Embarrass Obama, and expect the liberal media to go after you, no matter who you are: That's what National Review journalist Byron York warned early Thursday afternoon.
He was quickly proven right by a story from reporter Larry Rohter in Friday's New York Times, "Real Deal On Plumber Reveals New Slant," in which Rohter took a wrench to Joe Wurzelbacher (aka "Joe the Plumber"), the citizen who dared to question Obama on his tax plan as the Democrat campaigned in his neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio. Obama responded with a classic paleo-liberal cliche: "I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."
That insight into Obama's mindset was politically fascinating, but Rohter buried it in the 11th paragraph of his story, focusing his investigation on such vital matters as "Joe's" actual first name (Samuel) and whether or not he has a plumber's license.
(The Business and Media Institute's Julia Seymour first noted Rohter's bias Thursday afternoon, when he posted an early version of this story to the Times' "Caucus" blog.)
Rohter's Friday print story was teased with an over-the-fold front-page photo of Wurzelbacher talking to the press. The caption sneered: "Joe Wurzelbacher, a national figure after Wednesday's presidential debate, learned Thursday that fame has two sides." As if Wurzelbacher intended to become famous when he dared ask the media's candidate a challenging question.
Rohter wrote:
One week ago, Joe Wurzelbacher was just another working man living in a modest house outside Toledo, Ohio, and thinking about how to buy the plumbing business where he works. But when he stopped Senator Barack Obama during a visit to his block last weekend to complain about taxes, he set himself on a path to becoming America's newest media celebrity -- and as such suddenly found himself facing celebrity-level scrutiny.
Besides digging up other grievous scandals such as Wurzelbacher allegedly committing acts of plumbing without government permission, Rohter trumpeted Wurzelbacher's tax liens and revealed that (gasp) his first name's not even Joe!
As it turns out, Joe the Plumber, as he became nationally known when Senator John McCain made him a theme at Wednesday's final presidential debate, may work in the plumbing business, but he is not a licensed plumber.
....
His full name is Samuel J. Wurzelbacher. And he owes back taxes, too, public records show. The premise of his complaint to Mr. Obama about taxes may also be flawed, according to tax analysts. Contrary to what Mr. Wurzelbacher asserted and Mr. McCain echoed, neither his personal taxes nor those of the business where he works are likely to rise if Mr. Obama's tax plan were to go into effect, they said.
Why would the Times go after an ordinary Joe who dared ask a presidential candidate a question at a campaign stop? Oh, right:
But he became the hero of conservatives and Republicans when he stopped Mr. Obama, who was campaigning on his street, and asked whether he believed in the American dream. Mr. Wurzelbacher said he was concerned about having to pay higher taxes as an owner of a small business.
"I'm getting ready to buy a company that makes $250,000 to $280,000 a year," he told Mr. Obama. "Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?"
That encounter wound up on YouTube and led to appearances on the Fox News Channel, interviews with conservative bloggers and a New York Post editorial, all of whom seized on a small part of Mr. Obama's long reply. "I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody," Mr. Obama had said.
....
According to public records, Mr. Wurzelbacher has been subject to two liens, each over $1,100. One, with a hospital, has been settled, but a tax lien with the State of Ohio is still outstanding.
The Times has already shown far more avid curiosity about Wurzelbacher's personal life than it ever displayed regarding Obama's domestic terrorist supporter, Bill Ayers.
There's a double standard at work at the Times regarding the private affairs of public citizens thrust into the political spotlight. Back in October 2007, Democrats paraded 12-year old Baltimore resident Graeme Frost as its poster boy for expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, a government program to assist families without health insurance. The program helped Graeme after a car accident left him in comatose for a week. The Democratic Party pushed him into the spotlight to deliver the Democratic radio address on September 29, 2007 (hat tip K. Daniel Glover at Eyeblast.tv).
When conservatives pointed out that the Frost family was hardly destitute and could have afforded health insurance on its own, the Times and the rest of the media were aghast at conservatives for prying into the Frost's family finances. Times reporter David Herszenhorn went after bloggers for "attacking a family with injured children."
But go after the media's chosen candidate, and you leave yourself open to the hostile scrutiny of pro-Obama reporters like Rohter.
P.S. Humorist Jim Treacher has an impassioned "fisking" of Rohter's attack on Joe "Enemy of the State" Wurzelbacher.
—Clay Waters is the director of Times Watch, an MRC project tracking the New York Times.
