Video Joe went after some familiar GOP scapegoats too, railing that an early stimulus proposal gave the “Hollywood elite” tax relief. He asked incredulously, “How many people does Hollywood put to work?”

If he had been doing more than throwing a hackneyed populist dart, Wurzelbacher could have learned the answer: About 250,000. That’s how many people in the Los Angeles area, mostly middle-class unknowns, form the backbone of one of the few industries in which America remains competitive. Who would want to support them?

I called Wurzelbacher’s old plumbing boss to offer my services, since Joe the Reporter is so busy moonlighting. Al told me he was on a job and couldn’t talk. I figure I’m perfect. I know very little, but I’ve got lots of opinions about flapper valves.