Michael J. Fox should not be above criticism for the controversial stem-stell research ad for Claire McCaskill, but criticism should focus on the fact that he was being misleading about the science and policy of stem cell research. I think Rush Limbaugh went too far by saying, without any evidence, that, “In this commercial, (Fox) is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He is moving all around and shaking. And it’s purely an act.” Even if you were to argue that he didn’t take his medication in advance of the ad (which we don’t know), that still means that his natural state is to shake, and thus not “purely an act.” I think one can acknowledge that someone is truly suffering while still arguing against an expansion of funding for stem cell research on moral grounds and questioning the soundness of the science of stem cell research. And certainly, on that front the ad is shameless by implying that Jim Talent is standing in the way of Michael J. Fox and millions of Americans getting cured.