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Comments Policy
The slimy NY Times eager
October 17, 2008 - 16:15 ET by mostlymoderateThe slimy NY Times eager attempt to impeach the credibility of a simple man with simple questions. Sad.
Obamabots
October 17, 2008 - 16:25 ET by jed58If they will do this now to a citizen who questions, wait till they get into office and then see their full fury and power!
Fairness Doctrine will seem
October 17, 2008 - 16:29 ET by GregEFairness Doctrine will seem mild in comparison to the expanded version.
Pay very close attention to
October 17, 2008 - 16:27 ET by GregEPay very close attention to all this. The media skipping right past the forest to focus on the trees. In this case, ONE tree, one person, Joe Wurzelbacher. There is a huge reason for this. Obama's socialist mindset cannot be defended in a way that they are comfortable defending it, so going after the person who asked the question, instead of discussing the answer, is the route taken. And it's all over the place, every news outlet is doing it. This alone says VOLUMES about Obama's socialist tax plan.
Apologize Joe..
October 17, 2008 - 16:32 ET by misterjdbigCall a press conference and tell the media you're so sorry for asking a question that the media should have asked months ago. Then tell them to stick it!
2 Lawyers vs. A Senior Citizen and a hockey mom.
Freakish
October 17, 2008 - 16:39 ET by NotafraidIt is almost freakish how the MSM circle their wagons whenever something threatens Barack Obama. It is like worker bees instinctly protecting the queen bee from harm.
Similarly, not surprisingly, David Letterman went after McCain and SNL will go after Palin. Palin's situation will be the worst (When Gerald Ford went on SNL, they went after him like a dog with red meat and made him look like a bafoon). Palin should learn from history that, no matter what they agree on ahead of time, they will go "off script" and go after her to make her look ridiculous. SNL is probably amazed that she would be so unwise as to go into their domain. They will be in control and look out!
Na... I worry about this
October 17, 2008 - 16:47 ET by bigtimerNa...
I worry about this too...we shall find out soon enough now.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
That's a horrible thought
October 17, 2008 - 16:50 ET by mostlymoderateThat's a horrible thought but I have to agree. Palin has nothing to gain by going on SNL.
I love the fact that she has no fear
October 17, 2008 - 17:43 ET by general companyShe will do just fine, if they improvise, she will too, and more effectivly also
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Since SNL is no different
October 17, 2008 - 18:52 ET by CoolShadesSince SNL is no different than NBC News and MSNBC, Gov. Palin, if she appears on SNL, will therefore have obliged the NBC network, thus Brian Williams can stop crying for an interview. That's all you get buddy.
Let them keep slamming Plumber Joe.
October 17, 2008 - 17:00 ET by JTPAll of the Tom Dick and Harrys in my town are paying attention and feel it is the same treatment Sarah Palin was getting when she signed up. It will backfire on them just the same.
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
Dam right
October 17, 2008 - 17:47 ET by general companyWho are these people with there noses so high and act so mighty. Bet the creep that wrote this owes back taxes. Question the chosen one and they will give you this treatment without ever exploring the original question.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
and as such suddenly found
October 17, 2008 - 17:30 ET by TN Momand as such suddenly found himself facing celebrity-level scrutiny
Yet the New York (Trash) Times reporters have never subjected obama to any scrutiny..at all!
It's gonna be funny when the Times' toilets back-up and overflow into the tiny reporter cubicles as the stinch fills the lobby...oh wait. That already happened!
Hey Larry Rohter, hope your handy with a plunger, hahaha!
We are all Joe the plumbers now
October 17, 2008 - 17:33 ET by 10ksnookerBring it on ...
Amen!
October 17, 2008 - 17:58 ET by TheAssessorAmen to THAT!! Just watched FOX and Mort is even bashing Joe. THIS just may do it for McCain. This American will wear a Joe T shirt to CHURCH if necessary. Hope you find them Ster! What an absolute disgrace this is.
Barak 0bama - Afraction American
Hi TA... Heck Mort was
October 17, 2008 - 18:12 ET by bigtimerHi TA...
Heck Mort was the only one who really came close to the post-debate summary of what we all saw out here in the real world on the panel with Brit, Krystal, Krauthammer, Williams and Barnes.
IMHO anyway...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT
October 17, 2008 - 18:30 ET by TheAssessorMort always seemed a 'little' more sane than most libs, but tonight he was off his meds or something. I'm going to need to be put in restraints before this election is over!
