Some might think MSNBC isn’t as aggressively liberal during the daytime as it is in prime time. But David Shuster aggressively pushed the idea that the Republicans were "out of touch" in the 11 am hour Thursday, complete with music going into the commercial break ("Out of Touch" by Hall and Oates – like that’s on the cutting edge?) Shuster suggested the Conservative Political Action Conference was a joke since it was featuring Joe the Plumber, and that booking him was a "huge mistake."
SHUSTER: With us now live is Armstrong Williams, he’s a syndicated radio talk show host, and Armstrong, why should anybody take CPAC seriously when it allows Joe the Plumber, invites Joe the Plumber to be one of the featured speakers? Good grief!
WILLIAMS: Well, you know, Joe the Plumber represents a certain constituency out there. He got a lot --
SHUSTER: Right. He represents those who don't have a proper license with tax liens against them. Does the Republican Party really want Joe the Plumber to be a role model?
WILLIAMS: You know, you can make that argument about his legal issues and his issues with the law, but there are people who identify with Joe the Plumber. I'm sure that he would not have been the choice of others but they chose him, they thought the audience wanted to hear him. And you know, the audience will decide whether they want to listen to him or not.
SHUSTER: That was a mistake, wasn't it?
WILLIAMS: I'm not going to say that was a mistake, that's their call.
SHUSTER: Armstrong, it's an easy call, though. CPAC. There are a lot of intellectual conservatives, people who we may have a lot of disagreement over policy issues, but people I respect, who are willing to say it's a huge mistake for conservatives to make Joe the Plumber a featured speaker at their conference!
WILLIAMS: Listen, obviously, the conservatives are in search of themselves. They’re soul-searching, they’re trying to look beyond the traditional speakers and thinkers they've had and they're looking for a hat, a trick in the bag and maybe they think this will work, but I'm not going to say they don't have a right to listen to Joe the Plumber. He has a voice. If people show up to listen to him, why can't he be heard?
Shuster asked one more question about where conservatives should be going, but right after that, the tone shifted back to honoring the Obamas. Michelle Obama was appearing at the Environmental Protection Agency, and MSNBC ran some live remarks, and then Shuster oozed:
Michelle Obama speaking at the Environmental Protection Agency. Again, she's been going to all the major government agencies since inauguration, every couple of days she’ll be delivering speeches. She’s clearly well received at all these agencies, her popularity of course has been skyrocketing and she's a very effective speaker, a very effective ambassador of sorts for the White House.
It’s hardly surprising that a new First Lady would be popular, but the latest CBS/New York Times poll is a little less dramatic than "skyrocketing": She’s getting 49 percent to view her favorably, five percent unfavorably and 44 percent are undecided.
Shuster broke into Mrs. Obama’s remarks just as she was celebrating the character and dedication of those "who’ve been working for this administration, for the EPA for longer than I’ve been alive." This might be seen as humor, but it is factually incorrect. Michelle Obama was born in 1964, and the EPA was created in 1970.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Ya know
February 26, 2009 - 22:36 ET by RowaneThere are many differences between Republicans and Conservatives, no matter how much the lefties want to make them one and the same.
I was just going to type that.
February 26, 2009 - 22:51 ET by dborschjr68Rowane, this is a great point. I strongly endorse an independent Conservative mindset and plan of action when it comes to government, but since I'm not a member of the GOP, people think I'm just talking crazy. Didn't our Founding Fathers not want us to ever divide into political parties?
No offense intended, Republican folks. We share a great many ideals. I just don't believe that either you or the Dems are 100% correct. But you're still on my Christmas card list!
Long live the Republic! Conservatives unite!
I would concur with that
February 26, 2009 - 23:14 ET by BobAnthonyHaving had a Republican in Name only rep in Shays and have him be replaced by a lefty named James Himes, I should know. There are ZERO CONSERVATIVES in CT aside from yours truly.
Matter of fact, I sent Himes an email on the porkulous package. This was the response...
Thank you for contacting me about the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act. I appreciate your comments and am grateful that you took
the time to contact me.
As you know, we face an economic crisis more severe than
any of us has ever seen. Economic indicators are as dire as they have been
since the Great Depression. Economists from across the ideological spectrum
tell us that, without action, the crisis could become a
catastrophe.
Although I understand and share many of your concerns
about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1), in the face of 20,000
job losses a day I believe it would have been irresponsible not to act. The
bill is not perfect, but it takes a proactive and important first step towards
restoring our economy. Conservative economist Mark Zandi estimates the bill
will create over 41,000 jobs in Connecticut. The bill includes investments in
clean energy, health care, infrastructure and education and significant tax cuts
that will immediately benefit 95% of working Americans and many small
businesses.
