CNN presented Michael J. Fox as the "center" of controversy spurred by Limbaugh smears
The October 24 edition of CNN's The Situation Room featured a report on nationally syndicated radio host Rush Limbaugh's accusation that actor Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, may have exaggerated the effects of his disease in a campaign ad for Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Claire McCaskill. Blitzer introduced the segment, asserting that Fox was "at the center of a campaign controversy." Correspondent Mary Snow did not clarify the nature of the controversy -- over comments made by Limbaugh, not Fox -- until about halfway through her two-minute-and-20-second report.
Intermittently throughout the segment, CNN showed text at the bottom of the screen that read: "Fox ads in good or bad taste?"
A spokesman for McCaskill's opponent, Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO), denounced Limbaugh's comments on the October 24 edition of Fox News' The Big Story with John Gibson, saying: "I'm certain Senator Talent would never make a comment like that. It's just inappropriate."
From the October 24 edition of The Situation Room
BLITZER: His face and name are very well-known, and so is his disease. Michael J. Fox, the actor who's long publicly talked about having Parkinson's, is now at the center of a campaign controversy. Let's go to our Mary Snow. She's in New York, she's joining us to explain. Mary?
SNOW: Well, Wolf, it started out as a powerful moment during the World Series. Something you wouldn't see in the stands, but at home during a commercial break.
We've seen him before campaigning on behalf of stem cell research, but this year, television viewers could clearly see the toll Parkinson's disease has taken on Michael J. Fox.
FOX [video clip]: They say all politics is local, but that's not always the case. What you do in Missouri matters to millions of Americans. Americans like me.
SNOW: Fox is campaigning for Missouri U.S. Senate candidate and Democrat Claire McCaskill. In the ad, Fox urges voters not to support Republican Senator Jim Talent.
FOX [video clip]: Unfortunately, Senator Jim Talent opposes expanding stem cell research. Senator Talent even wanted to criminalize the science that gives us a chance for hope.
SNOW: Fox did similar ads for Democrats in Wisconsin and Maryland. It drew a strongly delivered response from conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who, on his nationally syndicated show, called into question why Fox was shaking so much.
LIMBAUGH [audio clip]: This is really shameless, folks. This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication, or he's acting. One of the two.
SNOW: Some conservatives who oppose embryonic stem cell research don't agree with the way Limbaugh handled it.
RAMESH PONNURU [National Review senior editor]: I don't think Republicans are going to be hurt because one talk show host, however influential, said something foolish, although it wasn't helpful. I think the key thing that Republicans are going to have to do is explain that these ads oversimplify the issues.
SNOW: Embryonic stem cell research has gained much attention in Missouri because there's a state ballot initiative that basically supports stem cell research and any therapies that come of it. Proponents of the initiative have spent nearly $3 million in advertising, compared to the $111,000 from the opposition. Still, there is competition on the airwaves.
WOMAN [video clip from ad]: Embryonic stem cell research will require millions of eggs, and women will pay a terrible price.
SNOW: And while campaigning, Fox has taken issue with critics of embryonic stem cell research who've raised concerns about human cloning and egg farms. He said he is opposed to that. Wolf.
BLITZER: Mary Snow reporting for us. Mary, thanks very much.
That got that jackass Ramesh Ponnuru to comment, but with the massive resources of CNN, couldn't get a qualified doctor to mention that Limbaugh was speaking crap?
Why has all cable news turned into non-stop version of Crossfire?
There is a hell, and a special room in it for hypocrites like Rush. The Michael J. Fox incident is a unique glance into the darkness of Rush's own heart.
Is there a "conservative" out there that actually lives the life they profess? Some 2 and 1/2 millenia ago the wise Sophocles said: Every man will fall who, though born a man, proudly presumes to be a superman." One by one, Rush and the miscreant cabal of conservative illuminati fall and fall...may their example be a beacon of hope for those of us that realize our own shortcomings and look for justice in this life.
