Obama Responds to McCain Camp Insinuations it Hacked into Joe the Plumber's Private Files

By the way, Allison, I love how the right is whining about "Joe the Plumber" being "attacked" for "asking a question." He's a life-long Republican who went to that rally determined to "embarrass" Obama with a made-up question. The McCain campaign latched onto him as if he was just your everyday voter. If the Obama campaign, or even just an unaffiliated Obama supporter, did something like that to McCain, you'd be screaming about how sleazy it was.

I bet my middle-class tax break (the bigger one--you know, under Obama) that Allison hasn't even seen Obama's *actual* answer to "Joe the Plumber." She's heard the GOP flacks talk about Obama's "socialism" and "spread the wealth" answer and she's fallen for it hook, line, and stinker.

Here's an idea: Use your brain. Go watch the five-minute answer Obama actually gave the guy, which was a heck of a lot more thoughtful than what the GOP and the media (*gasp* I thought they were liberal!?) have portrayed.

(Hint: it's nothing even close to "socialism" or "spread the wealth.")

It is absurd to suggest that this man should be vetted for asking a QUESTION. It's not his fault that Obama had a scary answer. Maybe the DNC should have vetted Obama instead of attacking anybody who dares to question him or ask for clarification.

Joe the plumber again? Before McCain picked a poster child for his campaign, the GOP should have investigated him. The Republican's have not handled themselves well by throwing out accustaions. It hurts their numbers. I guess it is time for them to pack up their marbles and go home.

And I don't want to get weird here but what is with this greasy looking has been , Mr Guliani character, always giggling like some little schoolgirl? Doesn't he have any idea how hideous he already looks? He looks like McCain's buddy, Pinochet, when he smiles.You are who you hang with and McCain seems to like these right wing dictator types a little too much for my liking.

In the same vein as some of these idiotic Republican comments I only want to add....remember Nixon, Watergate and the real Plumbers,McCain's buddy G.Gordon Liddy and his group of thieves,safe crackers and assassins.That,and the complete arrogant idiocy of the Bush family should be a lesson for Americans, but,as I fear ,McCain is probably set himself up to steal the election via a false flag tragedy and the supreme court.All I can say is America is spiraling quickly down the same toilet that took Argentina ,Chile and Germany years ago.

You Democrats are such hypocrites, When A Republican wants to listen in on phone calls of suspected terrorist you guys cry your right to privacy is being infringed on! Now that a Democrat who didn't like an honest question from an Average middle class American they decided it was okay to attack him and look into his private records. Is this what America is when a citizen disagrees with a Candidate they attack him! If this is how the Candidate acts, how will he act as President when someone apposes him? So on one hand it infringing on privacy to try and stop terrorist attacks and that offends you , but it is okay invade privacy when an American citizen exposes His plan for redistribution.

joe the plumber is like a recurring nightmare or better yet, hemorrhoids that won't go away. still, the man is some kind of saint to palin and mccain. just a few more days and we finally know who won it. whoever wins it, certainly hope it is by a wide margin so there is no mistake or second guessing by anyone. decisive win is most welcome.

Just like the kid who hacked into Palin's e-mail-- son of a State official supporting Obama

Our freedoms is in danger if Obama is elected.

Yeah, McCain dragged Joe the plumber to the spotlight - abusing him for his own purposes and exposing him to the media.

If he really would want people to ask questions he would have never done that.

But this is not what he wants. He just wants to smear as much as he can, because his policies remain 90% Bush's policies and this does not bring him any votes.

John McCain thinks he has nothing to lose anymore when in fact he now loses every single tiny remainder of his honour. Sad, sad.

If John McCain had not made "Joe the Plumber" the cornerstone of his campaign, the press would have had not interest in him. Obama answered his question honestly. "Honesty", that's something you don't see much of in the McCain campaign.

Anything to avoid talking about the issues.

All Neocons calling Obama a liar: Read Rolling Stone's 10-16-08 article on McCain.

If even 1/10th of it is true, then McCain is a complete fraud(he is any way-revisit the 2000 McCain).

Alex,

" Obama Responds to McCain Camp Insinuations it Hacked into Joe the Plumber's Private Files" -- You mean this talking point?

I would stick to this talking point if it really has any bearing as to how this country would be better off or run. I don't have any concrete prove as to weather Obama or his people has hacked into Joe's private mail nor if McCain's camp is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, neither do you nor ABC. :-) I shall leave that to speculation, at best. I am more interested with policies and issues rather than 'he said or she said.'

I am interested with what I'd do or simply common sense rather than playing dirty tricks, and I have find that regardless what dirty tricks your opponent plays, it will ultimately goes in full circle.

Alex,

Thank you so much for answering. I understand that paying for Hillary's debt probably has nothing to do with Joe the Plumber's issue(s) or publicity but if Obama firmly believes in 'spreading the wealth' why didn't he help out his own fellow citizen?

Furthermore, I am disgusted with how anyone can rip 'Joe the Plumber' apart for asking a question that he has on his mind regardless weather he has/had the 'plumber's license' or not. Or whether he is planning to buy a business that makes $250,000 -- more or less. As if those mockers, who feel he/she is/are 'better' could asked a more intellect question. I sincerely think, Joe's question is legitimate.

I remember knowing America to be a place where children dare to dream. A place where anything is possible, if only you're willing to work hard for it. To dream and become 'somebody' one day, a place where there is hope and faith...

I have a full time job, and I spend 99% of my time-off doing charity work. I worked my butt off so that I can save up for my old age because I am not planning on the government or anyone else to take care of me. But why 'punish' us (those who are willing to work hard) to pay for those who aren't willing to work? Those who are perfectly happy with being on welfare?

I apologized in advance if I come across antagonistic, I am not trying to.

Regards,

Curious

Hey, Curiuous, you seem like a good-natured inquisitive guy, so I thought I'd give your questions a shot.

>1. My question is, if Obama believes firmly in what he said, why didn't he help pay for Hillary Clinton's 20 million campaign debt?

Because that has nothing to do with what he said, and suggesting otherwise is clear political grandstanding.

2. For the past 8 years, I have received several refund checks under Bush's Administration... I am curious if Obama did donate or return his tax money (since he is about the $250,000 pay grade) back to his government or people that he is supposedly serving? I couldn't find it anywhere on his records.

I don't know.

Good questions, though maybe next time try to make your questions relevant to your talking points.

Giuliani went from his glory days to being one of the most vile pieces of trash I've seen in politics.

Janet, when you apply for a business loan, the creditor checks into the applicant's credit rating. DUH

Does anyone still take Giuliani seriously anymore? This is the brilliant strategist who decided to wait until the Florida primary to begin his campaign--after the race was over! This is the guy stupid enough to have his police officers drive him around to his tristes with his paramour! This is the same guy whose only campaign slogans were noun + verb + 011. The guy is a bitter and brainless nincompoop!

Sorry about the typo error. I mean "above the $250,000 pay grade"