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Video: The obligatory “Joe the Plumber on Huckabee” clip

posted at 11:45 am on October 19, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A sweet “get” for Huck as he builds his populist cred for 2012 but an almost total waste otherwise. I expected a conversation about the media coverage and his employment prospects now that Toledo’s coming after him. Instead, we get two minutes of that at the beginning (“I felt about this small”) and 10 minutes of tax policy 101 from Huck and Stephen Moore, with JTP reduced to a hardworking-Americans-like-you prop.

Hannity’s bound to have him on eventually for the red meat stuff, so look forward to that.

Update: Shocking. New. Details. “On Friday, the East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune in Arizona reported that Mr. Wurzelbacher’s Arizona driver’s license was suspended in May, 2000, following nonpayment of a court-imposed fine for civil traffic violations. He lived in Arizona from 1997-2000.”




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JTP reduced to a hardworking-Americans-like-you prop

I thought it wasn’t about JTP?

lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM

Actually, he’s not quite correct. You can ask questions all you want. If a question somehow causes the leader to have a minor slip of the tongue and reveal a glimpse of an unpopular truth, well then, you are guilty as hell for causing that answer.

CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”

CapedConservative on October 19, 2008 at 11:50 AM

He looks presidential in a suit. Joe the Plumber for Vice-President 2012!

promachus on October 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM

I can’t wait for a Hannity interview.

jencab on October 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM

I agree with your assessment. Huck didn’t structure that well, imo. He made JtP an onstage observer for most of that time following his introduction. It’s a touch condescending actually.

Spirit of 1776 on October 19, 2008 at 11:55 AM

This morning he was on F & F. Trust me, we don’t want him trying to be a policy wonk and it’s not fair to expect it of him. I did think it was interesting that he said that he was unaware of his delinquent taxes. And he didn’t like the idea of being helped out financially by well wishers. That being said he mentioned that the company he works for is shut down so times may indeed be rough.

Cindy Munford on October 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM

That entity is not a leader and with good luck and fortune will not achieve that goal.At the moment he is a junior senator from Illinois and the democratic party’s nomination for the highest position in the USA.

Necromancer on October 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM

But lest ye forget how tough TheOne is:

All in all, we’re ALL Joe the Plumber…the other side? ALL Jayson Blairs.

Hal on October 19, 2008 at 11:58 AM

Now I understand how to become famous:

Just ask an embarrassing question to a Democrat.

pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM

CC – BHO: “my Muslim faith”

CapedConservative on October 19, 2008 at 11:50 AM

That wasn’t a slip. Anyone with the slightest shred of objectivity knows what he was saying.

Darth Executor on October 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM

pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM

The next 4 years are going to be miserable.

lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 12:04 PM

Joe has learned the Phantom of the Chicago Opera lesson of this election:

Do not pull Obama’s mask off, even by accident.

profitsbeard on October 19, 2008 at 12:04 PM

Update: Shocking. New. Details.

More research done on Joe than Obama.

What media bias.

lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM

Huckabee is good at using people as props for his populism. Even Al Sharpton acted as a prop during the close of this particular show, meekly being quiet when Huckabee said he was sure Al would be voting for McCain with him.

Right_of_Attila on October 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM

The fact that Obama and Biden have both belittled Joe in their stump speeches says one thing clearly – Joe the Plumber made a good point with his question.

Speaking of asking questions, the MSM has failed on many fronts in regards to Obama and his campaign. These three issues in particular have been nearly invisible:

1. Funding – Anecdotal evidence already exists of illegal activity here. Down the road, I expect we will learn of massive amounts of fraud from Obama’s donor. The MSM has conveniently overlooked this story. Record fundraising by Obama, but not even a hint of impropriety or illegality.

2. Associations – Obama’s relationship with Raila Odinga has been largely ignored, but perhaps sheds the most light into Obama’s campaign tactics and future foreign policy. At worst Obama is in cahoots with a foreign thug who supports Muslim law. At best Obama was used as a pawn in this saga.

3. Experience – The MSM has glossed over what little experience Obama has. His votes in the Illinois State Senate and his self-touted work as a Community Organizer – where is the MSM on this? Obama has virtually no leadership experience he can point to. And noone is asking any questions….

dugan on October 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Did anyone see question posed by the Canadian woman in the audience? How about an HA post on that? Her love of the U.S. exceeds Obama’s, a million times over. Get her naturailzed and run her for office.