Like you, I believe passionately in the need for
accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars. The bill is
unprecedented in this regard. It uses existing formulas for programs with proven
track records, protects whistleblowers, and makes every allocation available in
detail on www.recovery.gov.
I am sensitive to your concerns about reports that
special interest groups will be receiving benefits from the bill. Let me be
clear. There are no earmarks in this bill. Non-profit and other organizations
who qualify may apply for funding and must undergo a competitive and transparent
grant application process before receiving any funds. The results of this
process will be available for all to see.
I wish this recovery package had not been necessary.
But with consumer spending in decline, credit frozen and an additional three to
five million jobs likely to be lost next year, inaction was not an option.
There may be imperfections in this bill but I believe it is the best chance we
have at mitigating economic disaster and providing vital aid to
Connecticut.
I thank you for your thoughts, and want you to know that
I am always hungry for dissenting views and constructive
criticism.
If you have any additional questions regarding this or
other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office. You can sign up for
my newsletter and find more information on my views and what I am working on in
Congress by visiting my official website at www.house.gov/himes.
Sincerely,
Jim Himes
Member of
Congress
Bold 1--where does that number come from?
Bold 2--I could not find any indications about
Bold 3--DING DONG YOU'RE WRONG HIMES. THERE'S OVER 8,800 EARMARKS IN THIS PACKAGE!
I then find an article, penned by Himes in the Norwalk Advocate which says about the same thing he said in the email.
Himes says the following which I believe contradicts what he said in the email...
"The act will save or create 3.5 million jobs --
41,000 here in Connecticut with over 90 percent of those jobs in the
private sector."
The Save or Create is the latest update by Obama on the number of jobs to be affected by this pork project.
As far as I am concerned Mr. Himes you have derelected your duties, and for me, you blew your one chance. YOU SIR ARE FIRED!
Want the PLAIN truth and no spin? Listen to The Plains Radio Network online. It's like nothing you've ever heard.
www.plainsradio.com
I'm in CT, too...
February 27, 2009 - 00:03 ET by dborschjr68Bob, we should talk. I live in Bethel. Shoot me a message if you want to chat, that would be awesome.
Long live the Republic! Conservatives unite!
Yep, I know
February 27, 2009 - 07:38 ET by 10ksnookerIt's a common fact, one can’t be liberal and rational at the same time.
Joe must be destroyed
February 26, 2009 - 22:38 ET by slickwillie2001Joe the Plumber is a real threat to the liberal establishment. He puts the lie to the carefully-crafted image of the democratics as some kind of 'party of the people', of the working class, or the middle class. They haven't been that for many years, but the propaganda artists won't let it go. They want to continue to sell the Republican Party as 'rich white fat-cats'. As Joe goes, so will go the Republican Party.
Joe the Plumber is a real
February 26, 2009 - 23:59 ET by JasonCJoe the Plumber is a real threat to the liberal establishment.
Um, clearly not.
Please expound.................
February 27, 2009 - 04:12 ET by old cro.
All right, Jason. If he's
February 27, 2009 - 10:57 ET by fitzfongAll right, Jason. If he's clearly not a threat to the liberal establishment, why is the liberal establishment so set on marginalizing him? If Joe the Plumber is leading conservatives off the cliff, shouldn't liberals just buy a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the show? Joe the Plumber is seen as a regular guy who has endured a serious attempt at character assassination and government intimidation for asking a fair question. The media did a more thorough job of scrutinizing him than they did Bill Richardson, Timothy Geithner, Tom Daschle, Eric Holder, Hillary Clinton and a litany of other dubious Obama Cabinet apointees. And they proceeded to blow the little information they found on him so far out-of-proportion that they turned him into a victim. If Joe the Plumber is not a threat to the liberal establishment, why the hostile, personal overreaction to his current place in the Conservative movement?
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Well he's not a threat to
February 27, 2009 - 11:13 ET by JasonCWell he's not a threat to the liberal establishment in that Obama won somewhat resoundingly and now JtP is approaching tired novelty status, as evidenced by his failure to draw a crowd to a speaking engagement, his ghost-written-in-three-weeks polemic, and his apparent belief that "flag-burners are tearing this nation apart."
I mean really; that last sentence bears repeating: Flag-burners, those handy figures of opportunistic Gingrichian conservatism are what's currently wrong with this country.
If that's not simplistic, I don't know what is. It would be roughly similar to claiming the Westboro Baptist Church is what's tearing the nation apart. These things are cultural flashes-in-the-pan, not substantive issues to be contended with.
As far as I can tell, the left and the media are simply enjoying the show.
