If I hear another newscast about Joe the Plumber, I am going to lose my mind. Joe the plumber . . . does not really exist – there’s probably a dozen people in the same situation in America.

How many plumbers are faced with the problem of deciding whether or not to buy out the plumbing business they work for?

How many plumbing corporations even offer themselves for sale?

The entire premise is absolutely totally out to lunch.

Look, however somebody makes a quarter million dollars, they can afford to pay a little more in taxes than the rest of us.

If you don’t agree, as families live paycheck to paycheck . . . then you’re out to lunch as well

UPDATE: Turns out Joe the Plumber doesn’t even exist - at least in the sense that he will not make $250,000. Like I said . . . out to lunch.

UPDATE 3: Also looks like this genius is not registered to vote might be purged from voter rolls if he were a new voter because of a date entry error. Indeed, some people might attempt to purge him for “voter fraud.”

As most of you already know (I got home late) Joe the Plumber likes to criticize Obama for his tax plan, but he just hates taxes period (unless imposed by John McCain) – so he just doesn’t pay them.

Joe the plumber – also does not exist – because he’s not actually a plumber.

So can somebody tell me why anybody cares what’s on Joe-the-tax-owing-not-plumber-guy-who-gets-a tax-cut-from-Obama’s-plan-but-hates-it mind?

Tonight I am so proud to have been an Obama supporter from the beginning. He killed it.

The format of the debate does not really allow good responses. This is just stupid. A smart middle schooler could give some of Palin’s answers – since she doesn’t have to defend their statements.

There’s a lot I could say. But, you know what?

I’ll just let Palin speak for herself . . .

That seems to be working well.

As Couric notes. If you support a right to privacy, you support Roe v. Wade.

Which means Palin’s statements cannot co-exist in the same reality.

From Mark Halperin:

Obama: A-
McCain: B-

The overall consensus, supported by the polls, is that Obama won the first debate:

“Who won the debate polls” are notoriously subjective, of course, so take them for what they’re worth. But according to three post debate polls, respondents think Obama got the best of things tonight:

CBS News: Obama won 39%, McCain won 25%, Draw 36%

Insider Advantage: Obama won 42%, McCain won 41%, Undecided: 17%

CNN: Obama “did better” 51%, McCain “did better” 38%
(link)

However, as noted by the above article, who won is hard to define.

You could judge it like a high school debate team, take into consideration expectations, take into consideration each candidate’s area of expertise etc. etc. etc.

At the end of the day Obama’s victory stems from the fact that this was supposed to be McCain’s best subject matter.

There’s room for improvement by Obama, but he successfully destroyed the idea that he cannot go toe-to-toe with McCain with ease.

Congratulations Obama and company!

That number should be repeated, and repeated, and repeated every few minutes in tomorrow’s debate.

It can stand on it’s own, it can be made in passing while making a larger point, it can end a sentence or begin a sentence, but it must be repeated.

Obama is going to be painted as the “most liberal” senator, there’s no avoiding it.

Obama needs to nuetralize this attack by ramming home into the American consciousness that McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time.

Moreover, if every American really accepted and thought about this fact it would be impossible for McCain to win the election. Bush is one of the most unpopular Presidents in history.

Now, simply repeating things until people hear it so much they believe it’s true is a Republican tactic many progressives might turn their nose up at.

Fine. This is not that. This is repeating and driving home something that is actually true.

As much as I love my boy Barack, sometimes he assumes just because he says something, and it’s great, everybody hears it the first time.

How many times have you been told so many different true things until you finally accepted them as undeniably true?

Obama campaign . . . you must drive home this number so that it is the thing, the one take away, people wake up thinking about the next day.

Do so successfully and this election is over.

Jeru The Damaja says it best . . .

Today, I’ll limit my advice to show up and show the empty podium next to you!

Yes We Can!

Just after CNN asks the McCain campaign to free Sarah Palin, we’re forced to ask the Republican nominee to free himself.

