Michael J. Fox appeals for stem cell research in U.S. election ad: Limbaugh calls TV spot 'exploitative'
Ottowa Citizen News Services; October 24, 2006 Tuesday
WASHINGTON - Michael J. Fox, the Canadian-born Hollywood actor who has by Parkinson's disease, pleaded with American voters not to restrict research into stem cell technology.
Mr. Fox, 45, his body visibly racked by tremors, appeared in a TV ad for Missouri Democratic candidate Claire McCaskill. She is challenging incumbent Senator Jim Talent in a state that is also voting to amend its constitution to protect stem cell research within its borders.
The spot was the subject of widespread discussion yesterday, after conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh claimed Mr. Fox was "either off his medication or acting" during the ad.
"I think this is exploitative in a way that's unbecoming either Claire McCaskill or Michael J. Fox," Mr. Limbaugh said on his syndicated show.
Since retiring from acting after being diagnosed with the disease, Mr. Fox, who became an American citizen in 2000 and has been politically active for Democratic causes, has become an outspoken campaigner for stem cell research. "In Missouri, you can elect Claire McCaskill, who shares my hope for cures," Mr. Fox said. "Unfortunately, Senator Jim Talent opposes expanding research. Senator Talent even wanted to criminalize the science that gives us a chance for hope.
"What you do in Missouri matters to millions of Americans -- Americans like me."
Ms. McCaskill's spokeswoman Adrianne Marsh said Mr. Fox looked the same as he did for a McCaskill fundraiser in St. Louis last month that raised $200,000 U.S. for the campaign.
"It's unfortunate that anyone would attack someone who's trying to speak out for lifesaving cures," Ms. Marsh said.
The issue of stem cell research is deeply divisive in the U.S. In September, President George W. Bush used his legislative veto for the first time to stop a relaxation of federal funding rules on stem cell research.