As for those who still insist that he's a heroic, archetypal everyman: if you want to believe that your life and values are one-dimensional enough to be represented by single guy who happens to go by a nickname that combines the stereotypical name of masculine averageness with a stereotypical occupation of masculine know-how, be my guest.
And finally, those who think he's being unfairly vilified need to make up their mind. He's either a private citizen who dared to ask a "tough" question or he's an (ahem) author and (double ahem) social commentator whose ideas are being published and disseminated in the public realm. If it's the former, then excuse my snarkiness at the idea that he be taken seriously at all. If it's the latter, then he is fair game.
Well he's not a threat to
February 27, 2009 - 12:16 ET by fitzfongWell he's not a threat to the liberal establishment in that Obama won somewhat resoundingly and now JtP is approaching tired novelty status, as evidenced by his failure to draw a crowd to a speaking engagement, his ghost-written-in-three-weeks polemic, and his apparent belief that "flag-burners are tearing this nation apart."
But surely, Jason, if JtP has approached "tired novelty status", is that not up to CPAC and conservatives to decide? It seems to me that David Shuster is making him more relevant with conservatives by continuing to fan the flames and to disproportionately magnify the fact that he once had small tax liens. The flag burning issue strikes me as a bit of a non sequitur in the matter, for if JtP dwells on this issue to the exclusion of those that vaulted him into the public domain in the first place, his remaining natural shelf life will be short.
As for those who still insist that he's a heroic, archetypal everyman: if you want to believe that your life and values are one-dimensional enough to be represented by single guy who happens to go by a nickname that combines the stereotypical name of masculine averageness with a stereotypical occupation of masculine know-how, be my guest.
I don't think that represents JtP's appeal at all. His appeal comes from the fact that as an average private citizen with an average blue collar job (the kind of "middle class" American Obama's campaign was targeting), he accomplished more in one question than the entire worldwide media did throughout the two-year campaign. We learned more about Obama from his response to that question than we learned before, during or since his election. The media failed to do its job, it failed to inform the public about who Obama is and what he stands for. For the most part, they did not press him to elaborate on his positions on any policy. The media acted like an extension of his PR department. And JtP, with one question made the procession take a slight detour. His reward for doing the media's dirty work? A media-driven hatchet job designed to harass and marginalize him for daring to check under the hood. For all the self-righteous liberal hysteria over Elia Kazan, Roy Cohn and Joe McCarthy, there certainly wasn't the same outrage directed at the media, the DNC and the Obama campaign when they employed similar tactics in trying to bring down one simple plumber. Conservatives often identify with individuals who are bullied by the media and the government...to the extent that JtP was the victim of these forces, conservatives rallied to defend him. He didn't deserve the kind of abuse he received, yet his courage in the face of this scrutiny is admirable. And if conservatives are inspired by his willingness to stand up for himself, where's the problem?
And finally, those who think he's being unfairly vilified need to make up their mind. He's either a private citizen who dared to ask a "tough" question or he's an (ahem) author and (double ahem) social commentator whose ideas are being published and disseminated in the public realm. If it's the former, then excuse my snarkiness at the idea that he be taken seriously at all. If it's the latter, then he is fair game.
With all due respect, Jason, you've got a bit of a "chicken or the egg" problem here. He was a private when he asked the question. He should be taken seriously, not because of his social status at the time of the question, but because of the relevance of the question itself (and the fact that it elicited a very enlightening response from its recipient). The original character assassination came when he was still a private citizen. The attacks and his response to them made him marketable...leading to him becoming a public figure. You may argue that his current status makes him fair game now, but he certainly was not fair game then.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Fitz-one of my favorite posters here.
February 27, 2009 - 13:45 ET by thebutlerdiditVery few of us have your ability, Fitz, to explain things quite so succinctly. I would add, that Jason described Obama's win as if he had a landslide win, almost a mandate, yet, garnering 52.6% of the vote, while successful, was not all that impressive. JTP would most likely die out as a figure in the media, but liberals just can't seem to quit reporting on him. Why is that, again? Also, how does it shore up Schuster's arguement to remind people of Wurlzebacher's tax lien, of a massive $1,400, when the Treasury Sec. and several members, or wannabe members of the Obama cabinent, who seemed to have a wee problem with cheating on their taxes. Maybe not a good thing to use to quantify? Schuster's an idiot. The reason JTP was invited to CPAC, is because he has been working for Glenn Reynolds and his wife Helen over there at Pajamas Media. They were a part of the group who organized this years CPAC. No big mystery. I understand they had a poll asking people who they wanted to hear speak, and people said Joe. Seems to me, that is the way to handle things, doing what your audience wants.