Barak 0bama - Afraction American
TA... Don't feel
October 17, 2008 - 18:34 ET by bigtimerTA...
Don't feel alone!
I don't want you to think I am defending Mort..or anybody who is bashing Joe!!!
I'm not...I am more than furious and glad I didn't see it.
...sorry if I came across that way...he is a lefty after-all.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT.. I knew
October 17, 2008 - 18:47 ET by TheAssessorNo problem BT .. I knew where you were coming from and I didn't take it wrong. Thank God I found you all at NB or I'd be more off the shelf than I am. I have my arms back in the straight jacket now though and I'm back to typing with my teeth. That seems to have a calming effect. :) TA
Barak 0bama - Afraction American
TA... LOL... Typing
October 17, 2008 - 18:53 ET by bigtimerTA...
LOL...
Typing with your teeth huh?
Too funny!
I was so furious last night, I still am just not as mad now..this has been absolutely horrendous what they have tried to do to this man...
This will backfire...we are angry now out here...and they will her from us on the 4th.
I am gald you have joined us...I am the one who feels lucky, I love your posts...along with a lot of others who have just recently joined.
Like you say....thank God for NBs and a place to learn everyday from others and share our frustrations.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
No wonder.
October 17, 2008 - 17:35 ET by FoolicanFifty quid says that every member of the media will write Joe the Plumber a written apology the instant that Obama wins the election.
McCain Campaign Just Made "Joe" T-Shirt!!!
October 17, 2008 - 17:46 ET by TheSterThe McCain Campaign made "Hello, My Name is Joe The Plumber" T-Shirts!!!
It is in the form of one of those "Hello my name is ____" stickers.
Anybody know where to get one?? I'll look around.
Miz...maybe you can find it faster than me!!
Ster.
Ster
October 17, 2008 - 18:39 ET by TN MomI'm going to Office Max tommorrow and buy boxes of "Hello My Name Is__________ stickers, gonna use a sharpee and write Joe The Plumber!
I'm gonna wear these stickers every day till Nov. 4th!
Think I'll have a YARD SIGN made also!!
Might as well hand out to trick-or-treaters parents at Halloween also!!
Ster the Activist !!!
October 17, 2008 - 18:47 ET by MrShySter the caffeine-powered activist... always with great ideas!!
NOW PLAYING:
Governor Palin Get Your Gun
Re: I'm going to Office Max
October 17, 2008 - 18:58 ET by CoolShadesRe: I'm going to Office Max tommorrow and buy boxes of "Hello My Name Is__________ stickers, gonna use a sharpee and write Joe The Plumber!
That's a pretty good idea.
Where will the NYT be on
October 17, 2008 - 17:56 ET by ConservativeRexWhere will the NYT be on when the Grand Reckoning happens? They and other leftists believe the average Joe will continue to sit back and take it and take it. The taking it is just about over. Stay tuned.
Marxism is marching it's
October 17, 2008 - 18:19 ET by Clear thinkerMarxism is marching it's way across America, thanks to Obama and the liberal media. I pray that Joe the Plumber survives the public Colonoscopy by the media.
The Case For Not Voting Obama
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Martin Nesbitt
October 17, 2008 - 18:41 ET by TN MomObama's TREASURER, Martin Nesbitt HAS TAX LIENS ALSO!
trades
October 17, 2008 - 19:00 ET by WesenThe people I know in the Tades are FURIOUS. Barry's been playing hide the hotdog and Joe the Plumber told him where it was. To go after a worker like this shows the depravity of Barry and his sycophant press. American working people want a reckoning.
Its the ANSWER he gave
October 17, 2008 - 21:35 ET by dark_dsGod I said this yesterday ... its the ANSWER that Obama gave that is the issue ... Joe could have been a crack head and it really shouldnt matter ...
A lesson for all .. its a preverse world where a Plumber is attacked for asking a question and a man who was bomber is excused and misunderstood
Its like someone commits rape and they blame it on the woman for how she was dressed
Look At Joe The Plumber More Than at Obama
October 17, 2008 - 21:55 ET by New Jersey ConservativeWow! The MSM looks deeper into Joe Citizen, who we have known for a couple of days, more than they do Barack Obama who has been running for President for two years. When Barack Obama lies (i.e. my political career was not launched in Bill Ayers living room) the MSM just ignores it or turns it around to show him in the best possible light.
