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FACTBOX: Joe the Plumber speaks out

Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:26pm EDT

(Reuters) - Plumber Joe Wurzelbacher of Holland, Ohio, thrust into the presidential election as an example of a struggling small businessman, used his moment of fame on Thursday to speak out on a number of issues.

U.S.  |  Barack Obama

HIS COUNTRY

"I'm tired of people downing America ... we are the greatest country in the world. Stop apologizing for it. I'm not sorry for being an American, for having the things I have."

IRAQ WAR

"I'm not sorry that we're in Iraq ... what we've done over there is an incredible, incredible thing. Has it kept us safe? Absolutely."

ISSUES

"I don't know if there's a biggest issue. Social Security is a joke ... let me take my money and invest it as I please. Social Security I've never believed in. I hate that it's forced on me."

WHO GETS HIS VOTE

"I'm not telling anybody anything. I want the American people to vote for who they want to vote for."

HIS FAME

"I'm a flash in the pan. I'm not a megastar ... right now I'm just completely flabbergasted."

ON THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

"McCain came across with some solid points, and I was real happy about that."

For fuller story, click on

(Sources: ABC-TV, MSNBC-TV, Toledo Blade)

(Reporting by Michael Conlon; editing by Philip Barbara)
U.S.
Barack Obama


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