Fox Responds To Limbaugh Accusation

Actor Responds To Claim He Was Off His Meds In Political Ad: 'My Pills Are Working Really Well'

(CBS/AP)  His body visibly wracked by tremors, actor Michael J. Fox appears in a political ad that was the subject of widespread discussion on Monday after conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh claimed Fox was "either off his medication or acting."

On Tuesday while in suburban Chicago campaigning for Democratic candidate for Congress Tammy Duckworth, Fox shot back.

"I'm kind of lucky right now. It's ironic, given some of the things that have been said in the last couple days, that my pills are working really well," Fox said.

A victim of Parkinson's disease, Fox speaks out in the ad for Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Claire McCaskill, who supports embryonic stem cell research.

"I think this is exploitative in a way that's unbecoming of either Claire McCaskill or Michael J. Fox," Limbaugh said on his syndicated show.

Duckworth added of Limbaugh's remarks: "That comment is trying to take away from the real issue at hand."

On his Web site Tuesday, Limbaugh appeared to back away from his accusation.

"All I'm saying is I've never seen him the way he appears in this commercial for Claire McCaskill," says Limbaugh. "So I will bigly, hugely admit that I was wrong, and I will apologize to Michael J. Fox, if I am wrong in characterizing his behavior on this commercial as an act, especially since people are telling me they have seen him this way on other interviews and in other television appearances."

---

Katie Couric interviews Michael J. Fox about the stem cell debate on Thursday's CBS Evening News.

Watch Claire McCaskill's ad featuring Michael J. Fox here.
Fox Responds To Limbaugh Claim.

---

"As you might know I care deeply about stem cell research," says Fox, who has struggled with Parkinson's disease for more than a decade. "In Missouri you can elect Claire McCaskill, who shares my hope for cures."

McCaskill has made support for the research a key part of her campaign to unseat Sen. Jim Talent. The Republican incumbent opposes the research as unethical, saying it destroys human embryos.

The new ad debuted prominently Saturday night during Game 1 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers and will continue airing statewide this week, a campaign spokeswoman said.

Debate over stem cell research looms large in Missouri, where voters are considering a ballot measure that would amend the state constitution to protect all federally allowed forms of the research, including embryonic stem cell research. The scientific study holds promise in the search to cure diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

"Unfortunately, Senator Jim Talent opposes expanding stem cell research," Fox says in the 30-second spot. "Senator Talent even wanted to criminalize the science that gives us a chance for hope."

Talent's campaign called the ad a false attack.

"Senator Talent supports medical research including stem cell research that doesn't involve cloning or destroying a human embryo," said Talent spokesman Rich Chrismer.

Earlier this year, Talent withdrew his support for a Senate bill that would ban all embryonic stem cell research and impose a million-dollar fine and jail sentence on violators. But he opposes the Missouri ballot initiative, claiming it would "make cloning human life at the earliest stage a constitutional right."

Supporters of the state referendum deny that assertion, noting the language of the proposed constitutional amendment explicitly bans human cloning.

McCaskill, running even with Talent in the latest polls, hopes to get a boost from aligning herself with support for the ballot measure, which recent polls show has the support of 58 percent of likely voters. Backers of the measure have raised nearly $29 million toward its passage, the costliest political campaign in Missouri history.

Fox's ad urges voters that "what you do in Missouri matters to millions of Americans. Americans like me." The ad ends with a picture of McCaskill and her voice approving the message.

A native of Canada, Fox became an American citizen in 2000 and has been politically active for Democratic causes. He campaigned for John Kerry in the 2004 presidential race and lobbied Congress to lift President Bush's restrictions on funding for stem cell research.

[osidebear]

When will this blowhard apologize for the innumerable other asinine comments, distortions, and downright lies he spews daily?

Clearly, though, he would know something about being on/off medication....

[webdepot]

Well, I'm sure God forgives you Rush... it may be a bit more difficult for the rest of us though..

[jerhut]

I sincerely hope this candidate goes down in defeat. We don't need even one more abortion to aid in scientific research!

[tonyh41]

Any prescribed medication that Mr. Fox uses is legal---What about you Rush???!!!

[mrsonaxis]

As if you did not exploit your own disease Mr. Limbaugh. The hypocrisy of this nation is obvious. Your hypocrisy is obvious. Common sense and reason will tell you that you are not very humble indeed.

+
Onaxis

[mgihome]

This is typical of this man. I thought one day this man would realize that his attitude towards all who aren't "on loan from God" would change. Maybe he would realize that the world does not revolve around him but I was in error.
Rush, you continue to outdo yourself. Are you sure you didn't have a father named Adolph and a mother named Eva? No one truly knows do they? If not, it is easy to say, they would have loved you as one of thier own.

[rn5656]

What is Mr. Limbaugh problem? How can he critize others? Is he Free of Sin? What about his drug addiction? Did all those chemicals injure his preception?