All a Democrat needs is the upper-story window of public attention and the chamber pot of rhetoric. How else to explain the rise of Joe Biden? P.J. O' Rourke
I'm not suggesting that
February 27, 2009 - 15:43 ET by JasonCI'm not suggesting that Obama has a mandate per se - although by Bush's self-proclaimed mandate standards in 04, Obama has a mega-mandate. I mean only that he carried some states that are Republican strongholds and that it was not nearly as tight a contest as it was assumed to be last summer.
Fitz, as usual, your smart and even-handed analysis wins the day. I don't agree with you on all points, but you make a very good case. I still disagree that JtP is a threat - real or perceived - to the left. Rather, I think he makes a human interest story as the historical footnote he is on his way to becoming. Nor do I think that Joe's question to Obama was all that incisive or daring; it was a question anyone who cared to could have found the answer to by doing about 2 minutes of Googling; and no, so it's not something Obama was making the centerpiece of his campaign, but that's election politics. But the point is, JtP could have asked the question and withdrawn when both sides attempted to appropriate him for their respective identity politics. As far as I can tell, he dove quite willingly into the spotlight. I truly apologize if this sounds elitist or anti-Regular People (as Palin would eloquently put it, I'm sure), but words fail me in my attempt to articulate just how surreal, bizarre, and grotesque I find this.
Now, I haven't read it, so I can't really offer a critique of it. I'll leave such hypocritical nonsense to the kind of posters who vilify supposedly-liberal films at the same time that they proclaim they would never (ever) see it. But if Joe's flag-burning remark, which I quoted above, is any indication, then I'll be just fine with not actually leafing through its 192 ghost-written pages.
Anyway, Fitz, always good to see you. I'm getting out of the city for the weekend and will, thankfully, be internetless. Take care.
Great to talk to you again,
February 27, 2009 - 22:24 ET by fitzfongGreat to talk to you again, Jason. Have a nice weekend. It's my wife's birthday tomorrow, so I'd imagine that I'll be taking a bit of a break from here this weekend, too. Be safe.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
§ Fitz!! Happy B-Day to your Wife!!!
February 27, 2009 - 22:31 ET by TheSterHappy, Happy!!! Joy, Joy!!!
Best to you and your wife!
Ster.
My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.
Thanks, Ster! Picking up
February 27, 2009 - 22:46 ET by fitzfongThanks, Ster! Picking up the cake in the morning, she got the flowers at work today. I hope the gift is OK. She'll claim to love anything I get her...I guess that's why we love each other!
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Thanks, tbdi. The feeling
February 27, 2009 - 15:59 ET by fitzfongThanks, tbdi. The feeling is mutual. You've made quite an impressive impact in the time you've been here.
I also really enjoy the back-and-forth with Jason. He presents a lot of thought-provoking counter arguments that challenge my conventions. I have to work a lot harder to make a compelling case with Jason because he's no dummy. People like Jason, Jer and Shawn228 make NB a better place to come because they offer stern rhetorical tests. You really have to put thought into your posts and sharpen your game. I've learned a lot from each of them, and would like to think I've become better at writing and debate because of them. :-)
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Nicely done, nicely done!
February 27, 2009 - 17:33 ET by dborschjr68JasonC and fitzfong,
As a relative newbie to NB, I have little experience, or stomach, for needless arguing with faceless names on my computer screen. There are some posters that I simply have banished from my sphere of influence, as they seek to only condescend and ridicule.
However, I applaud both of you for this fantastic debate, which I read twice it was so good. JasonC, I firmly disagree with your points, yet at no time did I feel like you thought fitzfong was an intellectual retard, and I can honestly say I am very, very impressed. You both handled yourselves well, with honor, and with an almost tangible sense of mutual respect. It was so refreshing to be a spectator in this exchange of ideals.
Thanks to both of you. I hope one day to be able to write as concisely and succinctly as either one of you! Well done, and bravo!
Long live the Republic! Conservatives unite!
Nicely done, nicely done!
February 27, 2009 - 17:34 ET by dborschjr68JasonC and fitzfong,
As a relative newbie to NB, I have little experience, or stomach, for needless arguing with faceless names on my computer screen. There are some posters that I simply have banished from my sphere of influence, as they seek to only condescend and ridicule.
However, I applaud both of you for this fantastic debate, which I read twice it was so good. JasonC, I firmly disagree with your points, yet at no time did I feel like you thought fitzfong was an intellectual retard, and I can honestly say I am very, very impressed. You both handled yourselves well, with honor, and with an almost tangible sense of mutual respect. It was so refreshing to be a spectator in this exchange of ideals.
Thanks to both of you. I hope one day to be able to write as concisely and succinctly as either one of you! Well done, and bravo!