BuckeyeSam on October 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM

The next 4 years are going to be miserable.

lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 12:04 PM

You are correct!

Because it will not matter who gets in if the expected ‘Imperial Congress’ becomes a reality.

Any McCain’s proposals will be nullified.

And Obama will be nothing more than a ’sock puppet’.

pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM

Thats the first time I saw the whole clip of Obama and Joe’s interaction. How does Obama put people who make $250,000 into the same category as people who “make a whole lot more than that” like Obama?

ctmom on October 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM

Update: Shocking. New. Details. “

Meanwhile, Jeremiah Wright was unavailable for comment.

BacaDog on October 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM

Right_of_Attila on October 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Can’t give Huckabee any props? Come on. He booked JTP before he became famous after the debate. Get over the hatred of Huckabee. Mitt will have another chance in 4 years.

Razorsully on October 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Update: Shocking. New. Details.

Oh no, JTP is John McCain’s son! Arizona connection! Just jumping ahead in what appears to be a national exam of this poor man. So what happens to all of us if as president Mr. Obama has an answer that he needs to take back?

Cindy Munford on October 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM

It seems that this is a gooda’ place as any to “help start the next revolution” out.
Still doing my bit for “King and Country”.

Use it well.

Over.

1GooDDaDDy on October 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Update: Shocking. New. Details. “On Friday, the East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune in Arizona reported that Mr. Wurzelbacher’s Arizona driver’s license was suspended in May, 2000, following nonpayment of a court-imposed fine for civil traffic violations. He lived in Arizona from 1997-2000.”

Alaka? Arizona? Keating? Come on, connect the dots…

ninjapirate on October 19, 2008 at 12:23 PM

Now I understand how to become famous:

Just ask an embarrassing question to a Democrat.

pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM

It’s not the question that was embarrassing. It was the answer.

TheBigOldDog on October 19, 2008 at 12:28 PM

This show will not last long. It uses common sense.

Wade on October 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM

How does Obama put people who make $250,000 into the same category as people who “make a whole lot more than that” like Obama?

ctmom on October 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM

Although he’s a lawyer, Obama has never mastered the skill of reasoning by analogy. Look at his celebrated race speech in March for absurd examples of moral equivalence. He really is one of the dumbest smart people we’ll ever see.

BuckeyeSam on October 19, 2008 at 12:31 PM

BacaDog at 12:14 PM-

Jeremiah Wright was unavailable for comment.

As, surprisingly, were:

Bill Ayers.

Tony Rezko.

Father Pfleger.

Louis Farrakhan

Bernadine Dorhn.

(The investigate wing of the Mainstream Media must be off checking the minute finepoints of Sarah Palin’s Hunting License history in Wasilla, and thus cannot be bothered with peering into the crazy salad of domestic terrorists, crackpot preachers, radical socialists, anti-Semites and other hysterical losers that are propping up the Obama campaign and career..)

profitsbeard on October 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM

Now I understand how to become famous:

Just ask an embarrassing credible question to a Democrat.

pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM

(Modified)

Rovin on October 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM

Update: Shocking. New. Details.

Wow. That was almost as exciting as the slimes digging into The Dude’s driving history.

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM

More research done on Joe than Obama.

What media bias.

lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM

As I’ve said before, the corruption of the media is breath taking. Confidence in the integrity of our entire nation is being undermined as a result. One has to look no further than our financial markets to see what can quickly happen when confidence is lost in systems dependent upon it. We stand on the precipice. The last time this nation was in this position was the 1860s.

TheBigOldDog on October 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM

2. Associations – Obama’s relationship with Raila Odinga has been largely ignored, but perhaps sheds the most light into Obama’s campaign tactics and future foreign policy. At worst Obama is in cahoots with a foreign thug who supports Muslim law. At best Obama was used as a pawn in this saga.

dugan on October 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Yes, Obama’s “cousin” Odinga — the vicious thug who, after losing the election in Kenya by a quarter million votes, refused to accept the outcome of the democratic process and urged his supporters to riot and kill, which they did. Odinga, who like his cousin Barry, campaigned on a promise to re-distribute the wealth. Odinga, who signed an agreement with Kenya’s Muslim minority to impose Islamic law on the majority Christian nation of Kenya.

