Plumbing must be the most popular profession in the United States today after no less than two dozen references last night to John McCain's new BFF, "Joe the Plumber." NBC's Milwaukee affiliate, TMJ4, caught up with another plumber who has what I believe a more realistic view on the election.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for a plumber is around $43,000. There's no question that any plumber making that much money (or 5x that amount) is better off under Barack Obama's tax plan. Furthermore, middle class folks are more likely to add that extra bathroom or redo their kitchen when they finally get some relief. In the case of "Joe the Plumber", as the Senator articulated last night, he will get tax credits for the new jobs he creates. Also, and this is something I fault Obama for failing to mention, his health care plan will help to dramatically reduce costs for employers whereas McCain's "plan" will levy an additional tax. In other words, taxes can't simply be viewed through the prism of income taxes. There are other areas where Barack will cut taxes that will, in the end, be a net gain for someone in "Joe's" position.