Oh, please. The majority of us will never make anywhere close to $250K a year. I'm a teacher with a Master's Degree and 25 years experience who makes less than 1/3 that amount. I think "Joe" should worry more about paying the taxes he already owes.

Betsy, Charlottesville VA, USA

I thought he wasn't even a plumber, owed taxes and did not have the means to buy a business? Why are amercians bringing him into the debate, he has been discredited or maybe they didn't get that news?

Sam from NYC - the flaw in your arguement is 'there but for the grace fo God go I'.

kim, london,

Better tel Joe not to buy the business as the rest of us are losing our homes & can't afford the water let alone a plumber.Thanks George!!

Deegee, Victoria, Canada

Obama's plan is a disincentive for success. I don't agree with penalizing the rich for their success. The government should help everyone get richer instead of helping the poor at the expense of the rich. That's socialism. People forget JFK cut taxes too. "A rising tide raises all the boats" JFK

Sam, NYC, USA

If Joe the Plumber were honest he would come right out and say that in reality he makes $50,000 a year, and will in reality get a big tax cut under the Obama plan and a tiny tax cut under the McCain plan. He will vote for McCain anyway. It is his choice, but his hypothetical questions are silly.

Thelonious, Toledo,

The 'spreading of wealth' is also through time. At some point Joe will want to have Medicare and Social Security, and these are costly. Presumably he now wants homeland security, a viable infrastructure and a good education for his kids. All this costs more than Americans have been paying in taxes.

P Aaronson, London, UK

"Joe" had his say, and now every bit of dirt in his past is being dug up, as if asking that question was a crime. Would anybody with a hard question to ask a candidate be willing to do so now? Obama gave an honest answer, and his operatives act like they wish he hadn't.

rmpatera, Florence, SC, USA

Anne Barrowclough should do her homework on 'Joe the Plumber'. She makes too many assumptions and does not tell the entire story by any means. It would be nice if she had bothered to fact check before romanticising this guy. Read the New York Times article instead - they bothered to research.

Gail, Atlanta, USA

Jennifer, I've been to all sorts of agencies for the elderly. Because my Grandma still lives in a home that has a mortgage, that me & 5 others pay for, as per my mom's will,she's NOT entitled to anything. She gets less than $800 from SS, 91 in Jan & she's not entitled. How quick will that change?

Liz, NYC,

Paying taxes is not punishment. Being paid less than a livable wage is punishment. It is completely untrue that working hard will always lead to wealth. Many people work as hard as or harder than Joe all their lives and stay in poverty because the people they work for and make wealthy keep it.

Chris, Rogers, USA

Joe doesn't understand that under Obama's plan another Joe could open his business faster.

Igor, Ljubljana, Slovenia

To: Dan, Lake Forest, IL If you are currently taxed 36% you are making $350K. Under Obama you will pay and additional 3% on 100K. Obama wants you to pay $3000 more in taxes not 50K.. your numbers are way off. Success does not equal rarely seeing your family so you can keep up with the Jone's in LF

Meghan, Portland, OR,

Wealth redistribution is a socialist idea that leads to more political control in the hands of the few (the redistributers), and less incentive for the poor to become wealthy themselves by working hard and producing goods. Thus, wealth redistribution leads to a less prosperous, less free state.

Kyle, Detroit, MI, USA

I just heard Mr. McCain saying that he dismissed his campaign staff for 'Joe the Plumber' .
Well, for us in Eritrea, what really matters most is neither Obama nor McCain; but who is going to respect the Algiers agreement that ended Ethio-Eritrean war; the US being a signatory.

Mansour Nour, Asmara, Eritrea

For those Americans who talk negatively about income redistribution or that dreaded word "socialism" should refer to history. The US Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe/Japan after WWII. Today these blocks contribute to the development of Africa. Is this not socialism ?. US right wing get a life.

