In last night's debate, McCain referenced a "Joe the Plumber" from an encounter a man had with Obama on the campign trail. This man had stopped to ask Obama how he would be affected by his tax plan if he owned a small business that made more than $250,000 per year. McCain used this segment to capitalize on the idea that Obama's plan will raise taxes and that speading the wealth around will not make everyone better off.
This article from The Morning Call features a video showing the incident that became a highlight of Wednesday night's debate. This man has become an instant celebrity due to the mention of his name at the debate. Simply because he asked a question, he has received scrutiny and media attention that he did not ask for. This NY Times article goes into further detail.
This brings me back to our class discussions on the role of the media. Realistically "Joe the Plumber" will not be in the news for long, but what got him in the news in the first place? It also makes it seem like the media's job is to "dig up dirt" on everyone who is to be in the news. Joe the Plumber clearly had no intention of letting people know that he did not have a liscence or had fallen behind in paying his taxes when he stopped to ask Obama that question.
People should not have to worry about losing their annonymity and reaching celebrity status, even if only briefly, simply by taking initiative and becoming involved in politics.
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1 comment:
I completely agree with you on this issue. The media has made it seem like only those who are perfect or some how better then the average joe can ask questions that relate to the federal government. Believe it or not but not everyone lives a perfect life, as all exposed politicians should know, and it is unfair to say that they cannot contribute to society's discussions.
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