I just watched "Joe" the "plumber" on Bill Maher's show.

[ColbertWatcher]

Poll question: I just watched "Joe" the "plumber" on Bill Maher's show.

Here is a clip from YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzjQ0x2DdKE )

He seemed to have been coached. Am I imaging things? Is he the human equivalence of one of those "viral videos" that turns out later to have been nothing more than a commercial?

Does "Joe" the "plumber" speak like he's getting talking points from the GOP?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

1. I can understand sticking with a gimmick that WORKS.

But having gotten their asses soundly kicked in 2008, you'd figure the GOP would be eBaying all the JTP mugs and T-shirts.

[ColbertWatcher]

3. This is how I believe the GOP will "sell" "Joe" the "plumber" ...

... he's a "real American!" He's not a politician or a trained "speaker" (Hollywood celebrity).

What he says is what "real Americans" feel.

Blah, blah, blah ...

Introducing him was just the beginning. Phase two (framing the moran) has begun.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

6. But he's not even a remotely likeable guy. He comes off as a skinhead douchebag.

It's one thing if he were a funny, charming, salt of the earth blue collar comedy git 'r' done guy. But he's got none of that. He's just a smug idiot asshole.

But then again, millions listen to Rush Limbaugh, so there's THAT.

[ColbertWatcher]

9. He comes off to me as an entitled legacy fraternity snob with a blue collar make-over. n/t

[Believing Is Art]

12. If JTP is a "real American"

we are so fucked.

[mzmolly]

2. They're all coached.

Limbaugh delivers the official talking points daily. ;)

[ColbertWatcher]

5. Yes, but "Joe" the "plumber" is being sold as a "regular guy" n/t

[mzmolly]

15. Indeed he is. A "regular Republican guy."

;)

[20score]

4. Mr. I've Been on Welfare Twice would never stray from being true blue to his ideals.

Yep, straight as an arrow and bright as a penny that Joe is. Why, he'll show those socialists! "Taken' from others that are workin.'"

[Mind_your_head]

7. Don't have cable/the teevee.....

I'm sure I didn't *miss* anything.

But it sure is interesting watchin' ya all JUMP AROUND the lastest teevee jimbob.....making out like he/she is 'important'.....when in truth they are NOT (important).

[ColbertWatcher]

10. I posted a link to the video on YouTube.

Also, I'm not watching out of some misplaced importance on him, so much as I'm keeping an eye on what machinations the GOP is up to.

[Mind_your_head]

14. Alright. Now that I have watched the video/interview.......

I am just OUTRAGED.

Joe the 'plumber' isn't even a LICENSED PLUMBER. It takes YEARS (and a lot of knowledge) to become a licensed plumber.

He's gotten his "15 minites" (sp?).....now it's time to 'get off the stage' before we THROW you off....bodily.
;'

[Hello_Kitty]

8. He's obviously pushing some "fair tax" plan, so I'm going with coached. eom

[Raine1967]

11. 'It's a *Mute* point.'

Yes. He was coached, and badly.

[20score]

16. He was correct, that point NEVER talks.

[emilyg]

13. I don't care.

[Vinca]

17. Oh, great. I taped the show and now I don't want to watch it. nt

[Enthusiast]

18. He was a Republican operative from day one

When candidate Obama first spoke to him it was clear he was planted there to detract from President Obama's economic plan.

[KharmaTrain]

19. Bingo!!!!!!

Those familiar with rushpublican black-ops called this from the get-go. Lots of suspicious things that are all too frequent in the GOOP slime/astroturf world.

Joe was "discovered" in a hotly contested Ohio race...planted to embarass President Obama or to get his pissed or some other reaction. No sooner did they have their plant, the talking points were written and McCain all but astroturfed it around the world in a debate a week later. No sooner is Joe a "celebrity", but the cameras are there and he's got the talking points down cold. A "working man's hero" for the party of no and privilidge. A fictional character created by a GOOP consultant and "nurtured" through the right wing media and think tanks.

You don't get the full monte treatment during the campaign, then steady speaking gigs and a book deal without friends in high places.

Mahrer played into their game by giving him some legitimation, but also at the same time exposed him for his pitchman bullshit.

[ColbertWatcher]

20. Agreed.

Plus, wasn't it revealed that he was a "regular" on local talk radio? He knows the language, he has connections and he's desperately arrogant: all the characteristics needed to be successful in the GOP.