A Word with "Joe the Plumber"—the Unlikely Star of Wednesday's Presidential Debate
"…actions are what tell me what a man will do."
America's everyday blue-collar working citizen came to the forefront of the presidential race this week when Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, made a stop in Ohio and spoke with a few people there; one of them, Joe Wurzelbacher. (Photo: BBC News)
Joe's [Mr. Wurzelbacher's middle name] questions to Obama and his subsequent answers had the media buzzing, and even wound up becoming a focus of the final debate, this Wednesday night. In fact, "Joe the plumber"—as he has affectionately been called—received no less than 13 mentions in the candidates' lively exchange, according to news reports.
In a BBC News video, Joe describes the fact that his name was mentioned so frequently on national TV, as being "surreal."
"I'm just glad I could be used to get some points across," Joe said, "and to make some other Americans really look at the issues and…find out for themselves."
Wurzelbacher admitted that his phone was "ringing off the hook," during the debate, which made it somewhat difficult to listen.
Joe, who said he's voted for Democrats and Republicans in the past, spoke about both candidates, saying that "Barack Obama always speaks eloquently…but…actions are what tell me what a man will do. McCain was a real American hero…he's a solid individual…he is a politician still though too, so you have to take that into consideration."
To watch the video report, follow the link provided.