Long live the Republic! Conservatives unite!
Cheers, buddy. Jason and
February 27, 2009 - 22:22 ET by fitzfongCheers, buddy. Jason and I went at each other hammer and tongs around Christmas of 2007. We came out of it with a lot of mutual respect. We still take each other on once in a while...but since we've come to listen to each other as much anything else, it's always a friendly challenge. Besides, Jason and I were on the same side the only time I ever went to the woodshed.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
I hope the hate keeps on
February 26, 2009 - 22:44 ET by Clear thinkerI hope the hate keeps on coming for Joe. The more the laft rags on poor old Joe, the more real Americans side with Joe. As they should!
Mandatory Viewing For Lefty’s
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
No - Shuster. Joe represents much more -- too bad you missed it
February 26, 2009 - 22:44 ET by Gary HallNo - David Shuster. Joe represents much more -- too bad you missed it. Joe represents the failure of the national media to stand up for the truth when then candidate Sen. Obama completly misrepresented the truth in that first conversation between Obama and Joe. Joe wanted to discuss his view of reality. Obama wanted to pull the wool over Joe's eyes - and the voters. With the help of the MSM, he pulled it off.
Obama said to Joe, that day:
Obama was pushing the tired rhetoric that in 8 years, the working folks did not receive any tax relief from the Bush administration. Oh, but they did.
For the record, the Bush administration, with congress, did in fact give poorer and middle class working folks significant tax breaks; all middle and lower tax rates were lowered, with the 15% lower bracket being cut to 10%; child tax credit was doubled; and the marriage penalty tax trap was fixed - and it helped a ton. They extended the AMT adjustment each and every year - it was beginning to hit even lower income folks with a one-time gain in the markets or in real estate. In 2001 they eceived a tax rebate, pushed by the Democrats - eventually Bush gave in and gave them most of what they wanted there. In 2008, for goodness sakes, once again, we - all working tax paying folks - are given a tax rebate, a larger one, a part of a stimulus package (a targeted and immediate effort).
Many middle to lower class workers invest in the equity markets and real estate and did in fact benefit from lower capital gains tax and lower dividend tax rates. Main street [middle class] workers; those making much less than "rich folks like Obama" received significant reductions in tax liability - during these years.
Obama has the right to argue that he wants to do it differently - but to completely misrepresent the truth? In this much covered event, Obama lied - and the entire national media blinked? Obama lied to the taxpaying workers in the country. The month before that he lied to the seniors on the Bush and McCain positions, trying to scare them into believing, falsely, that they would loose their SS benefits if McCain was elected. Shameless. That is the news the media should be most interested in.
How'd you do in delivering the news the voters needed to hear, Shuster?
(;~/ gary
Apparently not all tax problems are equal...
February 26, 2009 - 22:49 ET by superconDid O' Davie boy have the same level of comtempt for Geithner and Daschle's tax problems...?I doubt it.
It 's the same old Democrat double standard.The rules are just a tool to badger your opponent with and not something that they need follow.
Because with a name like Obama... you know it has to be good.
Why isn't he the Treasury Secretary
February 26, 2009 - 22:52 ET by WingletDriver"He represents those who don't have a proper license with tax liens against them. Does the Republican Party really want Joe the Plumber to be a role model?" Shuster
Joe's "legal problems" pale in comparison with half of BHO appointments.
TAX PROBLEMS???
February 26, 2009 - 22:52 ET by Casey97TAX PROBLEMS? Is he trying to say Joe is qualified for Obama's Cabinet?
/*-/*-/*-/*-/*-/*-/*-/*-/*-
With Democrat revisionist history and liberals guaranteeing the future (global warming, nuclear destruction, etc.) only the future is certain; the past is always changing.
Ooooooh,...ouch.
February 26, 2009 - 22:58 ET by dborschjr68TAX PROBLEMS? Is he trying to say Joe is qualified for Obama's Cabinet?
Dang, Casey97,....I'm not even a Democrat but I felt the sting on that one.
Long live the Republic! Conservatives unite!
I'd be really pissed ...
February 26, 2009 - 23:01 ET by Logic over emotionat Chelsea is a whore Schuster's comments if I knew anybody watched him.
Are you saying an anonymous
February 26, 2009 - 23:27 ET by balboaAre you saying an anonymous guy who tried to zing Obama is a great get?
He's not anonymous
February 26, 2009 - 23:46 ET by CobraMan"Joe" is not anonymous. The MSM made sure of that. They created his popularity and now they are complaining about that popularity. I wonder if this is because they can't CONTROL his popularity to their, and the democrats, advantage?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities
of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Furthermore, he did not try
February 27, 2009 - 00:18 ET by PeskyDaneFurthermore, he did not try to "zing" Obama. Candidate Obama went to him, and solicited his opinion. Not exactly Sam Donaldson trying to scream over the helicopter blades of Marine One at Reagan and then complain about about being ignored.
