The latest poll numbers are in …

UPDATE: In the "But seriously, folks" department, the latest Rasmussen polling does indicate that Joe the Plumber may be at least partly responsible for the tightening we've seen in the national tracking polls since the third debate. " According to Rasmussen:

Eighty-five percent (85%) of Republicans say either McCain or Joe the Plumber best understands the realities they face. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of Democrats say Obama does. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 50% pick McCain or Joe while 38% name Obama. [My emphasis.]

Unfortunately, the MSM's hit job on Joe has hurt his favorability rating, which Rasmussen measures at 44 percent. (Yes, I completely made up the number in the chart.) But despite the MSM's attempt to make Joe the Plumber's credibility the issue rather than Obama's response to his question, the video face-off between voter and candidate is clearly giving voters second thoughts about whether Obama is really the candidate best equipped to deal with a difficult economy.

And—once the MSM moves on and people discover the real scoop on Joe—he may start developing his own political following. Turns out, once you get beyond the smokescreen of tax liens and plumbing licenses, he's a pretty articulate and thoughtful guy.