The Resurgence of Forgotten Men and Women: A Symptom of Enduring Big Government Burdens

This op-ed originally appeared in Townhall on June 26, 2024.

In 2008, the story of “Joe the Plumber” resonated with the American working class, symbolizing their concerns about government overreach and economic policies. Today, as we grapple with the aftermath of policies that extend the Obama era, Joe the Plumber’s narrative takes on a renewed significance. The issues of excessive government interference and economic strain persist, affecting millions of Americans. This reiteration underscores the necessity for a policy shift that places individual freedom and financial resilience at the forefront, mirroring the timeless battle between big government and personal liberty.

The Obama administration’s policies, resurgent under Bidenomics, continue to impose significant burdens on everyday Americans. These policies manifest as regulatory overreach and increased taxation, stifling economic growth and innovation. For example, regulatory excesses and focus on climate change over immediate economic needs have resulted in historic inflation and soaring energy prices.

The narrative of Joe the Plumber is no longer unique; it is a common experience shared by many who feel the weight of an intrusive government. When the plight of this plumber captured the national spotlight in 2008, Biden’s response at the time was dismissive of working-class troubles: “I don’t have any Joe the Plumbers in my neighborhood that make $250,000 a year.” Biden’s callous joke on NBC’s Today Show was reminiscent of what was to come. Plumbers and the rest of America’s middle class shouldn’t be making decent money, in his view, and under their policies, he would see to it that they don’t.

Read the full op-on in Townhall here.