Michael O'Leary, Dublin, Ireland

If higher pay means higher tax bracket, join the club. There are MANY benefits to having your own business. You WILL be making more money, be your own boss, and make your own hours. So if you have to pay more taxes, that's not so bad if your family is overall more comfortable. Think community.

dave, orono, me, usa

Mr Wurzelbacher said this morning  that he was against higher income taxes for those who earn higher incomes (socialism,  he called it), which means he is against the graduated income tax.  I am sure that without the graduated income tax he would be paying far more in taxes than he does now. 

Patrick, Los Angeles, CA

I am sorry, my wife and I make $250,000.00 a year (before taxes, closer to 150 after). We put ourselves through law school. We are not trust account babies, were forced to buy a home at the top of the market (no ARM!). We have a baby on the way. Why are should we be punished for our success.

Carlos Gimenez, Coral Gables, United States

Kim,

From what you say you are not going to get tax raise under Obama because the tax raise affects those who earn less than 250,000 a year. You may actually get tax cut under him so you better reconsider your decision if tax decrease is the sole reason for your decision.

alex, Denver,

It is clear to anyone who understands the basic principles of taxation that the more you earn, the higher the tax rate you should pay. That a plumber cannot understand this is forgiveable: that a potential president of the USA cannot, is a disaster of massive proportions.

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

taxing people like Joe erodes social mobility, therefore widening the gap between the rich and the poor - under the socialists, those born without money will stay without money, be stuck. PS. respect to Joe and to all those who work long hours.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

He's complaining about having to pay higher taxes on $250K, which is presumably MUCH higher than he's making now? Is this guy an idiot, or does he just like to gripe about taxes?

joe bob, irving, USA

David, you nailed it, He's also selling a business. If he's smart, he won't just pocket it, but instead he'll spend the profits getting something else going, buy real estate and/or put it into a Roth IRA - put it tax sheltered . Heck even I know that and I never made it past apprentice electrician..

Blain, Anchorage, AK

David...your point on gross profits vs taxable income is correct. Most people don't seem to "get it" and their ignorance ends up repeatedly hurting them. I make more than 250,000 and stand to lose alot more in future inheritance taxes if obama is elected..yet, i will vote for obama for our future

rhonda, nashville, usa

Don' t know why you Americans are complaining about your taxes anyway, they'e not high. Try living in Australia as I do...on an income of only A$150K ( US$100K) you would be paying 45% tax! (which is tantmount to theft ) In fact earn US$50K here and you pay 40%, so stop moaning...you have it easy!

Baz, Brisbane (originally UK),

What would John McCain know about the needs of business people, one of whom may or may not be Joe the Plumber?

John McCain grew up in a house owned by the US government; was educated in a university owned and operated by the US government, and the only employer he's had has been the US government

John McDonald, Vancouver, Washington, US

Taxes now consume more than 38% of the average family's budget -- more than is spent on food, clothing, housing, and transportation combined. Compare this to the plight of medieval serfs who gave the manor one-third of their output -- and were considered slaves. What does this make you and I?

dan the singer, Grapevine, TX, USA

"HARD" working families are the Middle & Lower Class! Obviously a Hedge Fund owner is highly educated, & has worked for his career - & likely works the same 40hr wk or more & he is HIGHLY paid - but HARD WORK is the man who is building fences in the heat & snow, for a measly 9$/hr w/ no Insurance!!

Misty, Newark, Ohio

"It is not very unreasonable that the rich should contribute to the public expense, not only in proportion to their revenue, but something more than in that proportion." You know who said that? Adam Smith. The Adam Smith who wrote Wealth of Nations.

Read a book.

Joe, Palo Alto, US

So greed is rife in the "everyday" man too. $250k pa does not make you rich? And how many people live on $1 per day? Another inappropriate poster-boy(/girl) choice by the Republicans.

Edward, Perth, Australia

I just love all the "it's time for them to pay their fair share" comments on here. Never mind that close to 35% of US citizens pay no tax at all. Is that "fair"?

I agree that the middle class deserves a break, but taxing the businesses that employ them will only break them. No more jobs.

Beth, Pasadena,

Obama wants to redistribute income. He wants to take money out of the pockets of hard-working families and small businesses and give it to those he deems more worthy. It is un-American to punish productive workers and business owners and reward those who are not. Hell no, I am not buying this plan.

