Actor Fox sparks debate, support for stem cells

Michael J Fox campaign ads

By Deborah Charles 13 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Stark campaign ads featuring actor Michael J. Fox's uncontrollable shaking caused by the medication he takes for Parkinson's disease sparked debate this week, resulting in a rise in support for the stem cell research he endorses.

A poll released late on Wednesday showed that U.S. voters' support for stem cell research jumped 5 percentage points after they viewed a television ad in which Fox -- whose body shook with spasms -- urges them to back candidates who favor the research.

The national poll by HCD Research and Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion surveyed 955 people on Tuesday and Wednesday and found support for stem cell research at 83 percent after viewing the ad, up from 78 percent previously.

It also said the level of concern regarding a candidate's view on the issue rose to 70 percent after the respondents viewed the ad, up from 57 percent.

Fox's political advisor, John Rogers, explained that the actor's involuntary, repetitive movement seen in his campaign ads stem from a condition called dyskinesia, a common side effect of the medication many Parkinson's sufferers take to allow them greater mobility.

"Many people (with Parkinson's) who don't take their mediations cannot talk," Rogers said.

The 45-year-old Fox, who was diagnosed with the debilitating disease in 1991, starred in the blockbuster "Back to the Future" movies and the TV series "Family Ties." He now spends much of his time on behalf of Parkinson's and supports stem cell research as a way to help find a cure.

In the run-up to the November 7 elections, Fox taped ads for Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Benjamin Cardin of Maryland, as well as Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, all of whom back stem cell research. Fox was appearing across the country with other candidates, including Democratic Senate candidate James Webb next week in Virginia. >>>cont

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VIDEO: While the audio was bad enough, WATCH Limbaugh PHYSICALLY MOCK Michael J.

Fox’s tremors.Limbaugh’s absolutely disgusting smear blows up in his face and Michael J. Fox’s spokesperson confirms that his tremors are a side effect of TAKING his medication.

The lazy corporate media falsely reports that Limbaugh apologized, when in fact all he did was dig himself a deeper pit.

To his credit, Fox refused to play in the fetid muck with Rush, instead he responded with class and grace saying that the horrible remarks were just a result of ignorance of Parkinson’s Disease and his medications. Randi has the clips.

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