Joe The Plumber: Foreign Policy Expert

[dvcgirl]

Seriously, how pathetic can the Republican Party get? My DH and I watched an interview last night between Shepherd Smith of Fox News and Joe the Plumber. Smith was actually interviewing "Joe" about his foreign policy views on Israel. He actually *interviewed* him on his thoughts on this matter. Apparently Joe, who is now speaking for the Republican Party, thinks that an Obama Presidency would mean the "death of Israel.

And then.....and *then*.....Smith put up a response from the McCain campaign on "Joe the Plumbers" comments. They said this....

"While he's clearly his own man, so far Joe has offered some penetrating and clear analysis that cuts to the core of many of the concerns that people have with Barack Obama's statements and policies. Whether it is Obama's willingness to sit down unconditionally with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, or his plans to redistribute the paychecks of hardworking Americans, there is good reason to question the judgement that Obama would bring to the Oval Office."

And so, Joe the Plumber is now out on the campaign trail stumping for McCain on economic and foreign policy. Ronald Reagan has to be spinning like a whirly gig in his grave.

It's bad enough that the Republican party base is completely controlled by The Fundamentalist christians, but do we have to *completely* remove all intellectualism from the party as well? Is this what it's come to? Putting Joe The Apprentice Plumber out there on the stump to chat up foreign policy? Very, very dangerous stuff my friends.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Or maybe the point is that Obama's policy are so transparent and bad that even Joe the Plumber gets it.

By the way, I find your constant Christian bashing rude and offensive. I have always admired your understanding of economic issue, but now I cannot read any of your posts without you bashing Christians.

 

[DawnCt1]

How outrageous! An American citizen actually has an opinion on foreign policy! Say it ain't so!! Frankly, I would trust the US foreign policy to Joe the Plumber before I would to "Joe the Senator" Biden. Joe the Senator has been wrong countless times, but of course, he gets a pass because he is "Joe the Gaffe" machine.

 

[Fire_Eater]

It's bad enough that the Republican party base is completely controlled by The Fundamentalist christians, but do we have to *completely* remove all intellectualism from the party as well? Is this what it's come to? Putting Joe The Apprentice Plumber out there on the stump to chat up foreign policy? Very, very dangerous stuff my friends.

Not true but that's the great thing about OPINIONS everybody gets to have one.

Thanks for calling the entire Republican party stupid, maybe I can get someone to come over and tie my shoes for me since I am apparently not smart enough to do it myself.

 

[Holly]

Well, look how the Republican party measures foreign policy experience. Sarah Palin is an expert, according to herself, because she can see Russia from Alaska.

 

[luvmy3]

Here we go again, the man gets asked a question and answers, so its fair to rip him apart?
As far as the McCain camp comment, they are right. Joe does represent how some Americans feel, whether you choose to believe that or not. Its not right or wrong, its only his opinion, which last I checked we all have the right to have one.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Sarah Palin is an expert, according to herself, because she can see Russia from Alaska.

Well Joe is from Toledo, so if he tries real hard, perhaps he can see Canada from his house?

 

[JB111107]

It does not take a degree from Harvard to have a thoughtful, intelligent opinion on matters. It does not take a "world tour" to be proficient in what is going on around the world. If anyone has taken 5 minutes to listen to any of Joe's (the plumber) responses to some of the questions he has fielded, the guy is quite articulate and well-read, thoughtful, and insightful. Just because the guy uses tools to earn a living does not make him unintelligent. "Joe" represents more of main-stream middle class America than some people are willing to admit, because they don't want to acknowledge that some blue-collar worker might be just like them, and they believe they are better than that. Joe IS middle-class america, and that is something the Republicans have figured out.

From my experience, the more people glorify things like an ivy league degree, it is usually because things like common sense are lacking. You can learn all day long and earn a degree, but if you aren't born with common sense, there really is little hope of ever acquiring it, especially if you choose to surround yourself with others who are lacking it.

Just for the record-I am one of those "fundamental Christians" that you claim to be so unintellectual. I, like Joe, do not have an ivy-league degree. Heck, I don't even have a college degree at all, but I do OK. I don't subscribe to the theory that I need to have others take care of me because I can't do it myself. If I fail, it is my fault, and my responsibility to get back on track. I may not be the most educated person in the world, but I can learn from my mistakes, and I take the time to educate myself on the things that are relevant in my life. Heck, I probably have just as much foreign policy experience as Barack Obama. I've lived in 2 foreign countries, hosted exchange students, and have friends in at least a dozen other countries. I'm a military spouse, and I can balance a checkbook, set a budget, delegate responsibility, and I can clean house. Maybe I should run for president

 

[dvcgirl]

Not true but that's the great thing about OPINIONS everybody gets to have one.

Thanks for calling the entire Republican party stupid, maybe I can get someone to come over and tie my shoes for me since I am apparently not smart enough to do it myself.

Yes, everyone has opinions, but not everyone should be out on the stump voicing them.

