2008.10.16
Joe the plumber, and other political linguistic fascinations
Ok, don't pretend you weren't wondering. Just how many times did John McCain and Barack Obama mention Joe the plumber during the final presidential debate Wednesday night? That would be references to an Ohio plumber who appeared on camera with Obama recently asking questions about what Obama's tax plan would mean for him and plans to buy the plumbing business he works for.
After Sarah Palin's invocation of the mythical work-a-day everyman "Joe Sixpack" during the vice-presidential debate, it's a rather hilarious coincidence that an actual work-a-day everyman who became part of the debate really is named Joe.
But back to the question. How many times was Joe invoked?
Well, you can figure it out with our latest presidential debate word clouds, a fun visual analysis of the 14,000 words the candidates uttered -- or hurled-- during the debate.
Tell you what, I'll give you the answer to that one. When they mentioned Joe the plumber, they didn't always say "plumber." McCain mentioned "Joe" 23 times, and Obama nine times. But a total of five of those mentions were about Obama's running mate, Joe Biden. So that leaves 28 mentions of the other Joe.
The word "plumber" came out 11 times by the way -- probably the most times plumbers were the subject of so much political discourse since the Nixon administration, and the revelation of Nixon's crew of Watergate operatives and burglars, known around the Oval Office back then as "the plumbers."
Enjoy the word clouds.
As for Joe the Plumber --- I think McCain should be more truthful with the personas he hopes to identify with. What about Harry from Halliburton, Pharmy from Pharmeceuticals, Harry from Hedgefunds, Marvin the Morgage Banker? Let's get real.
Comment by oldladyvoter — October 23, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
hmm this does not seem to be working.
hi from Alaska;
Old lady might be interested in our website
http://www.pissedoffoldfolks.com/akseniors.htm
Not all of us are voting for our governor. Although we expect Alaska will go R as they have for since the late 60s it is not as tight as it should be.
Comment by Alaska Seniors — October 24, 2008 @ 9:03 am
It is not about Joe the plumber. It is about using the Federal Tax Code to take by force the earnings of one and give them to another. Spreading the wealth is just another term for dragging successful people down instead of creating opportunities to lift everyone up.
Comment by Alec Richardson — October 28, 2008 @ 10:56 am