Posted by
Dennis Pemberton on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 3:03:07 PM
AP- A candid conversation with a plumber turned into a free for all at an Obama rally. The plumber, Mr. Ewen McCoy asked Mr. Obama about raising taxes, to which Obama replied that he didn't want to punish McCoy's success, but wanted to "spread the wealth" so that others could have the same chance at success. Obama then proceeded to put his plan into action. The next person to ask him a question was a young woman, Lydia Morgan, who said she had trouble paying for college. "We'll see if we can get you some relief," Obama said, then he called out to the plumber. "Hey man, can I see your wallet?" he asked Mr. McCoy. McCoy looked quizzical, but nevertheless handed Obama his wallet. "Let's see, 5, 20, 45... looks like about a hundred dollars here," said Obamaa as he counted the bills in the wallet. "How would $60.00 hold you, ma'am," Obama said, handing Morgan three 20 dollar bills from McCoy's wallet. "Oh, thank you, Senator," said Morgan, tucking the money happily in her pants. Obama flipped the wallet back to McCoy. "But I've got to pay for parking," McCoy said, "and they only take cash." Obama pursed his lips reflectively, then spoke to the man next to McCoy: "Sir, you're wearing a suit. What do you do for a living?" Wary, the man, Jack Clem, said he owned a clothing business. "Let me see your wallet, please." When Clem balked, the crowd started chanting "Fairness, fairness, fairness," and Clem reluctantly handed over his wallet. "Wow, $200.00. You don't trust banks, do you?" Obama said after looking in Clem's wallet. Clem began to explain that he needed the money to take advantage of a cash discount for gasoline, but Obama had already taken 20 dollars out of his wallet and handed it to McCoy. "Thanks Senator, said McCoy, but I'd really rather have my 40 bucks back." "We all have to do our part." said Obama.
For almost an hour, Obama took money from one person only to give a portion of it to another. Obama basked in the thanks of the recipients. The "donors" were not so happy.