But you know what? You knew this. Doesn't speak well of you.
JtP saw Obama, thought "I'm
February 27, 2009 - 09:49 ET by balboaJtP saw Obama, thought "I'm gonna ask him a 'tough' question."
Yea, Right
February 28, 2009 - 12:27 ET by CobraManIt was Obama's answer that made "Joe" a media star, not the question. A lot of people ask Obama a lot of similar questions, correct? Why didn't they get the same treatment as "Joe?"
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities
of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
We know his name.
February 27, 2009 - 00:36 ET by JWFUnlike you, pinhead.
He did not try to zing Obama, he asked a question.
And yes, it is a great get. Socialism is antithetical to the constitution which is the core of conservatism. It was not Joe the Plumbers question that got him notoriety. It was Obama's response of spreading the wealth around. AND it was the fact that no one in the media had dared ask the critical question of WHY Obama wanted to raise taxes.
So YES it is a great get. And YES 3 gaffes in one sentence DOES make you a pinhead.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Pinhead! Ouch! If you think
February 27, 2009 - 09:47 ET by balboaPinhead! Ouch!
If you think he wasn't trying to nail Obama, you're not thinking clearly.
What does JtP bring to CPAC? What is his value?
~Balboa
February 27, 2009 - 10:01 ET by choselife3xWhat is your value?
Expecting the government to 'fix' the economy is like trying to live off the leech stuck to your tush.
Balboa thinks Joe teh Plumber is a friggin' GENIOUS!
February 28, 2009 - 00:08 ET by JWFThat sneaky bigbrain mensa member Joe came up to poor little workin' fer de folks Obama and slammed him with this NAILER of a question! NAILED HIM TO THE WALL!
JOE WURZELBACHER, PLUMBER: Your new tax plan is going tax me more, isn't it?
DEEEEEEEEEEE_AMMMMMMMM! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! OH! OH! OH! IT WAS LIKE A PUNCH IN THE GUT!
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Well, since Henrietta
February 27, 2009 - 10:41 ET by fitzfongWell, since Henrietta Handout wasn't available (I think she was booked for her Queen for a Day appearance on Oprah or something), Joe the Plumber had to be called in at the last minute.
Seriously, though. If Joe the Plumber is such a poor "get", why the hell do you care? Liberals like Shuster are clearly threatened by the guy or they would simply ignore him like the non-entity they claim he is. Joe the Plumber was a random guy who unmasked Obama as the economic illiterate we all suspected he was. He asked a simple, but brilliant question that the stage managed empty suit was ill-equipped to answer. Then, as is normal with left-wing bullies, he sicked the "opposition research" crew to try to destroy this man. Conservatives tend to identify with hard-working individuals who are subjected to rampant government abuse and media intimidation...especially those who emerge from the character assault stronger for the experience. David Shuster is a mindless thug, employed with the DNC talking points in an attempt to marginalize and destroy an average American over minor tax and paperwork issues. But you won't see Shuster take issue with serial tax cheats like Daschle, Geithner, Rangel, etc. whose wilfull transgressions dwarf JTP's. That makes Joe the Plumber a star.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Economic Illiterate
February 27, 2009 - 11:41 ET by slickwillie2001Let's seriously consider the possibility that Obammy IS an 'economic illiterate'. Nothing I have seen or heard from him indicates otherwise, and there's no hint of any decent education in that area. As far as I'm concerned, Obammy's supposed 'brilliance', 'intelligence', etc, is all UNPROVEN. We've seen not one shred of proof that the man can think his way out of a lunch bag. The Obammy story often reminds me of the movie 'Trading Places', only it's -let's take a community organizer and make him President and see what happens.
Love the trading places
February 27, 2009 - 13:20 ET by MrDavisonLove the trading places reference. Spot on too. What has he done to prove his superior intellect except get marginal grades at Columbia and snort a little blow when he had the money? Oh yeah, and he's black.
Why do I care? I don't. I
February 27, 2009 - 16:01 ET by balboaWhy do I care? I don't. I was commenting on the topic at hand. JtP is about as important to me as any other yahoo.