According to John McCain, although:

“I’m going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated,” McCain told the Wall Street Journal in late November. (link)

he’s desperately needed in Washington to negotiate a bailout agreement that McCain’s pro deregulation policy stance helped create. Indeed, despite the fact that there are 98 or so other senators working on the issue, despite the fact that Democrats (the majoriry party) have essentially agreed on a plan, and despite the fact that McCain has done literally nothing to assist the last week’s negotiations on the crisis, and despite the fact that the crisis began last week but he didn’t hear anything about suspending a debate until his number tanked, 48 hours before the first debate he is desperately needed.

John McCain is a loser.

He can’t win on any issue so he tries to capture people’s imagination by simply doing unpredictable things.

Well my friends, being unpredictable is not being a maverick in any positive sense of the word. A maverick doesn’t just go a long with the crowd to be a contrarian, but does not do so for a good principled reason.

McCain is just trying to be unpredictable for unpredictability’s sake.

Moreover, this unpredictableness has no relation to actual policies, it’s only campaign tactics. While the political talking heads might praise these tactics, think of how such a politician would govern. Trying to keep the opposing party on their toes, McCain would govern erratically, by way of erratic political tactics and maneuvering. If that doesn’t alarm you , just think of this tactical approach applied to Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea.

Imagine going back in time to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although Obama is about as even tempered as they come, imagine a leader of a potentially dangerous nation reacting to one of McCain’s stunts. McCain simply flunks the Cuban Missile Crisis test for President I discussed in an earlier post.

In any event, I don’t think McCain’s little stunt will do him much good. Most Americans think it was the wrong move, and nobody likes a loser.

McCain will always be the guy who backed down. Somehow, despite all the experience he campaigned on for so long, he can’t manage two important tasks at once.

McCain’s position is that he cannot get on the telephone and talk to members of Congress, while also preparing for a debate.

He needs to be physically present to help fix an issue even the people on Wall St. don’t fully understand, all the while while his campaign manager was on the books of those responsible to the tune of almost $2 million. That’s a credibility problem from hell where most American never see 2 million dollars . . . ever.

At the end of the day, McCain is conceding he (and his VP nominee) can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, and that his younger less experienced opponent can.

Man, I’m just happy my candidate can execute two tasks at once.

That’s a huge concession, and the Obama campaign should implicitly press the point until November 4, 2008.

I leave with a comprehensive history of John McCain’s endless quotes deriding the benefits of regulation, that he now wished to simply cover up now that deregulation of Wall St. may risk the next big depression.

Quotes can be that inconvenient sort of truth . . .

Progressive Accountability.com:

John McCain: The Deregulator

I don’t think anyone who wants to increase the burden of government regulation and higher taxes has any real understanding of economics and the economy and what is needed in order to ensure the future of this country.”
– John McCain [McCain Town Hall in Inez, Kentucky, 4/23/08]

McCain Is An Avid Supporter Of Lax Rules For Financial Institutions

McCain Supported A Banking Bill Because It Eliminated “The Tremendous Regulatory Burden Imposed On Financial Institutions.” While speaking in favor of bank deregulation on the floor of the senate, John McCain said, “This legislation takes a small but important step toward eliminating the tremendous regulatory burden imposed on financial institutions… One principal reason banks are unable to make loans is the bewildering array of statutory and regulatory restrictions and paperwork requirements imposed by Congress and the regulatory agencies. While a case can certainly be made that every law and regulation is intended to serve a laudable purpose, the aggregate effect of the rapidly increasing regulatory burden imposed on banks is to cause them to devote substantial time, energy and money to compliance rather than meeting the credit needs of the community.” [Congressional Record, 11/19/93; emphasis added]

McCain Supported A Bill To “Takes A Small Step Forward Toward Eliminating Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens Imposed On Banks.” While speaking in favor of bank deregulation on the floor of the senate, John McCain said, “While a case can certainly be made that every law and regulation is intended to serve a laudable purpose, the aggregate effect of the rapidly increasing regulatory burden imposed on banks is to cause them to devote substantial time, energy and money to compliance rather than meeting the credit needs of the community … This bill recognizes this fact, and takes a small step forward toward eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed on banks.” [Congressional Record, 11/19/93; emphasis added]

