October 18, 2008 McCain: Joe the Plumber wins the week Play video

(NECN) - There are only seventeen days remaining in the race for the White House, but John McCain refused to give himself the win in the week of the final presidential debate.

"I thought I did pretty well," McCain said. "The real winner this week was Joe the Plumber."

McCain also praised small business owners across America, who he said should not receive higher taxes, because they create the jobs this nation desperately needs.

McCain proceeded to put down Barack Obama's tax plan, claiming that Obama cannot cut income taxes for 95 percent of Americans.

"More than 40 percent pay no income tax right now," McCain said. "That's the key to Barack Obama's whole plan. Since you can't reduce taxes on those who pay zero, the government will write them a check called a tax credit. And the Treasury will have to cover those checks by taxing other people -- you."

McCain called this portion of Obama's plan another government giveaway.