[radiob-2009]

Rush is back on drugs again.He is as usual his hateful self full of arrogance and stupidity much like his twin brother Pat Buchanan.Pull the plug on this moron.

[tpeks40]

Limbaugh (smells like Limberger). How ignorant of Rush (name or buzz of choice?) The people that believe that there will be more abortions because of stem cell research are simply deluded(or is that dilauded?) The embryos are available and are currently disposed of when they can be used for the betterment of mankind. What a waste. Here's hoping that Rush dies a miserable death someday of a disease that could've been cured by embryonic stem cell research.

[rharrin1]

More AS-HOLE remarks coming from a drug addict and do you remember bush did drugs also (they stick together)

[pwrush]

People pay attention to the facts that Michael J. Fox is condoning cloning. Stem cell research is still going on but why should we use our government dollars to fund this research. And by voting yes to this you open the door to something we will never be able to close. This in not being fairly reported in the media. Rush is right on this one!!!

[tikunolam]

Sounds like Frist stating he watched a video of Terry Shiavo and she didn't look like she was in a presistent vegetative state to him.

How dare anyone suggest that Fox was "pretending" for effect. There are medications and other treatments that serve some patients very well, not everyone experiences the same benefits.

No one is qualified to watch a tape of someone and make a diagnosis. Get real.

[edicius1]

If CBS were not so biased perhaps they would report on why limbaugh said what he did. Limbaugh commented on the allegation that Michael J. Fox has purposely not taken his anti-tremor medication in order to dramatize his public messages.
It was reported he did this for his speech before the senate, in which he was visibly more affected by his disease than in other appeareances around the same time. CBS doesn't mention that Fox did such an underhanded move in his speeches and commercials. It is susspected he did this for McCaskill add as well.
Of course CBS just wants to paint a negative picture of Limbaugh, a very typical endeavor by network news. Of course none of this has been proven. But ley me finish on this:

Just because someone is ill, or horribly ill, does not mean they are a Saint or even honest.

[radiob-2009]

Yes Janem4 stem cells can be created from skin tissue.Unfortunately good manners and a conscience cannot be created for Limbaugh.He needs to lay off the oxycotin.If you are a nurse you would also know that advanced stages of Parkinsons that the medication cannot control.In addition like all medication your body builds up a tolerance to it making the medication less effective.

[edicius1]

It is naive to accept what CBS says as truthful, or limbaugh for that matter. Don't be a sheep do a little research whenever a biased source gives you a story.

[catt42701]

Rush Limbaurgh is old enough to keep his mouth shut when he is unsure about the facts, expecially the facts about someones illness. Shame on you.

[edicius1]

I reccomend you all read this:
"Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News"

By Bernard Goldberg

[omega666911]

You got it all wrong northwoods stronghearts of limbaugh.
No babies need to die for stem cell research, why this even solves another problem, all those dead iraqi babies can now serve a purpose huh?

[j-whitman]

Republicans attack veterans, women,,, now the handicaped??? Shame, Shame, Shame

[chrisfs59]

Mr. Limbaugh is revealing his own ignorance about Parkinson's disease. The spastic movements that Michael J Fox has in the ad are a result of the MEDICINES PRESCRIBED FROM PARKINSON'S, not Parkinson's itself. Parkinson's itself starts with tremors like shaky hands and progress to stiff or frozen limbs. The jerky movements on the ad are a side effect of long term use of the medication used to combat Parkinson's.

Rush Limbaugh does owe Michal J. Fox a HUGE apology, but I don't expect to hear it anytime soon. Rush is windbag, not a man of honor

[the74blaster]

When you consider Rush's comments regarding McNabb and now this, its obvious he doesn't believe in compassionate conservatism. However, is there anybody out who can still listen to a pain-pill-popping-800-pound gorilla put a conservative spin on everything he says?

I used to listen with amusement when he rightly ripped on democrats for some of the scandals that occurred during the Clinton administration. However, he does not have any credibility for some of his wild statements prior to the invasion of Iraq.

For example isn%u2019t this the same fellow who claimed that not invading Iraq would lead to a %u201Cmushroom cloud%u201D for not acting? I also remember him saying %u201Cit would only cost 50 million and take 6 months to complete operation Iraqi Freedom%u201D.

Well it%u2019s been how many years and how many WMDs were found in Iraq? My question is what have we already spent on operation Iraqi Freedom? I guess is only the lord knows since W talks to him on a regular basis.