McCain Said The Best Thing Government Can Do For Business Is “Stay Out Of Its Way.” While speaking about the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act on the floor on the Senate in 2000, John McCain said, “I am convinced that the best thing government can often do to advance the fortunes of the private sector is to stay out of its way. I support this bill because it makes progress toward that end, by improving companies’ flexibility to hire the talent they need, while providing for the regulatory framework and new educational opportunities to protect and promote American workers.” [Congressional Record, 10/3/00; emphasis added]

In 1999, McCain Supported Phil Gramm’s Banking Deregulation Bill. In 1999, John McCain voted for passage of the Senate version of a bill that would eliminate current barriers erected by the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act and other laws that impede affiliations between banking, securities, insurance and other firms. The bill also would exempt small, non-urban banks from the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), revise the Federal Home Loan Bank system and require that owners of automated teller machines (ATMs) provide notice on the ATM and on-screen of any charges imposed for the use of the terminal. The bill passed 54-44. [S. 900, Vote #105, 5/6/99]

McCain Missed The Vote For Final Passage Because He Was Campaigning In New Hampshire. John McCain missed the final vote on Phil Gramm’s banking deregulation bill because he was campaigning in New Hampshire. [NPR, “Morning Edition,” 11/5/99; S. 900, Vote #354, 11/4/99]

McCain Has Based His 2008 Campaign On Promoting Less Regulation

McCain: “I Don’t Think Anyone Who Wants To Increase The Burden Of Government Regulation And Higher Taxes Has Any Real Understanding Of Economics.” During a McCain Town Hall in Inez, Kentucky, John McCain said, “When we come out of this recession and we will because I believe that the fundamentals of our economy are good … Sen. Clinton wants the government to make the decisions for you on your health care, I want the families to make the decisions on their health care. I don’t think anyone who wants to increase the burden of government regulation and higher taxes has any real understanding of economics and the economy and what is needed in order to ensure the future of this country.” [McCain Town Hall in Inez, Kentucky, 4/23/08; emphasis added]

McCain: “I Understand Why The AFL-CIO And Maybe Other Unions May Oppose My Free Market, Less Regulation, Right To Work.” During an appearance on Fox’s “Special Report with Brit Hume,” John McCain said, “I understand why the AFL-CIO and maybe other unions may oppose my free market less regulation right to work. I think we have honest differences of opinion. I respect those labor unions, but I’m sure that those differences are very intense and very real.” [Fox News,” Special Report with Brit Hume,” 3/12/08]

McCain: “Let’s Reduce Regulation.” While speaking about the economy in St. Louis, Missouri, John McCain said, “I’m asked all the time are we in a recession or not in a recession. And I don’t know the answer to that because it’s kind of a technical term… I do not believe we should raise your taxes. I think it would be the worst thing we could do. And that means to me I think the tax cuts need to be made permanent. When you’ve got a bad economy, the worst thing you can do is increase people’s tax burden. Let’s reduce it. Let’s reduce regulation.” [CNN, “Ballot Bowl, 3/15/08]

McCain: “We Need To Return To The Reagan Years… We Need Less Regulation.” As shown on PBS’s “Washington Week,” John McCain said, “We need to return to the Reagan years. We need to have fiscal conservatism. We need less government. We need less regulation. We need to end of spending spree which has eroded our base of Republican support.” [PBS, “Washington Week,” 1/25/08]

McCain Promised To “Give Them Lower Taxes, Less Regulation, Less Government In Their Lives.” As shown on CNN’s “CNN Newsroom,” John McCain said, “We’ve got to do the other things necessary to encourage business and give them lower taxes, less regulation, less government in their lives, and that means a simpler, fairer — tax code. The tax code in America is broken and it needs to be fixed.” [CNN, “CNN Newsroom,” 2/14/08]