Hamish, Covina,

If Joe thinks he's going to have personal earnings of > $250k in his first two years of business ownership, he obviously lacks the knowledge to run a business and should really reconsider and learn to appreciate the benefits of being an employee.

Zelda, costa mesa, usa

Ol' Joe IS registered to vote, and he does so, as a REPUBLICAN!

It turns out, too, that he owes tax arrears, and his business would benefit, not lose, under Obama's tax plan, because Joe quoted anticipated gross income, not net, not the taxable residue after overhead, expenses, etc.

Interesting.

Rick H, Inaka, JAPAN

According to the New York Times Joe the Plumber does not have a license to be a plumber in his city even though it is the law. He also has a tax lien against him. Some hero. Why worry about future taxes if you aren't paying today's taxes.

Walter, Portsmouth NH , US

Joe is not a plumber, he owes income tax. Is he a typical Republican. By the way which group can afford to pay the most tax? Joe is a Republican fop. Lets have another four years of the same Bush schizophrenia.

Derek, Mebane, USA

48% of Americans pay no taxes. Obama's new tax program intends to remove another 10 % from the tax rolls. I am in that 58%. I can't wait with 58% vote and controlling both houses and the White House we will be able tax all those fat cats making over $50,000. a year.

Marvin Sinclair, San Francisco, US, Calif.

Many Obama supporters still don't get it. It is not about spreading the worth or re-distribute the wealth of the US. It is about economy and create jobs. If you look at all Obama's proposals, they are about spending or spreading wealth but not creating wealth, hardly anything to do with creating job

timmy, huntingdon valley, USA

I have a few impressions from this ongoing debate: firstly, that most Americans are against paying any kind of tax. Which makes me think, who is paying for the infrastructure of your country? And secondly, does anyone even know what Marxism is? Or is it just another swear word over there?

Julie, Canterbury,

Many are missing is the fact that Obama's tax plan will have a dramatic negative impact on the middle and lower income classes. As you tax "rich" corporations, those costs get passed along to the consumer. Corporations do not pay taxes - we do as consumers.

Mike, Overland Park, USA

The top 1% of taxpayers, paid 40% of all income taxes in 2006, the highest share in at least 40 years. The top 10% in income, those earning more than paid 71%, the top 50% paid 97.1% According to IRS release of 06. Looks like the rich already pay the most of the income taxes.

Pete, NY NY , USA

The real problem is if you want to start changing the system , once you change the system what will hold them back to change the tax bracket later from $250.000 to $100.00 , plus we are already spreading the wealth, as over percent of Americans do not pay any Taxes,

Mandy, Brooklyn, USA

So, if you're voting for McCain that means you agree that the wealthy should get the tax cuts and not the middle class?
The middle class is the work horse of the US economy and I'm tired of getting "trickled down" on.

Jane, Chicago,

Gross revenues of $250k would not make him 'rich'. Everyone here seems to think he's making $250k in PROFIT. Subtract cost of goods for parts and fixtures, plus overhead and operating costs, and he might make $60 to 80k for himself, if he's good. Try buying a house in most of CA on $60k...

David, California, USA

I think that if you allow people to be more free and not restrict them thru government regulations then more people would get the American Dream. Every American wants more money for themselves and tax what they would like to be. When does it stop? How much freedom do we have to give up?

Bill, Mesa, USA

Chuck in Morgantown; the rich finally paying their equal share of the taxes? So you're for tax cuts for the rich then! Because it's the wealthy who carry the heaviest tax burden in the US. Jealously is a very ugly thing.

C. Heathcote, Brick, USA

The Toledo Blade reported today that "Joe the plumber" has no plumber's license, the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien against him because $1,183 in personal property taxes had not been paid, and based on divorce records, his 2006 income was $40,000, hardly enough to qualify for the tax hike

Patricia, Grand Haven, Ottawa

This has nothing to do with giving money to people who "don't want to work" or "don't want to work as hard as Joe" - when Joe was starting out as a plumber he benefited from the tax programs set by the Clinton admnistration. Obama just wants to set things back to how they were pre-Bush.

