While I'm Thinking About It

And his answer, "spread the wealth around?" That's Marxism, folks.

Most presidential election cycles, it seems, provide some form of "take-away," something that sticks in people's minds and gets referenced long after it's relevant. 2004 had swiftboating. 2000 brought us the hanging chad. 1992 reminded us all that "You're no Jack Kennedy." 1980 asked the question "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?"

Even though we're still in the thick of things, it appears 2008 will be remembered for Joe the Plumber (video courtesy AP through the miracle of YouTube). He epitomizes two things: first, the ability of the common man to ask a question that gets a candidate off his talking points, something the media has been either unable or unwilling to do; second, the willingness of the media to go after, investigate, and attempt to discredit a private citizen who asks their preferred candidate an uncomfortable question.

I heard it suggested on a local radio show (Mark and Dave to be precise), that the investigation was justified because he inserted himself into the campaign, and he had to be vetted just like everyone else.

Which is, of course, complete and utter nonsense. He didn't insert himself into anything. He asked a candidate a question. We should be able to do that without fear of reprisal. After all, it's not his fault his question resonated so strongly with the McCain campaign. It's not his fault that the exchange got so much radio play it probably deserves a spot on the Billboard Top 10. I suppose it is his fault for thinking Obama should be exposed to such an interrogation.