I'm not calling the entire Republican party stupid, I'm saying that we're seeing the gradual "dumbing-down" of the party by Republican strategists to appeal to this idea that we all want to vote for people that we can "sit down and have a beer with".

The Republican Party has a big problem.....the fundamentalist christian problem and this newer "Palin/Joe the Plumber" problem. Actually Palin fits in both categories. A lot of us moderate Republicans just don't identify with these elements. And I hate to break it to you guys.....but you *need* us to win. McCain chose Palin over Romney.......are you kidding me?

I'm sick of the far right trying to dictate my morality and I'm tired of this idea that only a "down to earth/folksy" candidate can win the nomination.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

It does not take a degree from Harvard to have a thoughtful, intelligent opinion on matters. It does not take a "world tour" to be proficient in what is going on around the world. If anyone has taken 5 minutes to listen to any of Joe's (the plumber) responses to some of the questions he has fielded, the guy is quite articulate and well-read, thoughtful, and insightful. Just because the guy uses tools to earn a living does not make him unintelligent. "Joe" represents more of main-stream middle class America than some people are willing to admit, because they don't want to acknowledge that some blue-collar worker might be just like them, and they believe they are better than that. Joe IS middle-class america, and that is something the Republicans have figured out.

From my experience, the more people glorify things like an ivy league degree, it is usually because things like common sense are lacking. You can learn all day long and earn a degree, but if you aren't born with common sense, there really is little hope of ever acquiring it, especially if you choose to surround yourself with others who are lacking it.

Just for the record-I am one of those "fundamental Christians" that you claim to be so unintellectual. I, like Joe, do not have an ivy-league degree. Heck, I don't even have a college degree at all, but I do OK. I don't subscribe to the theory that I need to have others take care of me because I can't do it myself. If I fail, it is my fault, and my responsibility to get back on track. I may not be the most educated person in the world, but I can learn from my mistakes, and I take the time to educate myself on the things that are relevant in my life. Heck, I probably have just as much foreign policy experience as Barack Obama. I've lived in 2 foreign countries, hosted exchange students, and have friends in at least a dozen other countries. I'm a military spouse, and I can balance a checkbook, set a budget, delegate responsibility, and I can clean house. Maybe I should run for president

Bravo!

 

[LuvDuke]

It has come to this: The entire GOP campaign consists of a noun, a verb, a birth certificate, and a plumber who has a lien on his house because he didn't pay his taxes.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Yes, everyone has opinions, but not everyone should be out on the stump voicing them.

I'm not calling the entire Republican party stupid, I'm saying that we're seeing the gradual "dumbing-down" of the party by Republican strategists to appeal to this idea that we all want to vote for people that we can "sit down and have a beer with".

The Republican Party has a big problem.....the fundamentalist christian problem and this newer "Palin/Joe the Plumber" problem. Actually Palin fits in both categories. A lot of us moderate Republicans just don't identify with these elements. And I hate to break it to you guys.....but you *need* us to win. McCain chose Palin over Romney.......are you kidding me?

I'm sick of the far right trying to dictate my morality and I'm tired of this idea that only a "down to earth/folksy" candidate can win the nomination.

Well, I am sick of people bashing my morality so I guess we are even. John McCain is about as moderate as you can get without being a Democrat so I am not sure what else you are looking for.

 

[dvcgirl]

Here we go again, the man gets asked a question and answers, so its fair to rip him apart?
As far as the McCain camp comment, they are right. Joe does represent how some Americans feel, whether you choose to believe that or not. Its not right or wrong, its only his opinion, which last I checked we all have the right to have one.

Joe was just spitting back things that he's heard from Sean Hannity. I doubt very much that he's qualified to fully consider the implications of an Obama presidency on the State of Israel. He's not even qualified to put in a new water heater without supervision of a licensed plumber for Pete's sake!

Like I said, if Joe is now the voice of the Republican party, the party is in trouble.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Joe was just spitting back things that he's heard from Sean Hannity. I doubt very much that he's qualified to fully consider the implications of an Obama presidency on the State of Israel. He's not even qualified to put in a new water heater without supervision of a licensed plumber for Pete's sake!

Like I said, if Joe is now the voice of the Republican party, the party is in trouble.

He represents my voice better than Obama, Pelosi, and Reid ever will.

 

[Fire_Eater]

Yes, everyone has opinions, but not everyone should be out on the stump voicing them.

I'm not calling the entire Republican party stupid, I'm saying that we're seeing the gradual "dumbing-down" of the party by Republican strategists to appeal to this idea that we all want to vote for people that we can "sit down and have a beer with".

The Republican Party has a big problem.....the fundamentalist christian problem and this newer "Palin/Joe the Plumber" problem. Actually Palin fits in both categories. A lot of us moderate Republicans just don't identify with these elements. And I hate to break it to you guys.....but you *need* us to win. McCain chose Palin over Romney.......are you kidding me?

I'm sick of the far right trying to dictate my morality and I'm tired of this idea that only a "down to earth/folksy" candidate can win the nomination.