Gabby, San Francisco, USA

Obama's $250,000 mark is not the sales figure of the small business; it's the profit of the business that must exceed that amount before an additional tax would be realized.

Lewis Hay, Clinton, USA

Obama: younger, prettier. Most folks will never be as smooth-talking as a Harvard-educated lawyer. But smooth talking doesn't equate to smooth sailing. This debate's clear choice for America: a common sense work ethic & opportunity OR predatory politicians taking your money to give to their friends.

Denise, Texas, USA

Lets ask the 750,000.00 plus people that are unemployed what they think of Joe the plumber making over $250,000.00 a year. I’m pretty sure they would rather make $250,000.00 and pay more in taxes, than to pay less and make $0.00 to $40,000.00. With millions of families losing their jobs and their homes. I feel real sorry for Joe the plumber maker over $250,000.00.

DESIREE, los Angeles,

My husband is a plumber named Joe also. We did purchase our company 5 years ago and I can tell you this, we don't make even close to 250,000 dollars a year. I still will not vote for Obama for the same reason. If we have to pay one more tax, it will be the straw that breaks the proverbial camels bac

kim, conroe,

Whoa folks..lets look at this as stated..and compare it to a present status on the tax code. Rich people ..poor people..the tax brackets have always been different..there is no change here. It does not impede business expansion, because when big corps get a break..they ship jobs overseas. Obama wins

Rick J, West Alexandria, USA

I'm with Obama on this. Run a scan on Dun and Bradstreet Million Dollar Database for your community for businesses with sales less than $250,000. In my town 906 businesses out of 1262 have sales less than $250,000. The 3% tax increase minus capital gains will even out.

Gary, Bedford, USA

It is easy to obtain 250k if he is a master plumber and has several other plumbers that work for him as well.
Most small businesses are sold to current employee's are ridiculously low prices.
Plumbers can charge whatever they want if you pay it. Not happy with the price you go learn to do it then.

Chad, Chicago,

No, Peter, this is not about the people that do not want to work. This is about the rich finally paying their equal share of the taxes. Joe the Plumber (or... not) cries crocodile tires about losing an extra 1,000 or so from 250,000? Give me a break.

Chuck, Morgantown,

Joe should be concerned with paying his current tax bill. Reportedly he has a state tax lien of $1200. He sitting around pondering "what ifs" about the $250,000 tax bracket. That salary is nothing to sniff at. Why shouldn't someone in that bracket pay more in taxes proportionally ?

kimmmg, chicago,ill, usa

Obama says "spread the wealth". Yes, the Democrats want to "spread the wealth" but not to the poor. Democrats want to "spread the wealth" to their unions, to their buddies who bring "development" to the city, to their organizations who provide "services" to the poor, and business who hire illegals

Donna, Baltimore, USA

I see it pretty black and white. If you make $250,000 or more you should vote for McCain. This means you can afford to put your kids in private school and probably can affore good health insurance. If you make less vote for Obama. Now if the election went that way Obama would win by 95%. Sound right.

Khalid, Somewhere in NJ, USA

I don't call making $70/hour working class, do you? He isn't even a licensed plumber. Just to play along.....Tom, in what nightmare world does a plumber billing 300 K per year have 220 K in expenses? Sounds like epic failure to me.

Jen, Chicago, USA

Although McCain failed to bring it up, it needs to be said. McCain believes in an economy based upon the principles of Adam Smith .. free markets. Senator Obama believes in an economy based upon the principles of Karl Marx...from each to according to his means to each according to his needs.

Jay Rogers, Tucson,

Joe the Plumber doesnt make over 250k a year. So get your facts striaght. He also doesnt have a license to be a plumber. He does not pay taxes. So will the real Joe the Plumber please stand up.

Chris S., Orlando, Florida,

Why not have Mr Wurzelbacher ask both candidates questions he would like answered?

