Joe the Plumber, the man who famously confronted former President Barack Obama on his wealth redistribution policies during the 2008 campaign, has tragically passed away at the young age of 49 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His untimely death is noted among conservatives, who mourn the loss of a true patriot and hero.
Horrible news. My good friend Joe Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, passed away this morning at the age of 49 from pancreatic cancer. He was a good man and an exceptional friend. Please consider helping his widow and young children here https://t.co/oFczc0urX2
— Derek Hunter (@derekahunter) August 27, 2023
Joe shot to fame in 2008 after confronting Obama on the campaign trail, questioning the then-candidate’s commitment to free-market principles and individual freedom.
"He was essentially a spokesperson for the rest of us"@SarahPalinUSA shares her memory of Samuel Wurzelbacher, known as Joe The Plumber, and his impact on the 2008 presidential campaign.
Watch LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/918DLOPerx pic.twitter.com/9Gnf8HqoQI
— Kimberly Guilfoyle (@kimguilfoyle) August 28, 2023
Obama infamously responded by telling Joe that he believed “when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody,” a comment that was widely interpreted as evidence of his socialist leanings. Joe quickly became a symbol of resistance to the left’s creeping agenda and a rallying cry for conservatives across the country.
14 years ago, Joe the Plumber made a name for himself by questioning Barack Obama’s tax policies during his campaign against John McCain.
His comments went viral and he became an overnight sensation.
Unfortunately, Joe Wurzelbacher, who was only 49 years old, has passed away… pic.twitter.com/S7BTT7BRuu
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) August 28, 2023
But behind the media frenzy and political posturing, Joe was a real person with a real family, and his loss will be deeply felt by his loved ones. He leaves behind a wife and three children, who are devastated by his passing. In a statement released to the media, Joe’s wife Katie expressed her deep sorrow at the loss of her husband.
RIP To Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher. Joe was @JudicialWatch legal client who the courts allowed Ohio state bureaucrats to abuse without consequence after they rifled through his gov't files for his daring to ask a tough question of Barack Obama.
On Sunday, October 12, 2008,…
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) August 28, 2023
“Our hearts are broken. We lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He made an impact on so many lives,” Katie said. “But in his final moments, he knew that his battle had been won, because he had Jesus on his side. He fought long and hard, and now he is at peace.”
Joe was a true American patriot, a man who loved his country deeply and was willing to fight for its values. He was an average working-class American who became a symbol of hope and resistance to millions of conservatives across the country. His legacy will not be forgotten, and his loss will be deeply felt.
Conservatives across the country have expressed their outrage at the loss of a true hero. Writer Derek Hunter, a close friend of Joe’s, described him as “an exceptional friend and a good man.” Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton, who represented Joe in a legal battle with Ohio state bureaucrats, expressed his sadness at the loss of a valued client and patriot. And 1776 Project Pac founder Ryan Girdusky remembered Joe as a “nice guy” who was always willing to stand up for what was right.
This is sad. I met Joe back in 2009 in Missouri and he couldn’t have been a nicer guy.
My condolences to his family and loved ones.
https://t.co/j4ZmlLyA60— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) August 28, 2023
The loss of Joe the Plumber is a deep tragedy for America, and a stark reminder of the importance of upholding our values and fighting for what we believe in. We must honor Joe’s memory by continuing to fight for freedom and individual liberty, and by standing up against the socialist forces that seek to destroy our way of life. Rest in peace, Joe. You will be deeply missed.