As a U.S. Senator, Obama and his bitter half traveled to Kenya, on the U.S. taxpayers’ dime, and urged Kenyans to support his fellow Luo tribesman and cousin, Odinga. You’d think the MSM in the U.S. would be more interested in that than in researching the history of traffic violations by a citizen like Joe W. who’s not running for any office.

AZCoyote on October 19, 2008 at 12:40 PM

Shocking. New. Details.

“This just in. Further investigations by our crack team of monkeys on crack has revealed that Mr. Wurzelbacher, while a kindergartner, pushed little Billy Klein off the teeter-totter and laughed. There is no evidence that Mr. Wurzelbacher has ever apologized or expressed regret.

“In other news, Barack Obama looked really good today.”

irishspy on October 19, 2008 at 12:41 PM

The last time this nation was in this position was the 1860s. – TheBigOldDog on October 19, 2008 at 12:38 PM

Worse, in fact, insofar as this nation is more starkly divided now than ever in its history. It’s no longer North vs South, but Red State vs Blue State – with red and blue divisions within each of almost all the states. When the powder keg finally ignites, it will explode everywhere.

Not pretty. And when the powder smoke dissipates, there will be two nations.

ManlyRash on October 19, 2008 at 12:46 PM

“On Friday, the East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune in Arizona reported that Mr. Wurzelbacher’s Arizona driver’s license was suspended in May, 2000, following nonpayment of a court-imposed fine for civil traffic violations. He lived in Arizona from 1997-2000.”

What.A.Monster.

Mike Honcho on October 19, 2008 at 12:46 PM

And Obama will be nothing more than a ’sock puppet’.

pocomoco on October 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM

I think Obummer has always been intended to be a ’sock puppet’. I’m just not sure who the puppeteer is. All the likely possibilities scare the crap out of me, though.

trigon on October 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM

Joe may or may not be a guy that could run for congress,, he may or may be someone will a good history,,,, none of that matters. The guy is just living his life. Obama walks up in front of his house and he asks him a question. Obama slips and admits he’s a socialist. What did Joe do???
The fact Joe didn’t pay his taxes on time and has some other personal problems,, is nothing compared to the evil the media and Obama are engaging it.
Anybody bother to look into the past of some of those people that asked stupid questions at the TownHall event a few weeks ago?? Any of them have unpaid taxes?? Any of them connected to ACORN?
This whole thing is so stupid. I guess every citizen must be fully vetted from now on before they are allowed to approach a Democrat Presidential candidate.

JellyToast on October 19, 2008 at 12:51 PM

I thought Joe was excellent, and Huck was good with him. I hope he’s not turned into a red meat joke though via being completely and utterly over exposed and exploited in the most over the top ways.

He’s a lucid speaker and good in front of the camera. Very likable.

Dash on October 19, 2008 at 12:52 PM

“It’s no longer North vs South, but Red State vs Blue State – with red and blue divisions within each of almost all the states. When the powder keg finally ignites, it will explode everywhere.”

No it won’t, because it’s an artificial distinction created by the media – both the mainstream and so-called “new media” (same corporate sponsers, same thing as far as I’m concerned.)

In most of the country, “red” and “blue” people live and work side by side and get along fine. In fact few people I know subscribe totally to one party ideology or another.

It’s only in the fewer and fewer politically monolithic areas that people feel really threatened by any change, often to the point of paranoia. And that’s the demographic the Limbaughs and Hannitys play to because they can make a lot of money delievering that audience to their corporate sponsors.

sanguine4 on October 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM

sanguine4 on October 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM

If it weren’t for talk radio and “corporations” we’d all be singing “i love you, you love me”

The divisions are clear. All over this country. More so on responsibility issues – either you want momma government to care for you or you don’t.

lorien1973 on October 19, 2008 at 1:13 PM

No it won’t, because it’s an artificial distinction created by the media – both the mainstream and so-called “new media” (same corporate sponsers, same thing as far as I’m concerned.)

Hmmmmm. MSM = New Media. You are either a liberal or a Paultard. Which is it?

In most of the country, “red” and “blue” people live and work side by side and get along fine. In fact few people I know subscribe totally to one party ideology or another.

