught growing up.
FOOL..........
PS: Give up you $300K home when you only make $50k a year!
Posted by: RSC | Oct 23, 2008 8:53:34 AM
I'm so tired of contrived controversy, talking points, and buzz words. The only people they seem to amuse, stir up, or entertain are the morons that use them. "Joe the plumber" is the new mindless, feeble attempt at attention seeking.
Posted by: disgusted | Oct 23, 2008 8:54:21 AM
Mel - actually, most Obama voters are impressed with his very smart policies, including his excellent tax plan and spending policies. The only people hung up on Obama's "style" are you dumb Republicans who are constantly ranting about "Greek columns" and "trips to Europe" (both paid for WITHOUT government dollars by the way). The sad fact is that you dumb Republicans have no substance to talk about, so you whine about Obama's "style". Too bad your candidate doesn't have any of that either. LOL
Posted by: fed up with dummies | Oct 23, 2008 8:54:51 AM
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