We are not deaf, dumb and blind. We will be going to vote with pitch forks.
Here is the ultimate
October 18, 2008 - 00:07 ET by dark_dsHere is the ultimate question regarding Joe Plumber ....If Joe had come up to Obama and said " Obama I am totally for you, you represent Americas all that is good about our country I proud to support you"
Ok the question is would he still be an unlicensed plumber who couldnt afford to dream about owning his own business even though he owes back taxes? I think not I Think he would be he would just be considered another working class man who O man would ask for a small donation from
.. and
Here is the ultimate
October 18, 2008 - 00:07 ET by dark_dsHere is the ultimate question regarding Joe Plumber ....If Joe had come up to Obama and said " Obama I am totally for you, you represent Americas all that is good about our country I proud to support you"
Ok the question is would he still be an unlicensed plumber who couldnt afford to dream about owning his own business even though he owes back taxes? I think not I Think he would be he would just be considered another working class man who O man would ask for a small donation from
..
Here is the ultimate
October 18, 2008 - 00:07 ET by dark_dsHere is the ultimate question regarding Joe Plumber ....If Joe had come up to Obama and said " Obama I am totally for you, you represent Americas all that is good about our country I proud to support you"
Ok the question is would he still be an unlicensed plumber who couldnt afford to dream about owning his own business even though he owes back taxes? I think not I Think he would be he would just be considered another working class man who O man would ask for a small donation from
.. and the
Here is the ultimate
October 18, 2008 - 00:07 ET by dark_dsHere is the ultimate question regarding Joe Plumber ....If Joe had come up to Obama and said " Obama I am totally for you, you represent Americas all that is good about our country I proud to support you"
Ok the question is would he still be an unlicensed plumber who couldnt afford to dream about owning his own business even though he owes back taxes? I think not I Think he would be he would just be considered another working class man who O man would ask for a small donation from
.. and the media
Here is the ultimate
October 18, 2008 - 00:07 ET by dark_dsHere is the ultimate question regarding Joe Plumber ....If Joe had come up to Obama and said " Obama I am totally for you, you represent Americas all that is good about our country I proud to support you"
Ok the question is would he still be an unlicensed plumber who couldnt afford to dream about owning his own business even though he owes back taxes? I think not I Think he would be he would just be considered another working class man who O man would ask for a small donation from
.. and the media would
Here is the ultimate
October 18, 2008 - 00:12 ET by dark_dsdelete
Breaking the cycle
October 18, 2008 - 00:13 ET by general company"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
god how did all those posts
October 18, 2008 - 00:14 ET by dark_dsgod how did all those posts happen .. the puter just went wild .. sorry .. even though I made a good point LOL
Point well "often" taken : ]
October 18, 2008 - 00:19 ET by general company"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
yea i hit a key and the
October 18, 2008 - 00:25 ET by dark_dsyea i hit a key and the puter exploded with multiple posts like it was the weather underground
The Media is Treating Joe the Same Way They Treat Everyone
October 18, 2008 - 03:43 ET by Rush FanAll of the mainstream media (CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, etc.) have reported, after comprehensive and thorough investigation, that "Joe the Plumber" has a lien of $1,100. The media has vilified and castigated him for owing this enormously large lien and rightfully so.
But at least the media treats everyone in the same manner. A perfect example of this even-handed and fair treatment is Harlem Democrat Charles Rangel, who is chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the Congressional committee that writes the nation’s tax code.
As everyone is aware, the media has been reporting ad nauseam that Rangel failed to disclose a paltry $75,000 in rental income on his Congressional financial disclosure form or his income tax form.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that you can’t turn on the TV or pick up the papers any day of the week without the media clamoring for Congressman Rangel to immediately quit because of this ethical lapse.
I believe it was on last nights news that CBS anchor Katie Couric, who has a well-deserved reputation for fair and unbiased reporting, angrily stated that because of these ethical failures "Joe the Plumber" should immediately step down from his plumbing job, and Congressman Charles Rangel should strongly consider not doing any plumbing jobs either.
Give the media credit for being fair and balanced. As CNN Campbell Brown has proudly stated: “You’re not going to see me ever be partisan. I’ll never take a position on a candidate or an issue.”
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"They support fakes, they nominate fakes, they promote and market fakes, and they look at real stories and condemn them as fakes." ~ Rush Limbaugh on Democrats and the Drive-By Media