Then you must live among the brain-dead. Consult the national electoral map from 2004 and then index it with demographic research conducted in various blue state and red state areas. While it is true that, in some areas, the color is more purple than blue or red, the fact remains that there are stark political and cultural divisions in this nation. The fact that the dividing line between day and night is a blurry one does not alter the stark distinction btween noon and midnight.

It’s only in the fewer and fewer politically monolithic areas that people feel really threatened by any change, often to the point of paranoia. And that’s the demographic the Limbaughs and Hannitys play to because they can make a lot of money delievering that audience to their corporate sponsors.

Ahhhhh. You ARE a liberal…from a blue demographic, no doubt. ’nuff said.

ManlyRash on October 19, 2008 at 1:16 PM

Update: Shocking. New. Details.

Wow, it’s almost like he is a regular Joe.

Question: what would unpaid fines have to do with O’s silly-sounding answer to a regular guy’s question? You know, help those behind you?bb

Also, ask the Dems if their willing to pull voters off of roles if they have a bit of a checkered past… I mean, how can they allow someone to vote Dem if they haven’t beebn vetted?

Joe Comment on October 19, 2008 at 1:16 PM

I like Joe, he said his peace, he exposed Obama.

Now let’s let him go back to his life.

Black Adam on October 19, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Hey America, the Socialist are COMING AFTER YOU NEXT.

First they came for Joe the Plumbler and I said nothing because I am not a plumber.
Or a Joe,
Or Bald,
Or a guy……

Elizabetty on October 19, 2008 at 2:14 PM

I should would not ask Barry O any tough questions either.
Questions, like, why is his only memory of a family member serving in the armed forces from 65 years ago during WW2?

gary on October 19, 2008 at 2:31 PM

The segment was actually really good. Not sure why everyone hates Huck. His show is actually funny (Leno, SNL, take note), positive, and educational. It’s a shame that TV has taken such a downturn since the 90’s. Go HUCK.

flash044 on October 19, 2008 at 3:10 PM

I love the analysis in this clips. If you don’t provide health care, you can’t hire these people, right? But then if you can hire the people and they don’t have health care, who will pay for their health care?

mycowardice on October 19, 2008 at 3:55 PM

In our re-education camp, we are calling everyone “Joe”…… it’s starting to get to our overseers.

BTW, from another thread, worth a second look. If Barry O looses this election, get ready for this……….

The Video that could cost Obama the election

http://www.nextgenerationcorp.com/NextGenBlog/?p=68

AdrianS on October 18, 2008 at 2:40 PM

Seven Percent Solution on October 19, 2008 at 4:30 PM

flash044 on October 19, 2008 at 3:10 PM

What, have you been in a closet while this slithering snake, ethically-challenged egomaniac Christian candidate! huckabeen has been out screwing over just about anyone to get ahead?! He’s a sleaze ball.

Shelby on October 19, 2008 at 4:37 PM

Then you must live among the brain-dead. Consult the national electoral map from 2004 and then index it with demographic research conducted in various blue state and red state areas. While it is true that, in some areas, the color is more purple than blue or red, the fact remains that there are stark political and cultural divisions in this nation. The fact that the dividing line between day and night is a blurry one does not alter the stark distinction btween noon and midnight.

The stark differences only arise between the Blithering Left and the Bizarre Right. This ‘red state’ ‘blue state’ bs is electoral politics, not consistent, homogeneous, ideologically motivated identity. The South in 1860 was far more homogeneous and ideological. Not even close today.

Your consistent desire for a new civil war is driving your false analysis. You may feel like the country is leaving you, but the vast majority of the populace can and will adapt to changing circumstances, and will do so without resorting to mass bloodshed or even a ‘peaceable’ split.

I recently refused to lump you in with the Bizarre Right, but these forays into this kind of thinking make me reconsider.

trailboss on October 19, 2008 at 4:42 PM

I like Joe, he said his peace, he exposed Obama.

Now let’s let him go back to his life.

Black Adam on October 19, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Sleazy Pols will only let go of JTP when he has outlived his usefulness to them. Obamia, Huckly, McCain, and the Media are using him for their own purposes, and these clips show just how easily Joe can be pushed into the background as needed. Once he’s been milked for all he’s worth, he’ll be allowed to go back to his life.

trailboss on October 19, 2008 at 4:45 PM

The stark differences only arise between the Blithering Left and the Bizarre Right. This ‘red state’ ‘blue state’ bs is electoral politics, not consistent, homogeneous, ideologically motivated identity. The South in 1860 was far more homogeneous and ideological. Not even close today.