Missy, Stephenville, USA

There is a Samuel Joe WORZELBACHER on the Secretary of State's rolls for Holland, Ohio. As fate has it, the most recently famous of Ohio's Republican voters is now a poster boy for why GOP efforts to purge voter rolls are as unreliable as voter protection advocates have argued they are.

Gord Bingham, Barrie, Canada

beware the socialist state USA. here in the UK all it has given us is an army of wasters living off the state and not working,taking all and giving nothing in return, and worse still,at the taxpayers expense.

Chris, Bristol, UK

There has been a lot of talk today suggesting that this Wurzelbacher character, namely that his father is the owner of a savings and loan bank, and that they are close with McCain associate Charles Keating. This sounds like a Republican plant to me, and I encourage everyone to find out more.

Doug, Portsmouth, VA, USA

Poor old Joe. The American dream is busted; if, for the vast majority, it ever really existed at all. At least he won't have to fret about his tax bill anymore; he'll never have the opportunity to earn $250,000 a year now. Maybe, if he moves to Asia, he'll make it. It's their turn now.

Crydda, Udine, Italy

Conservatives put wealth in the hands of a few. Liberals put it in the hands of many more. Redistribution is only a bad word if you're one of those who's having to give up some of the wealth. The pendulum swings both ways. Good government's job is to strike a balance. Stop being brats and get along!

Jeff, Atlanta, USA

He is a Republican plant...The streets are NOT paid with gold in America and Plumbers do not make $250,000 a year.

Rebecca, Palm Bay, USA

Anyone in the USA who has ever received a plumber's bill can certainly have little sympathy with Joe's plight. With the possible exception of doctors, there is no profession more adept at overcharging their customers.

Grego, Pittsburgh, USofA

Marx/Obama's "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" is from the earlier Acts of the Apostles describing how the early church functioned. Seems like good company to me.

Liz MacNeil, Boston, MA,

I'm amazed to hear people making incredible amounts of money complaining on tax rise to income over 250,000! Millions of poeple in the US work much harder, longer hours than you guys and make 15000! Greedy! You'll never be satisfied! Do you think Jesus would agree with you?

Chris, Preston, UK

Too bad Joe the Plumber has no plan on how he'll buy that business. Doubly bad that he isn't even a licensed plumber

James, Denver, CO, USA

By him owning a small business he will get a lot of tax breaks. His overall taxable income will be lower than a person who is making the same or less that doesn't have a business. If you don't give the middle class a tax break, then they will have less money to spend on a plumber.

Jar, Detroit, USA

Obama's plan is to raise taxes on individuals with income of 250k. Joe is probably an S-Corp, all of the revenue to Joe's business appears as personal income to Joe. If Joe billed 300K for the year, but had expenses of 220k, his net income (his salary) is 80K; but he pays FICA @ the 300K level.

tom, Deer Park, USA

They certainly talked to the wrong Toledoan. 95% of the population there would love to work 12 hour days, but can only get $8 an hour, 20-hour-a-week jobs, even with college degrees. It's not as simple as hard work = rewards. It's about improving the overall economy of cities like Toledo.

Amanda, Houston (formerly Toledo),

I agree that Joe deserves his money from his hardwork. However, if there's more tax cuts nowin this USA country, I am not sure if there's enough money to stablize the country any longer. If he wants a stable and peaceful country for his business, he'd better pay more tax if he's not short sighted

Jessica, Champaign,

My wife and I are in the same position as Joe income-wise and what I found out about Obama's tax plan is that if we make between $250K and $630K our taxes would go up by $12 a year. Not significant - what I would like to see is someting done about the AMT, that is what kills is by about $4-5K.

Jim, San Jose CA, USA

Yes! Viva Capitalism!

Hegman, Houston,

I grew up the son a plumber in Chicago. For years, I've worked 80+ hour weeks and I'm often away from family for months. That's the real price I pay for success. I also pay $125K in taxes... but Obama wants me to pay $50K more. Taxing success doesn't spread wealth. It destroys it.

Dan, Lake Forest, IL, USA

I think if our government was more focused on the money going out instead of the money coming in we would all be in better shape! I think they need to review several of the older programs and get them up to date. Both candidates in my eyes scare me because who knows whats going to happen.