Sure you do. The ad
February 27, 2009 - 22:11 ET by fitzfongSure you do. The ad hominem reference tips your hand. For all we know, JtP's 15 minutes are almost up. But he's symbolic of a disconnect that the left has with small businessmen. If too many of JtP's kind start thinking for themselves (and convincing others to think for themselves), Obama will have a harder time sneaking his socialist agenda...dressed up as populist class warfare...in through the back door.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
They still don't get it
February 26, 2009 - 23:37 ET by richb313They still don't get it. We the People are fed up. It does not matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican. We have been sold one huge bill of goods. Both parties are responsible for this mess. It is career politicians and thier special interest cronies. They have managed to mismanage the publics dollar and look the other way while all the time dipping thier hands into the cookie jar. I say throw all the bums out next election repeat and rinse. Somehow we need to wrest control from this political class that has a strangle hold on America. Joe was speaking just common sense, something totally lacking in Washington these days. If this country is somehow able to survive the next two years of this gross and criminal mismanagement the new congress that is sure to be elected should immediatly proceed with whatever Congressional Investigations that are needed to send all the bums in Congress and the Senate to prison. They have so violated the public trust just to get themselves re-elected it should be considered High Treason. Is it just me or I am alone in my thinking here.
Joe is what Valerie Plame dreamed of being...........
February 26, 2009 - 23:40 ET by jondelwicheA true victim of government abuse.
Joe was living in obscurity, then spoke the truth to power. But only when power came calling upon him......
His reward?
The government really did invade his private files (and Gosh!, it wasnt that evil Bush) in an effort to destroy him. It was such a terrible infraction, that multiple OH government workers have now "lost" their jobs. Or am I wrong?
Schuster simply wishes the players and political parties were reversed---then Joe would be the toast of the elite media!
Alas, Joe being a Rightie means, like a Dem 2 trillion $ deficit, the media looks but sees nothing of interest :o)
what's his web number?
February 26, 2009 - 23:47 ET by RousseI wouldn't mind hearing what Joe the Plumber has to say. I have every confidence that he is at least as well-spoken as Joe the Vice-President, and no-doubt makes a more compelling speaker. I don't expect him to sound like Thomas Sowell---few do.
Shuster's not just a hypocrite---he's a snob and an elitist. Oh wait! It's the Republicans who are snobs and elitists and make sport of the working class. Dang.
999.99.999
February 27, 2009 - 04:18 ET by old croin German.
what's his web number?
February 26, 2009 - 23:48 ET by RousseI wouldn't mind hearing what Joe the Plumber has to say. I have every confidence that he is at least as well-spoken as Joe the Vice-President, and no-doubt makes a more compelling speaker.
Shuster's not just a hypocrite---he's a snob and an elitist. Oh wait! It's the Republicans who are snobs and elitists and make sport of the working class. Dang.
living proof
February 26, 2009 - 23:55 ET by Cho Yi FanShuster's comments are living proof that he is a pinhead.
It's GD amazing that an
February 27, 2009 - 00:24 ET by ConservativeRexIt's GD amazing that an American citizen is slammed because a dumb ass running for president shows his true self and the lefty's in this country jump all over Joe for it.
I'll let you lefty's in on one thing, it all coming to a head, pretty damn quick. You didn't think we were going to sit back for very long and take this kind of crap did you? We can do something about it, and y'all need to pay attention or you'll get caught up in it.
Check out all of the "tea party's" springing up all over the country this weekend. It's coming partner. It ain't going to be stopped any time soon either.
Sorry but this is the same old, same old
February 27, 2009 - 00:28 ET by Lord ErondStupid liberal says something idiotic, baits conservatives by attacking a poor blue collar guy who only asked a question of Barack Obama. Conservatives rail at hypocritical, double standard MSM.....(sigh) lather rinse repeat.
How about we declare "Beat a liberal for decency" Day? That's change I can believe in.
"What you can not enforce, do not command" -Sophocles-
Schuster....
February 27, 2009 - 01:19 ET by ScrapironSchuster is what one of the male lovers passed in the bathroom after their homosexual affair.
Old, Retired and glad of it.
Rush Limbaugh will be speaking at CPAC this Saturday. I believe
February 27, 2009 - 01:46 ET by Rush Fanthat FoxNews will carry his speech approximately 2pm Pacific Time, although I may be mistaken.
FoxNews has an interesting article titled Conservatives Search Their Souls for Return to Principles pertaining to the CPAC conference.
Another interesting article at FoxNews is Huckabee Blasts McCain for Supporting $700B Bailout.
-----------------------------------------
There is always free cheese
in a mousetrap.
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“The left -- you people, you Democrats -- you are creating a monster that you will not be able to control forever. You will ultimately regret what you are doing just like the media will ultimately regret its sacrifice of reason, its abandonment of its primary purpose.” ~ Rush Limbaugh
but people I
February 27, 2009 - 02:20 ET by Jack BauerSo now it's up to CPAC to run their ideas past Shuster because it's important they only deal with conservatives whom Shuster "respects." Wow.
