The Deconstruction of "Joe the Plumber" (Plus Debate Thoughts)

Alright kids, since John McCain (and to a certain extent, Barack Obama) decided to make "Joe the Plumber" the most important voter in the United States of America, I think it's only appropriate that we get some of the facts straight on Mr. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher. First off, it's important to note that according to the Toledo Blade, "Joe the Plumber" is a registered Republican. John McCain was making him out to be an undecided voter. Now, I will acknowledge that it is possible for a partisan to be undecided, however it's reasonable to conclude that Mr. Wurzelbacher's political affiliation is an important caveat in this instance. Also, according to ABC News' Chief National Correspondent Jake Tapper, "Joe the Plumber" would actually receive a tax cut under Obama's plan, as he admits that his income would be well under $250,000. It gets better, Sam Stein over at the Huffington Post reveals that "Joe the Plumber" has long been confused by taxes. In fact the state of Ohio has filed liens against our hero "Joe the Plumber" because he has failed to pay the entirety of what he owes. Basically what we appear to have here, is a partisan Republican know-nothing masquerading as an undecided voter. His intent is to score political points for John McCain as the "every man" skeptic of Obama's intentions. In short, "Joe the Plumber" is a fraud and a massive tool!

Alright, now that we've efficiently dispatched of "Joe the Plumber" let's move on to the debate in which he was mentioned numerous times. I agree with most of the talking heads that McCain seemed to be in control for the first 30 minutes. He was managing to effectively seize the offensive on the issue of the economy. However, I feel that he began to lose his composure after his numerous jabs couldn't seem to find a whole in Obama's defenses. John McCain looked enraged the whole time. A friend with whom I was watching the debate with remarked that his blinking was bound to trigger epileptic seizures. My take on McCain's many grimaces and sighs was that he really needed to go to the bathroom. Anyways, I digress. McCain also said a number of things that are sure to inspire a lot of controversy. First, when he used scare quotes to argue that the "health" of a pregnant woman was something that the "pro-abortion movement*" stretched to mean almost anything. This is extremely offensive and insensitive to the legitimate health concerns that can be the consequence of an unplanned pregnancy. I can only imagine that women voters did not react particularly favorably to this snide remark by McCain. Secondly, I thought it was striking when McCain said that we shouldn't "spread the wealth." I'm quite puzzled by this as McCain seems to be taking pleasure in the acute inequality that plagues American society. Many Republicans have leveled at least somewhat persuasive arguments over the years that progressive taxation is unfair, however few have seemed to take delight in the plight of the less fortunate, and bragged about how their candidacy would not address their economic shortcomings. Finally, I thought McCain's best moment was when he told Barack Obama that he's not George Bush. However, I feel like Obama effectively parried this by stating that he realizes that McCain isn't Bush but he was naturally confused because the economic philosophy championed by the Mac is eerily similar to that of W's. Overall, I thought the debate was easily won by Obama. He certainly didn't have his best performance, but considering the large lead he's currently nursing in the polls, he hardly needed to knock it out of the park. Particularly in regard to his tax policy and health care plan, Obama levied concise arguments that I believe will resonate well with voters concerned about the economy. Moreover, Obama was calm and collected. In short, he was presidential. McCain was noticeably uncomfortable. It was clear to anyone with half a brain that McCain was seriously pissed and that he holds nothing but udder disdain for Obama.

*It always sends me into a fit of rage when conservatives and pro-lifers label those in support of abortion rights "pro-abortion." Nobody is "pro-abortion." Abortion is a horrible thing, and Obama was correct to point out that the main goal should be to reduce the number of abortions in America. However, the religious right has insisted on dubbing those who support choice as "pro-abortion" which is offensive and just plain wrong. It's wrong because if you follow this reasoning to it's logical conclusion, anyone that was "pro-abortion" would believe that every fetus conceived should be aborted! That's a "pro-abortion" policy! In contrast, those that are pro-choice support abortion rights. Therefore, it's fine to say that someone is pro-abortion rights, but it's a fallacy to label someone "pro-abortion."

P.S. One more thing. John McCain kept crediting Sarah Palin for her support for families with children suffering from autism. Autism is a horrible affliction that deserves much more attention from the government. However, what McCain meant to say was that Sarah Palin is an advocate for families with children suffering from down-syndrome. Palin's infant son, Trig, suffers from down-syndrome, not autism. Needless to say, the government would be well served to design programs that combat both of these conditions.

John McCain is the Penguin!

Via Ezra Klein.

He even sorta laughs like him!

Obama's Ohio Hurdle

I've been meaning to recommend this great George Packer piece from The New Yorker. Packer probes the thoughts of the undecided voters of Ohio's white working class. This article is at times very sad and immensely frustrating. Needless to say, Obama's race and name provide a great deal of anxiety for a number of these people. It's important to keep in mind that many of the people interviewed in Packer's article don't have a lot education and have led somewhat insulated lives, at least in terms of their exposure to African-Americans. Frankly, even with that in mind, it's hard not to manifest a deep sense of anger towards these people. While it's not always their fault, the ignorance and racism on display is astounding. It's best to remember that Obama's candidacy is truly historic and he was bound to face some of these obstacles on the road to the White House. One can only hope that if he wins (which as the days go by, is looking increasingly likely) many attitudes will begin to change.