In one fell swoop you contradict yourself. The North and the South were, in fact, very closely aligned on matters beyond slavery and states’ rights. They shared the smae cultural values, the same religious values, the same morals, etc.

The red and blue division goes beyond electoral politics and pervades culture, religion, morality and almost every other level of society. To deny this division is to deny reality and to attribute it to the “blithering left” or “bizarre right” is to play the fallacy of the rhetorical middle. Thing is…you are not in the middle. You are clearly on the left.

Your consistent desire for a new civil war is driving your false analysis. You may feel like the country is leaving you, but the vast majority of the populace can and will adapt to changing circumstances, and will do so without resorting to mass bloodshed or even a ‘peaceable’ split.

If anyone’s analysis is false, it’s yours. A civil war is the last thing I want. I don’t feel that the country is “leaving” me. What I see is a country undergoing a socio/political division – meiosis in a national scale. You can deny this all you like, but demographic research easily refutes you. Red state folks and Blue stat folks have completely divergent and utterly irreconcilable worldviews – and rift grows deeper with each passing year. What I see coming is a federal government lurching leftward, increasing in size and power. Perhaps that pleases you, but it worries the hell out of me. At some point it will become sufficently hegemonic to spur action on the part of the states. In Oklahoma it’s already begun.

I recently refused to lump you in with the Bizarre Right, but these forays into this kind of thinking make me reconsider.

You are on the left. I would expect nothing more from you.

ManlyRash on October 19, 2008 at 5:50 PM

Ode to Joe

The Heart of the Heartland

Our fundamental values are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Everything the Founding Fathers agreed was the best principals of any democracy. Our roots are grounded deep in the fertile soil of common sense, truth and justice.

Our earliest history proves that we don’t and won’t wear the chains of tyranny well. We’re a mature people who move on with our lives when those around us portray us as ignorant and beneath their contempt.

We are fiercely independent. We’re slow to anger, but when pushed beyond reason, we will fiercely fight for those rights our Founding Fathers gave us.

We are a proud people. Proud of our triumph over struggle, and recognize it was the struggle that made us strong.

We are Americans.

SoldiersMom on October 19, 2008 at 6:34 PM

Poor Joe, having to sit through that format and with two hand talkers surrounding him.

aikidoka on October 19, 2008 at 6:38 PM

The real news (as if anybody in the mainstream press ever cared) was always what Obama said–not what Joe the Plumber said. Obama showed up on Joe’s doorstep talking about spreading Joe’s (hypothetical) wealth around to the less-well-off. Joe didn’t seek out Obama. Joe just had the temerity–who does he think he is–to question the logic of the Messiah.

RBMN on October 19, 2008 at 7:51 PM

Why would any of you be critical of Mike for trying to help Joe? The point here is citizens shouldn’t be afraid to ask their politicians questions. The day you do is the day you no longer live in a free country. Really, if your weren’t so blinded by your hate for Mike, you’d realize that this isn’t just about Joe Wurzelbacher’s rights, this is about YOUR rights too! Sure, Joe’s gonna probably be on some of the other conservative talk shows. Mike asked him some questions on his program. They’ll ask their questions on theirs. Boy oh boy, don’t be so obvious in your hate for another person. Get over it.

apacalyps on October 19, 2008 at 8:09 PM

The MSM is proving that it can still do investigative reporting if it wants to.

So, it’s not entirely incompetent, just unbelievably biased.

29Victor on October 19, 2008 at 10:04 PM

Why would any of you be critical of Mike for trying to help Joe? The point here is citizens shouldn’t be afraid to ask their politicians questions. The day you do is the day you no longer live in a free country. Really, if your weren’t so blinded by your hate for Mike, you’d realize that this isn’t just about Joe Wurzelbacher’s rights, this is about YOUR rights too! Sure, Joe’s gonna probably be on some of the other conservative talk shows. Mike asked him some questions on his program. They’ll ask their questions on theirs. Boy oh boy, don’t be so obvious in your hate for another person. Get over it.

apacalyps on October 19, 2008 at 8:09 PM

Nailed it.

nationspatriotcom on October 20, 2008 at 5:47 PM

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