Jennie, Valley Springs,

A quarter of a million dollars in income & the man's complaining about a tax rise? Ungrateful! If it wasn't for the society funded by those taxes, the earning power wouldn't even exist. Blame the Iraq War, instead--destroyer of both lives and prosperity.

Brian Griffin, Bay Shore, NY, USA

My Dad is TONY the plumber and has been self-employed for over 25 years. Unfortunately the price of goods especially copper pipe has sky-rocketed, the fact is Mr. Joe has a great dream and he should absolutely follow it. It's amazing how McCain and his people saw an opportunity and used "Joe", sad.

Michelle, Santa Ana CA, USA

Don't we need more money for our troops? We'll just borrow more from the Chinese, no problem. I have a support the troops sticker on my car, that should be enough help..

Bob, Des Moines, US

Hey, if the economy gets worse and worse, Joe will end up with less money in his pocket anyway. With McCain Joe may pay alittle more taxes, but he may make much less taxable income.

Niloo, los angeles, usa

Andrews and Robert, You're missing the larger point. It's not that Obama wants to take away "Joe's" chance at success" it's that realizes the need to save the middle class/our country. History proves that a strong middle class is needed for a strong prosperous country. Look/think/read closely....

Jason, Seattle ,

It may be a small percentage of the population willing to give up their lives to work 12+ hours a day to earn an income of $250,000, striving for the american dream. But everyone should be offended by a man earning $4.2 milliion in 2007 (Obama) calling those who earn $250,000 rich!

Carla, Winthrop,

I thought the American dream was that you could come from anywhere and get to the top? All Obama seems to be saying is the $250k plumber has made it and no longer needs as much help as the $30k year apprentice. Sounds fair to me.

andy evan, Oxford , Great Britain

Look at the economy we have now by having a lot of 'Joe's in this country.

Rie , Los Angeles, USA

For those who do not own their own business it works like this. Joe the plumber may pay himself much less than 150k a year but at the end of the year the business makes profits that pass directly to him. Most small business are sub s corps which have the business profits pass directly to the owner.

jon , Montebello NY, USA

Come on Liz, think before you spew out these hyperboles! His deal would help my disabled mom stay in her house and pay her $800 month insurance....

Jennifer , Portland, Oregon,

The point isn't about Joe the Plumber.
How much the business makes or might make.
To focus on Joe and the Plumbing Company is trivial and shows a lack of intelligence.
The point is Barack Obama wants to spread the wealth.
Take it from the people who work and give it to those who don't want to work.

Peter, Falmouth, USA

I've worked for 20yrs in retail, often 50-60 hours a week with no overtime pay. I'm ok with that. For the last 2 yrs, I've penned 5 books and want to sign a book deal for over 250K. This deal will enable me to pay for my 90yr old grandmother. Why should Obama tell me I can't support my grandmother?

Liz, NYC, USA

$250,000 a year profit, come on Joe, pony up and help your employees pay lower tax.

Bob, st.louis, USA

Too bad Joe The Plumber doesn't even appear to have a plumbing license.

Ron, Dallas, USA

Maybe he does bathroom installations - those can easily cost over 10K for two weeks work. If he does 26 of those per year, that could easily go over 250K. If there is excessive demand, then plumbers will increase their rates.

Michael, Edinburgh,

One might think that plumbers who make a quarter-million dollars a year hardly represent a working-class demographic,

Richard, Morristown,

who can afford a plumber?

jeff, san diego, usa

Obama's tax plan does nothing but impede businesses from investing in jobs, equipment, and expansion at the price of giving middle class Americans a few hundred dollars extra at tax season. His plan risks our long-term prosperity in an attempt to buy middle class votes. Plain and simple.

Gary, Fort Mill, SC,

Joe the Plumber has it exactly right! I am starting my small business and am earning more than 250k and it's tough with the tax rate as it is. So no, tax increase would only destroy my business. Vote no on socialism!

Andrew, sherman oaks, usa

Joe is a Repub. plant - plain and simple.
That's how desperate they are.