Traitor!

Via Think Progress.

The unrepentant filth that is the McCain-Palin campaign continues again at this rally in my home state of Wisconsin where some woman yells "traitor!" while McCain is describing (inaccurately) Obama's tax plan. John McCain, who constantly talks about honor, smiles and continues his speech. Then the crowd begins to chant "USA, USA, USA!" This makes me extremely ashamed of my home state, these people are not patriotic Americans. I remember when I was 12 years old watching the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, I used to think it was cool when people would chant USA over and over again. My mother cautioned me at the time, that while there's nothing wrong with having pride in one's country, to chant USA like that represented the ugly American. I kind of shrugged her off at the time, but it turns out my mother's warning was extremely prescient (as so many of her thoughts have proven to be over the years!). This is the ugly American. Republican supporters always chant this in response to their candidates railing against the Democrats. They seem to believe that Democrats are trying to hurt America. What the fuck is wrong with these people? They did the same thing at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul whenever a Code Pink protester would interrupt a speech. I have to be honest, while I agree with the message of Code Pink, I don't necessarily agree with their methods. I think that Code Pink often does more harm to the anti-war cause than good. However, to chant "USA, USA, USA!" at these women, as if they don't love their country is an absolute abomination. The Republicans have nothing to run on except resentment and hatred. Hatred of African-Americans. Hatred of Muslims. Hatred of intellectuals. In short, hatred of anyone that is not like them. This truly represents Rome before the fall. How do you reason with people like this. I'm glad to see that my beloved state of Wisconsin is still trending blue, and I'm confident that Barack Obama will win the state. However, I'm deeply ashamed of the type of reactionary and mindless anger that persists in these people. That woman, whomever she is, and the people that chanted USA are not real Americans, despite proclaiming themselves the exclusive holders of the title. I will refrain from stating what I really think of these individuals, because if I were to do so I would be playing their game, on their terms. I simply refuse to do that. This is desperation. This is folly. This is fear coming home to roost. Vote Obama '08!

Four Days in Denver

A long, but really cool video featuring Barack, Michelle, the Obama girls, big Joe Biden, and numerous others. Well worth a watch (that is, if you're a partisan Democrat like me!).



Update: Via Oliver Willis. Sorry Oliver!

The Maverick King of Phoniness

Recently, I finished reading this explosive Rolling Stone piece on John McCain by Tim Dickinson. This article comprehensively outlines a side of McCain that his adoring fans in the MSM have never bothered to report on, or even look into. Not all in the blogosphere have received this article well, but it certainly has its defenders. I'm of the mind that the article is fair. Dickinson certainly is one-sided in his portrayal of McCain, however he sources everything and even has numerous direct quotes from McCain's associates of the past and present (most importantly a number of his fellow POWs at the Hanoi Hilton). I strongly recommend that you give this article a read. Definitely approach it with a grain of salt, as it is quite one-sided. However, it's important to note that until recently the MSM has only ever said positive things about McCain; don't ever forget that everyone has a dark side. Yes, that does include Obama and the Democrats. After all, we're all human!

So this is what it's come to

(Via Jason Zengerle at The Plank)

Did you see that? John McCain asked a crowd of supporters "Who is the real Barack Obama?" In response, some man in the audience yelled "terrorist!" What did John McCain do? Well, he continued with his speech. Pretty mavericky, huh? This is the measure of just how far John McCain has fallen. This is what his campaign has inspired. Insipid hatred. Vile racism. God Bless America! The same can be said of Sarah Palin (color me unsurprised!). In some of the recent rallies she has headlined an African-American sound technician was told to "sit down, boy!" and when she asked the crowd what should be done about Barack Obama, another good ol' boy shouted "kill him!" Once again, what did noted hockey mom Sarah "Barracuda" Palin do about this? Let's just say the silence was deafening as she cracked a smile. (Links courtesy of Christopher Orr over at the Plank) How do McCain and Palin look at themselves in the mirror? How do they sleep at night? Have they been consumed so thoroughly by amorality that they are completely and utterly indifferent? Do they enjoy this? Or, is this campaign tearing them apart inside? For their sake, I hope that it's the last one. I'm 24 years old. I can't make the claim that I've seen a lot of things, because I haven't. However, never in my life have I experienced so vile an endeavor as the McCain-Palin campaign. Christopher Orr says it best "If Steve Schmidt and the other architects of this increasingly disgraceful candidacy didn't anticipate such an outpouring of violent, racist bile, they are imbeciles. If they did, they are worse." John McCain, to paraphrase the great Joseph N. Welch, "Have you no decency, sir?"