Flak for Michael Fox over stem-cell ads

WASHINGTON - Actor Michael J. Fox is nailing GOP candidates for fighting stem-cell research that could potentially cure his Parkinson's disease - but they say his attack is just "Spin City."

In jarring new TV spots running in three races, Fox zings President Bush and Republicans for holding back scientific research that the star says could eradicate diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and diabetes.

The poignant ads show the boyish actor writhing uncontrollably, unable to stop his body or voice from quaking.

"Stem-cell research offers hope to millions of Americans with diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's," Fox says in an ad for Democrat Ben Cardin, who is running for the Senate in Maryland.

"But George Bush and [Cardin opponent] Michael Steele would put limits on the most promising stem-cell research."

But not everyone found the ads affecting. Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said Fox was "either off his medication or acting" during the spots.

Limbaugh apologized yesterday but said Fox was allowing Democrats to "exploit" his illness.

Fox, 45, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991 but did not go public with his condition until 1998.

The progressive neurological disease has all but ended his acting career.

Fox puts the contests in personal terms in his 30-second ads for Cardin, Senate candidate Claire McCaskill in Missouri and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. In the spot for Doyle, for instance, he says Rep. Mark Green, the Republican candidate, has "stood in the way" of research and "held us back."

Green called the Fox ad a "smear campaign." Steele dismissed Fox's charge as "mistruths."

But Fox, popular for comedic roles in sitcoms such as "Family Ties" and "Spin City," and the "Back to the Future" movies, is a tough target for Republicans.

"It's unfortunate that the Democrats are using a good man like Michael J. Fox to distort our candidates' positions for political purposes," said Brian Nick, spokesman for the Republican Senate campaign committee.

The national GOP's hesitance to attack Fox directly means "they understand the power of the ads," said Baruch College political analyst Doug Muzzio.

"It's giving me goose bumps, his personal view is so powerful," Muzzio said.

Democratic aides are euphoric, claiming the ad aired in battleground Missouri during the World Series improved poll numbers for McCaskill.

The GOP has recruited "The Passion of the Christ" star Jim Caviezel and St.Louis Cardinals pitcher Jeff Suppan to counter Fox in ads.

Source - NY Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/465123p-391234c.html)

*what gets me is the last sentence, did I read that right, the GOP is going to whip out Jesus in response?
:nutkick:

But Jesus runs the GOP, didnt you know???

fook it. I'll say it, stem cells, and other fetus parts, are the one renewable resource we aren't going to run out of anytime soon, they should be glad that they can be recycled instead of banning it.

I say we find a way to create an energy source from fetus parts. I bet the oil companies (and Republican politicians) would then find a way to support the use of fetuses for something other then Gods master plan.

I say we find a way to create an energy source from fetus parts. I bet the oil companies (and Republican politicians) would then find a way to support the use of fetuses for something other then Gods master plan.


But then we'd have to go to war for unborn children, shit fook it, lets clone Herod:icon_oyes: :icon_oyes: :icon_oyes:

Fox has dedicated his life, money, and untold hours to this cause. He's championed efforts, and been widely praised.

Now that somebody doesn't agree with what he says (in an election year), they yell that he's faking it? I never have like Rush, regardless of his points of view. He's too much of an arrogant arse IMHO. I personally think Fox has done a wonderful job, and would shake his hand any day (NO pun intended).

They don't want fetuses pharmed for research - which I can understand. However, I don't ever forsee a time where there are a lack of 'au natrual' fetuses laying around. Get the religion out of the vote, and pen the law to prevent companies from paying women just to harvest the cells.

But our government can't say, "Ok, we are going to argue over abortions, and try to make them illegal --- BUT, if you want to abort a few dozen for science, whoopee!!" The soccer moms and religious nuts have tied their hands in this one.

/appluad

Stem cells can be readily harvested, and are routinely, through other means than babies. Born or un born. Fox is an actor, and therefore a tool. Rush is a talk show host and therefore, an ass. What are we getting so worked up about this for?

I GUESS HE SHOULDN'T OF GOT AIDS THEN HUH????
:nrocks:

I bet HIS CLITORIS IS REALLY BURNING NOW HUUUUUUURRRRRRR