Samuel Wurzelbacher was a conservative activist and commentator better known as “Joe the Plumber.”
- Died: August 27, 2023 (Who else died on August 27?)
- Details of death: Died after fighting pancreatic cancer at the age of 49.
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Samuel Wurzelbacher’s legacy
Wurzelbacher became a national figure during the 2008 presidential campaign season, when he spoke up at a campaign stop for future President Barack Obama. Concerned with Obama’s proposed tax plan, Wurzelbacher asked about a plumbing business he hoped to buy, suggesting the tax plan would negatively impact him.
Republican presidential candidate John McCain (1936–2018) picked up on the exchange and began referring to Wurzelbacher as “Joe the Plumber,” referencing him several times in debates with Obama. The national news media covered this extensively, bringing Wurzelbacher to appear on such TV shows as “Good Morning America” and “CBS Evening News” and making him an icon supposedly representing every small business owner in the country.
Wurzelbacher, a U.S. Air Force veteran, continued speaking publicly about his conservative beliefs, writing the book “Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream” and working as a correspondent for the right-wing commentary outlet PJ Media. In 2011, Wurzelbacher ran as an Ohio Republican for the U.S. House of Representatives, losing to his Democratic opponent. Controversies surrounded some of his political activity, including statements on gun control and undocumented immigration.
Notable quote
“I’m getting ready to buy a company that makes 250 to 280 thousand dollars a year. Your new tax plan’s going to tax me more, isn’t it?” —the question that sparked the “Joe the Plumber” movement
Tributes to Samuel Wurzelbacher
Full obituary: WTOL 11