Booker, Madison,

It's not about whether Joe is in the higher tax bracket or not. It's the point that why should Joe, who has worked hard all his life, and finally has a chance at success, give his money to those who didn't work as hard as him.

Andrew, Atlanta,

Joe the plumber got his question answered. Why should he spread the wealth around because he earned it? Any one of us can go to school and learn how to be a plumber, or learn from someone. Some of us should stop expecting hand outs and take some resposibility.

Andrew, sherman oaks, usa

Joe is correct! Granted, the middle class is experiencing difficult times however it's not much different than times past. If people are willing to work hard, and thats a big IF, then this country offers us hope & anopportunity to be successful. McCain's philosophy is to not take away the hope.

Robert Brazeau, Douglas MA, USA

I don’t think Joe should be complaining about his 10-12 hr days and his 250K plus income that is going to be taxed a little more. Hey if you don’t help the little people now, it’s going to cost you a lot more later.

Sandy, New York City, USA

The question is not whether Joe should pay taxes but whether he should pay HIGHER taxes for success. I am sure Joe also knows his obligation to support roads, schools, less fortunate, etc.. by why should he pay even more of a percentage than the rest of us. 15% of 250K IS more than 15% of 50K

Matt, Wichita, USA

I'm a small business owner. If I'm lucky enough to make a 250K profit, then I am no longer "middle class" but someone who moves into a higher tax bracket and should pay more taxes. Stop whining Joe. America would be at a standstill without taxpayers to fund services and infrastructure. Fair share.

Anne, Tampa,

Joe-the-Plumber (who by the way. is from my home-state and home-area, needs to take a lesson from my brother Gene-the-Plumber, who's small plumbing company is experiencing a 60% decrease in business. Why? Because Mike-and-Michelle-Middle-Class cannot afford to build a house, buy a house, or even call the plumber. You can "say it ain't so, Joe" -- but reality is: that's what happens when the middle-class has no money.

Alexandra, Colorado, USA

After being mentioned almost twenty times in a presidential debate all he has to do is capitalize on the handle "Joe the Plumber" as seen on TV and he will be rich the first year in business. Talk about being at the right place at the right time.

StH, Mount Airy, MD, USA

If Joe the plumber votes for McCain/Palin, Joe the plumber will be closing his business before the end of their first term as the country enters a second Great Depression.

Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA

Poor Joe the plumber, my foot! Had to hire a "Joe" lately? I'm rebuilding my house after a hurricane flattened it. The "Joes" doubled and tripled their prices after Katrina and they still haven't come down even though the initial flurry of rebuilding has subsided. Been fleeced by lots of "Joes."

vls, New Orleans, USA

Joe needs to restructure his business and make himself an employee.
Problem gone for Joe.
At the level Joe's business is at he is putting the business, his family and his employees at risk by continuing to operate as a sole proprietor. In short we shouldn't reward Joe for being a bad businessman.

Paul1, Atlanta, USA

If Joe was paying decent UNION wages to his help with full medical benefits and a defined benefit UNION pension then maybe he could lower his 250K+ a year profit to 249k. Then he would be doing something right for both himself AND the people he employs.

Thane, Bellingham, USA

Joe is not ready to buy a business if he thinks taxes will cripple him. That is one of the smallest expenses. Most small businesses return approx. 5% of revenue as profit. Joe would need to have sales of 5 million dollars to even approach the tax thresholds.

Warner, Secaucus,

Bailing out Wall Street investment firms and banks with taxpayer money is socialism at it's very worst. How's that fit in with the American Dream?

Steve, Kodiak, USA

Plank 2 of the communist manifesto: A heavy progressive or graduated income tax. Plank 5: Centralization of credit in the hands of the state, by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly. Plank 10: Free education for all children in public schools.

Antonio, NYC,

How can a plumber be buying a business that makes over 250k a year? He would have to have loads and loads of cash to buy that business, like almost a million dollars. This doesn't sound like a small business to me.

