Who is Don the Plumber?
Don the Plumber, also known as Joe Wurzelbacher, is an American plumber and Tea Party activist who gained national attention during the 2008 United States presidential election. He is best known for asking a question about small business taxes during a campaign stop by then-candidate Barack Obama, which led to widespread media coverage and a subsequent controversy.
The Question that Sparked the Controversy
On October 12, 2008, Obama held a town hall meeting in Holland, Ohio, where Wurzelbacher, a 40-year-old plumber from Springdale, Ohio, approached him with a question. Wurzelbacher asked Obama about his plans to increase taxes on small businesses, stating that he was concerned about the potential impact on his own business. Obama responded by explaining his plan to increase taxes on individuals earning over $250,000 per year, while also cutting taxes for those earning less than that amount.
The Aftermath of the Question
Wurzelbacher’s question sparked a firestorm of controversy, with both Obama’s campaign and the media jumping into the fray. The Obama campaign accused McCain’s campaign of using Wurzelbacher’s question to perpetuate a false narrative about Obama’s tax plans, while the McCain campaign argued that Obama’s response had revealed his true intentions to raise taxes on small businesses.
The "Joe the Plumber" Phenomenon
As the controversy surrounding Wurzelbacher’s question continued to grow, he found himself catapulted to national fame. He became known as "Joe the Plumber" and was hailed as a hero by the conservative movement. Wurzelbacher’s story was widely reported, and he appeared on numerous TV shows, including "The O’Reilly Factor" and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart".
Wurzelbacher’s Political Involvement
Wurzelbacher’s newfound fame led him to become increasingly involved in politics. He attended the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he introduced John McCain during his acceptance speech. He also campaigned for McCain in Ohio and was a vocal supporter of the Republican ticket.
Post-Election Life
After the election, Wurzelbacher returned to his plumbing business and continued to be a vocal critic of the Obama administration. He also became a popular speaker on the Tea Party circuit, advocating for smaller government and lower taxes.
Tax Issues and Controversies
Despite his newfound fame, Wurzelbacher’s tax status has been the subject of controversy. In 2009, it was revealed that he owed over $1,000 in back taxes to the state of Ohio, leading some to question his credentials as a small business owner. Wurzelbacher has since maintained that he was a victim of identity theft and that the tax issues were not his fault.
Tea Party Involvement
Wurzelbacher has been a vocal supporter of the Tea Party movement, attending numerous rallies and events. He has also been involved in several Tea Party-backed campaigns, including the 2010 gubernatorial campaign of John Kasich in Ohio.
Personal Life
Wurzelbacher has been married to his wife, Robin, for over 20 years. He has two children and is a lifelong resident of Ohio. Despite his newfound fame, Wurzelbacher has remained humble and grounded, continuing to work as a plumber and advocating for his conservative values.
Timeline of Key Events
- October 12, 2008: Wurzelbacher asks Obama a question about small business taxes during a campaign stop in Holland, Ohio.
- October 13, 2008: The Obama campaign accuses the McCain campaign of using Wurzelbacher’s question to perpetuate a false narrative about Obama’s tax plans.
- October 14, 2008: Wurzelbacher becomes known as "Joe the Plumber" and appears on numerous TV shows.
- November 4, 2008: Obama defeats McCain in the presidential election.
- 2009: Wurzelbacher’s tax status becomes the subject of controversy.
- 2010: Wurzelbacher becomes involved in the Tea Party movement and attends several rallies and events.
Conclusion
Don the Plumber, also known as Joe Wurzelbacher, is a small business owner and Tea Party activist who gained national attention during the 2008 United States presidential election. His question about small business taxes sparked a firestorm of controversy and led to widespread media coverage. Despite his newfound fame, Wurzelbacher has remained humble and grounded, continuing to work as a plumber and advocating for his conservative values.
Key Statistics
- Number of years Wurzelbacher has been a plumber: 20
- Number of years Wurzelbacher has been married: 20
- Number of children Wurzelbacher has: 2
- Amount of back taxes Wurzelbacher owed to the state of Ohio: $1,000
Table: Wurzelbacher’s Political Involvement
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Attended Republican National Convention | August 2008 |
| Introduced John McCain at Republican National Convention | August 2008 |
| Campaigning for McCain in Ohio | October 2008 |
| Attended Tea Party rally | March 2009 |
| Attended Tea Party rally | July 2010 |
Bullets: Wurzelbacher’s Political Beliefs
• Small government: Wurzelbacher believes that the government should be smaller and more efficient.
• Lower taxes: Wurzelbacher advocates for lower taxes for individuals and small businesses.
• Conservative values: Wurzelbacher is a vocal supporter of conservative values, including traditional marriage and limited government involvement in healthcare.