I would love it if Joe the Plumber happened to come across Shuster one day, with a film crew to record the procedings.
And Shuster is lying of course. He doesn't resp[ect any conservative at all.
Also given the recent virtual hate speech against Republicans and conservative coming from the MSNBC, it's obvious they have taken an Editorial decison to go beyong just supporting Democrats, to openly denigrating anyone who does not follow their Stalinist line.
Joe paid his taxes unlike
February 27, 2009 - 04:13 ET by SlicksterJoe paid his taxes unlike obama's cabinet.
Joe the Plumber
February 27, 2009 - 07:36 ET by 10ksnookerWas far better at telling the American people what Acting President Obama's act was going to be, than did any of the PRAVDA spouts.
It's a common fact, one can't be liberal and rational at the same time.
Joe's question was right on target
February 27, 2009 - 08:34 ET by c5thenThe fact that he caught Obama off guard and unprepared with a pre-rehersed response, which caused him to mistakenly tell the truth, is even better.
Spread the wealth indeed! Nothing to date explains the spendulus bill and the mortgage "bail-out" and the $3.5 trillion proposed budget in better and the simplest terms.
Glenn Beck gave a marvelous statistic yesterday on his show. In 2006 (last year stats are available for) the total income of all taxpayers combined was $4 trillion. Obama wants the government to spend $3.5 trillion next year.
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
HMMMMMMMMM
February 27, 2009 - 09:09 ET by rick007Isn't it ironic how they go after Joe with the tax lien thing and have people in power in "O" Dumbo ears admin who are tax cheats abd were caught?
Ahh to be a lib and never have to back up your stupid astatements with facts. What a life it would be.
If the fairness docturn passes will that mean Olby and Matthews will have to be followed by two hours of Rush?
Or better yet Mark Levin the great one?????????
"SHUSTER: Right. He
February 27, 2009 - 10:01 ET by R D Helm"SHUSTER: Right. He represents those who don't have a proper license
with tax liens against them. Does the Republican Party really want Joe
the Plumber to be a role model?"
I can't believe Shyster was stupid enought even utter that, given the makeup of Obama's cabinet.
I guess we should use Turbo Tax Timmy as a role model. :-)
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
I don't know why David
February 27, 2009 - 10:17 ET by fitzfongI don't know why David Shuster would have such a problem with Joe the Plumber. After all, Shuster aspires to be Joe Wilson's plumber...oh, wait, different kind of plumber.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
White House Team Fail
February 27, 2009 - 11:23 ET by TN MomAs MSNBC continues to attack the GOP, their ratings spiral downward....WHO'S OUT OF TOUCH? ummmm?
Hey Schuster: Who is 'representing' the new administration?? According to a new report this morning: Of the 500 Senior Staff WH possitions only 70 have been filled. If Schuster isn't too busy attacking the GOP, maybe he can find out why, in the 'worst crisis of our time', Obama can't (after one month) get his team in place!
Its a joke because of JtP's
February 27, 2009 - 12:52 ET by ChenZhenIts a joke because of JtP's status as a gimmick. A gimmick that didn't work.
I guess the joke is on
February 27, 2009 - 15:01 ET by ckc1227I guess the joke is on America then, because Bawney's Frank said last night that McCain was right when he warned people Obama would do what he and JTP said he would do.
→ Bawney's right
February 27, 2009 - 15:08 ET by Cool ArrowAccording to Bawney, President Obama just wanted to make an honest man out of John McCain.
CZ, Hard working people are a gimmick?
February 27, 2009 - 15:12 ET by upcountrywaterThe party of inclusion
We pledge to become a party of inclusion, not exclusion. What binds us
is our faith – a belief in the ability of individuals to succeed in a
free environment and to shape their own destiny through hard work.
HONESTand TRUE questions to 0bama , is a gimmick?
lets review the OAF's 40% flat tax
Here is Joe the Plumber website he's here to stay....
pURPLe pINKy
Re: "Outing" myself
May 16, 2009 - 00:43 ET by ChenZhenWe're there!
For the great unveiling, I've decided to utilize the 21st century gadgets that are available to us all, and put it into video format.
So, without further ado, CLICK HERE!
McCain's two best
February 27, 2009 - 20:52 ET by RR GOPMcCain's two best lines..."If you wanted to run against George Bush you should have run four years ago" and "Joe the Plumber".
He really had BHO on those.
Now, all the things he should have said....!
Like when McCain was talking about the terrain in West Pakistan he should have stopped and in an off-handed way said, "Well, you know what I'm talking about. You spent some time in Pakistan back in the '80s."
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.