[edicius1]

YOU NEED TO READ THE WHOLE STORY YOU SHEEP

Here is a quote from Limbaugh

"Now, in terms of Michael J. Fox, I did some research today, and I found his book that was published. It's "Lucky Man," 2002, but he admits in the book that before Senate subcommittee on appropriations I think in 1999, September of 1999, he did not take his medication for the purposes of having the ravages and the horrors of Parkinson's disease illustrated, which was what he has done in the commercials that are running for Claire McCaskill and Jim Talent. So when you insert yourself into the political arena this way, to expect insulation and absolution and to expect yourself not to have what you say criticized in the manner in which you're trying to sway opinion is a little bit I think above the fray. I mean, to think that you're immune from any sort of criticism, it's worked in the past for Democrats, but it doesn't work here."

[dazhazn]

Let me get this straight, if you have a disease you have a right to run "political ads" and no one is allowed to challenge your position or intentions or accuracy? I'd think that would be a great way for both sides to make an end run around free speech and press. Just run candidates with some kind of health issue and no one will be allowed to challenge anything they say or do without being attacked and shunned.

[chrisfs59]

"Don't be a sheep do a little research whenever a biased source gives you a story"
Hey Edicius1, your quote applies to you as well.

[lushbimbo]

Why does CBS care what Rush Limbaugh says? That you would even call attention to stupid remarks by a whacko is so scary. You just lost a viewer.
Bye

[edicius1]

And your wrong, parkisons patients take many medications, and some of which are obviously used in treating the symptoms, the primary sypmtom being the "spastic movements"

[edicius1]

Don't insult me, just read.

"Now, in terms of Michael J. Fox, I did some research today, and I found his book that was published. It's "Lucky Man," 2002, but he admits in the book that before Senate subcommittee on appropriations I think in 1999, September of 1999, he did not take his medication for the purposes of having the ravages and the horrors of Parkinson's disease illustrated, which was what he has done in the commercials that are running for Claire McCaskill and Jim Talent."

[jmrheaume]

Al Frenken has a book titled Rush Limbaugh is a bit fat idiot. Need I say more?

[zajaimot]

Let's see Mikey Fox doesn't take his meds so he 'shakes' from his regrettable Parkinson's affliction. He does ads for Democrats spouting lies and political propaganda! First LIE - the Bush administration will not make stem cell research illegal! In fact the government funds several lines of research not using embryonic cells! Second LIE - no, repeat no cure or advancement has been accomplished through research on embryonic stem cells! Third lie - over 1billion dollars in private donations has been pledged for embryonic stem cell research! Watch out Mikey F. or besides everything else - your nose will grow bigger than BALDRIC'S turnip!

[mgihome]

"If CBS were not so biased perhaps they would report on why limbaugh said what he did. Limbaugh "
Really, well I think we are trying our best right here to explain why Rushy said what he said.
He is as uncaring as he is unbelievable. He continually attacks on his show without even the slighest thought to the effect and expects his never had an original thought Ditto Heads to back him to the death. No doubt they will back him, with just this kind of deflection but he can't hid the truth.
Rush, get on your knees and apologize. Ok, how about just an apology? I can hear the excuse now, but...his phone was busy!

[mzidel]

I am a Republican and you limbaugh are an embarassment to mankind. I hope you get Parkison's and die.

[mzidel]

I am a Republican and you limbaugh are an embarassment to mankind. I hope you get Parkison's and die.

[safarivan]

Amazing....from someone who claims his addiction to narcotics is a disease beyond his control. Rush - take another handful of Oxycontin......

[edicius1]

ZAJaimot thank you for not believeing everything CBS tells you. Everyone seems to claim that rush limbaugh is wrong on the basis of ad-hominem attacks. It is the easiest, and most iggnorant, logical falicy to commit.

Fox admits to not taking his medicine to dramatize his disease and manipulate the public. How the **** is Limbaugh wrong here?

[edicius1]

Wow it didn't take CBS long to change the headline of this add after they saw that limbaugh was right, I wish I had the headline they posted 25 minutes ago for it.

[edicius1]

*article

[mgihome]

Someday Rush will have to stand before his creator and account for his actions. There is justice sooner or later.

[ckubitz]

I am disappointed in Rush Limbaugh. I think he has reduced himself to an all time low. IF you want to support the Republican party, fine! You do not have to attack Mr. Fox to get your party elected. All that is required is to make your statement and quite flip flopping every issue!

[valjean7]

How can some oppose stem cell research that destroys a cell a few days old yet support a president whose policies have and continue to kill, mutilate or others destroy tenms of thousands, and more, lives including women, children, young, old, likey even many still in the womb? The former holds the strong possibility benefit millions for generations to come while the latter places a horrendous tax burdon on our kids and theirs that could be better spent on their own needs.

[tejasdemo]

What a complete jerk. Go to hell Rush.

