As a conservative I would not go so far as to call JTP a hero. However, he represents the average hardworking american citizen. Sure he was on welfare, temporarily, which he paid into previously and used it for exactly what it was meant for. Shit, my mom had to go on welfare for a while as well, but she spent nearly 25 years paying into it as well and searched for a job every day to get off. Because any real american white/black/latino/asian male or female does not like handouts. We all want to make our own way. Thats what joe the plumber represents, the average hardworking american citizen that doesn't want to see the foundations and ideals of this country that are forefathers set over 200 years ago.