So only people that make movies and have their own T.V. shows or have easy access to the media because of their station in life get to go on T.V. and voice their opinons? If you asked me we all missed the boat by not having Jim Webb from Va. run for POTUS and yes I know he's a Dem.

 

[dvcgirl]

Well, I am sick of people bashing my morality so I guess we are even. John McCain is about as moderate as you can get without being a Democrat so I am not sure what else you are looking for.

I'm not bashing your morality or your religion. And I'm not a democrat. Not at all.

I would just prefer that matters of church and state remain separate. And I would prefer that candidates like John McCain didn't have to cow tow to the likes of the Moral Majority, Focus on the Family and the Christian Coalition in choosing his running mate.

 

[John Smith1]

It has come to this: The entire GOP campaign consists of a noun, a verb, a birth certificate, and a plumber who has a lien on his house because he didn't pay his taxes.

Do NOT forget:

A racist preacher
A washed up terrorist
"socialism"
"Marxism"
Fear of Muslims and Arabs

 

[KirstenB]

I'm not bashing your morality or your religion. And I'm not a democrat. Not at all.

I would just prefer that matters of church and state remain separate. And I would prefer that candidates like John McCain didn't have to cow tow to the likes of the Moral Majority, Focus on the Family and the Christian Coalition in choosing his running mate.

Me too. Used to be a Republican back in the early 80's, when the Republicans believed in fiscal conservatism, and a laissez faire approach to morality issues. They totally lost me when the fundamental Christians started dictating policy within the party. BTW, I'm not bashing Christians. I am a Christian, just not fundamental.

 

[dvcgirl]

It does not take a degree from Harvard to have a thoughtful, intelligent opinion on matters. It does not take a "world tour" to be proficient in what is going on around the world. If anyone has taken 5 minutes to listen to any of Joe's (the plumber) responses to some of the questions he has fielded, the guy is quite articulate and well-read, thoughtful, and insightful. Just because the guy uses tools to earn a living does not make him unintelligent. "Joe" represents more of main-stream middle class America than some people are willing to admit, because they don't want to acknowledge that some blue-collar worker might be just like them, and they believe they are better than that. Joe IS middle-class america, and that is something the Republicans have figured out.

From my experience, the more people glorify things like an ivy league degree, it is usually because things like common sense are lacking. You can learn all day long and earn a degree, but if you aren't born with common sense, there really is little hope of ever acquiring it, especially if you choose to surround yourself with others who are lacking it.

Just for the record-I am one of those "fundamental Christians" that you claim to be so unintellectual. I, like Joe, do not have an ivy-league degree. Heck, I don't even have a college degree at all, but I do OK. I don't subscribe to the theory that I need to have others take care of me because I can't do it myself. If I fail, it is my fault, and my responsibility to get back on track. I may not be the most educated person in the world, but I can learn from my mistakes, and I take the time to educate myself on the things that are relevant in my life. Heck, I probably have just as much foreign policy experience as Barack Obama. I've lived in 2 foreign countries, hosted exchange students, and have friends in at least a dozen other countries. I'm a military spouse, and I can balance a checkbook, set a budget, delegate responsibility, and I can clean house. Maybe I should run for president

I did not claim that christian fundamentalists are not intellectuals.....they are two separate issues.

And like you, I'm a huge believer in personal responsibility, which is why, as a fiscal conservative, I tend to vote Republican.

As far as the "street smarts" vs. "book learning" argument....thanks, but no thanks....I'd like to have a lot of both in my candidates. I think McCain has that, so does Obama/Biden, but Palin is really lacking in that department.

I know exactly who Joe the Plumber is....and he's probably a really nice guy, and I'd probably agree with him more than I'd disagree with him on tax policy and personal responsibility. But I don't want Joe out there stumping for McCain. Joe doesn't realize it now, but he's being used and manipulated.

 

[JB111107]

I'm not bashing your morality or your religion. And I'm not a democrat. Not at all.

I would just prefer that matters of church and state remain separate. And I would prefer that candidates like John McCain didn't have to cow tow to the likes of the Moral Majority, Focus on the Family and the Christian Coalition in choosing his running mate.

There are democrats who are christians as well. And catholic, jewish, etc....people of faith exist on both sides of the political spectrum. I don't believe either McCain or Obama has "cow towed" to any organization in regards to their political platforms. It just so happens that the majority of Americans (as in...at least 51%....) claim to have conservative christian beliefs. If McCain falls into that 51+%, then so be it. I can't say for Obama because I don't believe he does, but that is just my opinion.

I'm not sure what you are talking about in keeping matters of church and state separate. A political candidate's faith is not something that falls under this mandate. Furthermore, seeing as how this country was FOUNDED on fundamental Christian ideals by CHRISTIANS fleeing England from religious persecution, there will never be a TRULY separate church and state, try as you might to change it. The basis for separation of church and state was intended to prevent people from being persecuted for their religious beliefs, not to remove "God" from all things in this country.