Josh, Lincoln, NE,

Income redistribution - i.e. 'spreading the wealth; IS a socialist ideal. Taking from those who work hard for their money & giving it to those who do not (to buy their votes) is against everything America stands for. The American Dream is that anyone can achieve economic success with hard work.

Paul, Atlanta, USA

Doesn't Joe know that his taxes go towards things that benefit everyone in society? Infrastructure, education, defense, etc. He has benefited from other people's money as well, so why shouldn't he contribute to others. If he does not want to, he should give up what he got from other taxpayers' money

Mike, Collingswood,

What Obama and the Dems don't understand is the effect that a higher marginal tax rate has on would-be entrepreneurs, who create wealth and jobs. Why take the chance if much of the return will be confiscated? This is the real issue.

Gary , Lindale, GA, USA

don't be ridiculous people...

Joe ain't gonna be taking home $250k a year. His business, probably a sole proprietorship, is gonna make $250k a year. He'll have to pay his help and other expenses outta that.

Buba Rooni, Bloomington, USA

If "Joe the Plumber" has an opportunity to buy a business that would give him a net (or gross) of $250,000.00 a yr, and has the financials to make this purchase, I want Joe to be president. He's doing pretty well. In fact, I'd love to see those #'s. They don't sound right! Joe for President!!!!

Jim, Des Moines, IA., U.S.A.

I highly doubt Joe's business is making a profit of $250K AFTER paying his employee's salaries, benefits, and his own salary. What they don't say is that it's for small businesses making a PROFIT of over 250K that will have their taxes raised. The business and the owner are separate entities.

Ramzi, Cincinnati,

Strip away the personality issues and the promises. Politicians throw away the campaign book after the election. Elections are about how much government involvement do you want in your life? The US was founded on the basis of limited government. Government is wasteful, but necessary in key areas.

Al, Pittsburgh, USA

Why is it that Joe's present income is lower than $250,000 but his post-purchase income will rise substantially? If he is investing capital to buy, then he should be earning interest at least on the money. If he's borrowing to buy the business, then the interest he pays should be a write off.

Michael, Sechelt, BC, Canada

To Scott Hyland, Gloucester Point, VA.

Spreading wealth is not the central tenent of Socialism. Socialism pertains to workers owing business. We all pay taxes - does that make you a socialist?

$250,000 plumber? Ever wonder why our bills are so extortionate?

Martyn, Leiden, NL

Thatcher's real genius move was to convince the stupid poor working classes they were middle class. She was for the middle class, high-earning tax payer and nobody wants to think of themselves as poor working class so the stupid voted for her. We have as many stupid per head capita in UK as US.

Kim, London, UK

First it's Palin's Joe Sixpack and now it's McCain's Joe the Plumber. Too bad for McCain that he picked probably the most reviled occupational group after estate agents. If Joe is making a quarter of a million dollars a year, that adds up to a lot of overcharging. Does Joe take cash only?

Bob, London,

Be a little serious Scott Hyland. Socialism is NOT defined as spreading the wealth. And by your definition, even George Bush, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and every other American President is a Socialist, for they have taxed the rich and provided government services to everyone - spreading wealth!!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

There was a movie back in the 60's called "Joe". After hearing the current Joe this AM on The Today Show he fits the mold of the movie Joe.

Not me nor my coworkers/friends are in the postion of buying a business that will have an income over $250,000. Remember, success comes with a price.

Ellen, Fort Myers, FL, USA

All this reactionary criticism of "socialist viewpoints"; surely the "American Dream" has got us into this global predicament: with people aspiring to owning a property, banks taking risks on that great figure of the American Dream, the entrepeneur (do they have a word for that in French?) ...

Anthony, London, UK

"From each according to his ability, to each acording to his need."

Marx/Obama

James, Ft. Benning GA, US

Obama's statement about "spreading the wealth around" says it all. That's the central tenet of socialism -- wealth distribution. Socialism stagnates economies and stifles initiative. Those failures will hasten the return of the GOP to dominance, and THAT's a blessing in disguise.

Scott Hyland, Gloucester Point, VA

Too bad Joe The Plumber is not registered to vote.

Anthony, Alexandria, USA