[marcelde]

This isn%u2019t so much about Michael J. Fox ,or even about electing democrat Claire McCaskill. Unfettered stem cell research should transcend politics. There are those extremists who would rather keep an embryo frozen than find a cure for painful and debilitating diseases. These extremists manufacture a cause to draw in nonthinking religious zealots. ==== Galilleo was imprisoned until he recanted his science that showed the earth going around the sun. One day people will realize and accept the truth that God has not created such unreasonable restrictions on us humans. Since the earth does indeed circle the sun it seems perfectly reasonable that man finding a cure for whatever disease is not a violation of "God%u2019s will" that embryos should be kept frozen. It is only a violation of their will! It is simply propaganda created by the right wing zealots to create a false issue. Their resistance to federal dollars being allocated to stem cell research is pure propaganda. DO NOT PROP A GANDER! === USE PROPER CANDOR!

[dls715]

What difference does it make if Michael J. Fox discontinued meds to show the real status of his Parkinson's Disease when he appeared before the Senate or if he might have for this ad?? He has the disease. By showing us what it is really like--uncontrolled or covered by medication--he is showing what he and millions of others must live with each day. So what if there haven't been any cures directly attributed to stem cells? We still have much to learn, but we cannot unless we can do the research. Fox has chosen to show people what life is like for Parkinson's patients. It is not pretty and it is perfectly ethical--Edicius, do you want to live your life dependent on a series of medications that eventually will not work? Maybe stem cells will if we have a chance to find out. As for Rush Limbaugh, why in the name of all that is reasonable and true, does anyone liten to that fool?

[smajor1954]

Limbaugh knows about exploitation... he's exploited everything from drugs to war. If it's to his advantage, he is for it all the way. What does he know about M. J. Fox's condition? Or did I miss some place in his (Limbaugh's) drug induced fantasy world that he is a researcher?

[tejasdemo]

What a complete jerk. Go to hell Rush. I had to say it twice.

[agohw]

My mother has Parkinsons. To me, Fox's motions look like dystonia. It%u2019s not the same thing as the trembling shaking (called tremor) that people think of as Parkinsons. Dystonia is an involuntary "dancing" motion with exaggerated movements, and looks just like Fox does in the video. It%u2019s also usually a side effect of the medications people take to control tremor, and it gets worse when the dose is upped. So really, Rush was completely wrong. Fox was certainly not acting, and was certainly "on" his medications as well. If Fox%u2019s dystonia is that bad it means he%u2019s having to take fairly strong doses, which means his Parkinsons is quite advanced. It's a degenerative disease and people can only get worse, even with the state-of-the-art treatments I'm sure Fox is able to access. This is why active support of stem cell research is needed. Rush's comments are pathetic and ignorant. It's time for the US to stop letting idiots like him affect public policy.

[agohw]

My mother has Parkinsons. To me, Fox's motions look like dystonia. It%u2019s not the same thing as the trembling shaking (called tremor) that people think of as Parkinsons. Dystonia is an involuntary "dancing" motion with exaggerated movements, and looks just like Fox does in the video. It%u2019s also usually a side effect of the medications people take to control tremor, and it gets worse when the dose is upped. So really, Rush was completely wrong. Fox was certainly not acting, and was certainly "on" his medications as well. If Fox%u2019s dystonia is that bad it means he%u2019s having to take fairly strong doses, which means his Parkinsons is quite advanced. It's a degenerative disease and people can only get worse, even with the state-of-the-art treatments I'm sure Fox is able to access. This is why active support of stem cell research is needed. Rush's comments are pathetic and ignorant. It's time for the US to stop letting idiots like him affect public policy.

[murphyx-2009]

If anyone would understand what being off your meds could be like,it'd be Rush. Only the Republican ultra conservatives Limbaugh panders for could criticize Fox for suporting something that concerns him dearly while financially supporting the likes of Congressman Mark Foley in Florida. Conservative Republicans like Limbaugh may be amongst the most hypcritical of us all, talking one way while behaving the worst behind their expensive closed doors. Ignoring what they knew of Foley's behavior in order to keep a seat on the Republican side of the aisle in the House. Fox at least has good intentions. Prescriptions up-to-date, Rush?

[murphyx-2009]

If anyone would understand what being off your meds could be like,it'd be Rush. Only the Republican ultra conservatives Limbaugh panders for could criticize Fox for suporting something that concerns him dearly while financially supporting the likes of Congressman Mark Foley in Florida. Conservative Republicans like Limbaugh may be amongst the most hypcritical of us all, talking one way while behaving the worst behind their expensive closed doors. Ignoring what they knew of Foley's behavior in order to keep a seat on the Republican side of the aisle in the House. Fox at least has good intentions. Prescriptions up-to-date, Rush?

[felixrandom]

rush must have been off his meds. maybe he should go to afganistan there's a bumper crop of his favorite stuff there now. if he were black or latino he'd be in jail and this wouldn't come up

[tejasdemo]

Ya know, it's one to be a kid and make fun of someone who is sick but the time you reach this idiot's age you should know better.

I can not believe Republicans associated themselves with someone like this. Same goes for that complete fruitcake Ann Coulter.