To Fix the Economy, McCain Would “We’ve Got To Take Specific Actions, Keep Their Taxes Low, Less Regulation.” As shown on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” John McCain said, “That our economy is in terrible shape, that we’ve got to take specific actions, keep their taxes low, less regulation, get – start exploring and exploiting offshore oil deposits.” [ABC, “Good Morning America,” 7/2/08]

McCain Said The Difference Between Obama & Himself Would Be “More Regulation Or Less Regulation.” During a media availability in Phoenix, Arizona, John McCain said, “I think the important thing is that there will be stark differences between either Senator [Clinton] or Senator Obama and me because they are liberal Democrats and I’m a conservative Republican… whether we pursue the present strategy in Iraq or whether we — or whether we set a date for withdrawal, which will mean Al Qaida wins; whether we have more regulation or less regulation.” [McCain Media Availability via CQ Transcriptions, 3/3/08; emphasis added]

McCain: “Less Government, Lower Taxes, Less Regulation, Safer America Is What I Can Give America.” During an appearance on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” John McCain said, “I can make a case that a less government, lower taxes, less regulation, safer America is what I can give America. But I don’t underestimate the size of the challenge.” [CBS, “60 Minutes,” 3/9/08]

McCain Is Long-Time Supporter Of Deregulation

McCain: “I Am A Deregulator. I Believe In Deregulation.” While speaking about the cable and satellite television during an appearance on CNN’s “On the Money,” John McCain said, “I am a deregulator. I believe in deregulation.” [CNN, “In the Money,” 7/13/03]

McCain: “The Basic Core Principles Of The Republican Party… Less Government Is Best Government, Less Regulation.” When asked how the Republican Party can recover after the losses in the 2006 election, John McCain said, “By returning to the basic core principles of the Republican Party, very careful stewardship of tax dollars, less government is best government, less regulation, lower taxes, strong national defense, community and family values.” [CNN, “CNN Newsroom,” 11/8/06]

McCain: “I Have A Long Voting Record In Support Of Deregulation.” The St. Petersburg Times quoted McCain at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing as having said, “I have a long voting record in support of deregulation.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/5/03]

McCain: “I Continue To Believe In A Strong National Defense, Free Trade, Deregulation.” During an appearance on CNN’s “Wolf Blitzer Reports,” John McCain said, “I continue to believe in a strong national defense, free trade, deregulation. I’m pro-life. There are many, many issues that I feel would make it very difficult for Democrats to embrace me.” [CNN, “Wolf Blitzer Reports,” 5/8/02; emphasis added]

McCain: “Keep The Regulation Of The Government As Much As Possible Out Of People’s Lives.” During an appearance on PBS’s “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” John McCain said, “If you inspect my 17-year voting record, it’s a proud conservative Republican who acts on principles and one who obviously has a very strong commitment to the leadership role the United States has to play… I think that’s probably one of our first efforts – keep the regulation of the government as much as possible out of people’s lives.” [PBS, “NewHour with Jim Lehrer,” 2/2/00]

McCain: “I Believe In Smaller Government… Less Regulation.” During an interview on PBS’s “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” John McCain said, “, I would argue that I have 17 years of legislative experience with a clear voting record of a strong conservative. I believe in smaller government, stronger defense, lower taxes, less regulation, encouragement of entrepreneurship, encouragement of legal immigration. I think that my fundamental philosophies and beliefs are very clear, and I’ve articulated them for years and years. And most importantly, I voted on them.” [PBS, “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” 10/15/99]

McCain: “I’ve Been A Good Party Member. I Agree On Most Issues, Fundamentals Of Lower Taxes, Less Regulation.” During an appearance on CNN’s “Crossfire,” John McCain said, “I’ve been a good party member. I agree on most issues, fundamentals of lower taxes, less regulation, smaller government, coherent foreign policy, strong national defense.” [CNN, “Crossfire,” 9/13/99]

McCain Supports Deregulation Whenever Possible. The Journal of Commerce reported, “A McCain aide notes in the past he has supported deregulation of other industries. ‘Any time you can responsibly deregulate, Sen. McCain wants to deregulate,’ the aide said.” [Journal of Commerce, 1/6/97]