Joe the Plumber Wurzelbacher has become one of the premiere talking points in the presidential season, but for Ohio University plumber Debra Rodehaver, his message is one of pander.
People do this all the time; they tell you what you want to hear
said the plumber of 10 years. It's how they get places.
Since Wurzelbacher confronted Barack Obama at a Holland, Ohio, rally about his tax policy, Wurzelbacher has been used by the McCain campaign to symbolize the tax policies of Obama.
Rodehaver said that with the current state of the economy, the OU facilities department is having to do the same amount of work with fewer employees. Thus, the problems of Joe the Plumber are the last thing on her mind.
We don't know what's going to happen Rodehaver said. We just hope we've got a job in five years. Rodehaver is undecided on which candidate she will support on Election Day.
Some liberal and conservative students said that they do not think that Wurzelbacher is an accurate symbol of the middle class.
Rebecca Schueller, a freshman studying political science- or
and I hate to say it
for personal gain
said Richard Lee, a sophomore studying civil engineering. Lee considers himself a conservative to moderate voter, though he has not decided whom he will vote for.
Javen Thompson, the owner of Thompson Plumbing in Athens and an Obama supporter, said that as a plumber, he is offended at how Wurzelbacher has abandoned his working-class job to actively campaign for McCain, especially when plumbers seem to be in demand in specific locations.
There are some areas in Ohio where the plumbing industry has gotten really bad. G? But in Athens right now G? I'm looking to hire more people. I'm busy
Thompson said.
Thompson admitted that while he has been hearing jokes from customers about Wurzelbacher, he discourages the comparisons.
I don't want people to think that I'm like 'Joe the Plumber
' Thompson said.
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