I can not believe that Limbaugh calls himself a human being. Parkinson's is one of the cruelest diseases one can face. As a health care provider, I am always encountering people who have to watch control of their bodies diminish. Michael J Fox lives with this on a daily basis and does it with courage. It is far too easy to crawl in a hole, but Fox is trying to fight back. I am deeply offended and perhaps Limbaugh should take a moment and walk into any hospital and spend a moment with someone fighting this disease. I applaud Fox for being an activist for stem cells and allowing the world the opportunity to see what a disease can do. I hope this stunt backfires. If we looked at the sick like they were faking, where would we be? To think I actually felt bad for Limbaughs drug addictions even though I haven't agreed with one thing that has come out of his mouth. If you want to fight stem cell research, fight the research, not people who have the hope of a cure!!! Keep going Fox, you are a role model for all!!!
Can these assh*les really be serious? Have we completely reverted to an earlier, far more ignorant time. Are people who suffer from visably debilitating diseases to be kept out of sight? Does viewing Michael J Fox's affliction embarrass CNN's producers THAT much, that they need to question whether he should even be seen in public? CNN seems to have taken a position here that is beyond partisan politics. It is a weak-kneed squeemish aversion to those who are not 'normal'. Of course Fox has a right to advocate for science that may eventually alleviate the suffering of far too many people. Parkinsons is real, as is Fox. These realities do NOT need to be hidden from America, regardless of the political & social comfort levels of weak, backwards dumbsh*ts like Limpbaugh & CNN.
Jesus H Christ!
Rush should go on another whoring junket to the Domincan Republic until this blows over.
Some of the controversy is over Fox's comments as well, albeit not quite as much as Limbaugh's. Hugz and kizzes!
I don't understand Rush's point on this. Think about it; stem cell research could provide a cure for, oh say, deafness caused by drug use and pilonoidal cysts. Then Rush can suit up with Tucker Carlson and Jonah Goldberg and go running over to the Middle East to fight them terrorists.
LIMBAUGH APOLOGISE... My own mother has Parkinsons Disease and I know how from day to day the symptoms can vary, anyway what would be so wrong with Michael Fox not taking his medication before an interview or ad campaign to show the symptoms more, people with Parkinsons can seem okay, even well some times then other times they can have a terrible day where even standing or doing the simplest of tasks impossible; the symptoms need to be shown so that others who have not encountered PD can understand fully what a devastating condition this is. My mother has suffered with this now for the last 9 years, we have seen her go from a very independant woman to one who relies on others for even the most simplest daily tasks. Well done to Micahel for having the courage to show in front of the media how his PD is affecting him, not easy to have all eyes on you when you are out of control of your own movements; also Limbaugh ought to get out and meet some more people with PD then maybe he will be able to see for himself how the movement Michael has in the campaign ad is typical for someone suffering from PD. Limbaugh remember this, ''...there for the grace of god go I'' ,and think yourself extremely lucky you don't have to suffer the ignorance of someone saying ..... "This is really shameless, folks. This is really shameless of Limbaugh. Either he didn't take his medication, or he's acting. One of the two." Limbaugh it's time to apologise.
Rush Limbaugh is a JUNKIE. Does anyone dispute that...I say not. Therefore, the main concern about his selfish/hateful remarks is that his followers, the SHEEP, all agree. WHY do they always agree?? ( And to think they corrected him about Mr.Fox is stupid, he knew what he was saying). Simply stated they have not been allowed tho think for themselves for years. If they try to think "outside the BAUGHX", they risk ridicule from within. Once a Rush Junkie, always a Rush Junkie. I do expect a follwer to respond but only one of them can post here. They cannot have more than one idea ergo DITTO HEADS. Do they know that permission must be granted to think? What is written above is a waste of letters and space because trying to communicate with the Sheep is like getting Rush to debate anyone outside of his studio. What a DITTO HEAD would see above is BALH BLAH BLAH BLAH..and they are told it is good to think that way.
The Prince Has Spoken