Actresses call out Romney on abortion in new ad
(CNN) – Hollywood actresses Scarlett Johansson, Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington are featured condemning Republicans for their stance on abortion in a new political ad from the liberal group MoveOn.org.
The spot, released Monday and directed by noted filmmaker Rob Reiner, will air nationally and in the battleground states of Colorado and Virginia, the group said, adding it would air during shows primarily viewed by women.
- Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker
- Check out the CNN Electoral Map and Calculator and game out your own strategy for November.
"I want to talk to you about women," Johansson says at the beginning of the spot, followed by Washington saying, "And about Mitt Romney."
"Mitt Romney is for ending funding to Planned Parenthood," Longoria says, with Johansson chiming in, "Including cancer screenings."
The ad continues:
Washington: "He said he'd overturn Roe v. Wade."
Johansson: "We have Republicans trying to redefine rape."
Longoria: "Trying to force women to undergo invasive ultrasounds."
Johansson: "If you think that this election won't affect you and your life, think again."
Washington: "Vote."
Longoria: "Vote."
Johansson: "Vote for Barack Obama."
In a statement, Reiner said Romney, and his running mate Paul Ryan, would "eviscerate women's rights" if they're elected in November.
"We'd be talking about getting rid of abortion, birth control, access to health care screenings. As a husband, son and father, I can't stand by and let this happen," Reiner continued.
"Misleading political attacks will not change President Obama's failed record," Romney campaign spokeswoman Amanda Henneberg wrote in response to the MoveOn.org ad. "His policies have made it harder for women across the country to start businesses, get good jobs, or see their children able to go to college and get started with their lives. Mitt Romney will lead us to a real recovery so that women – and all Americans – can succeed and live the American Dream."
Last week, Democrats pounced on Romney after he said in an interview with the Des Moines Register that he was not aware of any abortion legislation he would promote as part of his agenda as president.
Democrats claimed that was a reversal for the candidate, who maintained during the GOP primary season that he would support efforts to remove funding for Planned Parenthood, a women's health group that provides abortion services. Several House Republicans have introduced legislation that would strip funding from the group.
Romney reiterated that pledge later in the week, and on Sunday a top adviser to Romney's campaign said the GOP nominee was a "pro-life candidate" and would serve as a "pro-life president."
Ed Gillespie, speaking to CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley on "State of the Union," said that was a long-standing position for the Republican candidate.
"What the governor has consistently said is that he thinks Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and this is something that should be left to elected representatives, to the people through their elected representatives," Gillespie said, referring to the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming a woman's right to have an abortion.
Also on the CNN Political Ticker
- Colbert says he can't tell differences between Romney and Obama
- All tied up ahead of second Obama-Romney showdown
- Obama ad makes case for economic policies
- Romney message this week: 'A clear choice on debt and deficits'
- Largely hidden away, Obama reports debate prep 'going great'
From CNN Politics
- Jason Sudeikis and 'Ted Lasso' cast meet with Biden for mental health discussion
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Trump's team puts forward ally in hopes of undercutting Cohen testimony in NY hush money case
- Untitled
- Untitled
- Capitol Police see no current threat to US Capitol, but DC prepares after Trump calls for potential indictment protests
Where's the link to the vid?
Since when is Hollywood a good compass for anything, let alone how to vote?
This is GREAT stuff.. American women really need to take a long look at what R&R have in store for them if they (by some chance) win. It's not pretty.. but then neither is the Willard/Ryin plan. Willard has flip-flopped on every issue regarding Women's Health (along with everything else).
“I believe Roe v Wade has gone too far.” – Mitt Romney
“Roe v Wade has been the law for 20 years ... we should sustain and support it.” – Mitt Romney
“I respect and will protect a woman’s right to choose.” – Mitt Romney
“I never really called myself pro-choice.” – Mitt Romney
“The Massachusetts healthcare plan should be a model for the nation” – Mitt Romney
“Healthcare reform should be left to the states” – Mitt Romney
Will the REAL Mitt Romney please stand up!
(PS – I expect the mods here to delete this post.. as they have done with many of my others. Talk about censorship!)
These skirts should be home reading the good wifes guide and taking care of thier man, im a biden buddy
These women are just puppets for the grand high puppet master.
No surprise here. I would guess that most Hollywood actresses hop from bed to bed have had an abortion or two.
I love how Hollywood is stepping up their attack on Willard. Willard has clearly stated he would end Planned Parenthood. He said if elected he'll choose justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade. Now he's trying to walk away from those positions and shapeshift back into Moderate Mitt as Bubba so adequantly called him. I really like the Rosie Martinez ad out attacking Willard on "If I were Mexican" remark.
Thank you ladies for reaffirming why I'm voting for Romney.
If you believe life starts at conception, then abortion is taking the life of another human being. If you do not believe life starts at conception, then you have to ask yourself the question of when does that mass of cells in a woman's body become life?
Great ad. As a woman, I cannot understand how any woman can cast their vote for Romney/Ryan. Protect your rights women and vote for Obama.
One more reason to vote for Romney.
This is newsworthy how? We have people out of work, who can't afford to put food on their table and we are talking about abortion? Both parties need to get with the program. If these actresses think I am voting for a candidate on whether they are pro-choice or anti abortion then they are crazy. Talk about being far removed from every day life.
Okay then people who murder pregnant women shouldn't be charged with double murder I guess. There seems to be some inconsistency with the laws, either it is a human being or not, can't have it both ways.
The GOP is taking us back to the dark ages. Wonder when they'll start shooting girls who want to go to school.
Romney and Ryan – I don't think they even know what the truth is anymore. They have told so many tales to the public, they can't even keep lies they tell straight anymore. Do we really want the two R's running this country. We'll be in the dark ages before the first day and we'll be at war with Iran on the second day!
Just one more reason I do not rely on Hollywood for direction in my political views.
Lies sell. Especially when delivered by popular actresses I guess.
WOW!!! almost sounds like the Taliban infiltrated the USA
Would next be the GOP stopping them from going to school?
What ever happened "to the home of the free and the land of the brave" not if you are a woman in the US!
Hollywood Dames know whats right for America??Britney linsey roseanne???, these skirts are hogwash, i tell ya just hogwash, i would venture to say these are fast loose dolls with no morales
Romney is pro-win at all costs and pro-whatever flip-flop it takes in that situation.
Ask yourself, is a vote for Romney worth the life of a woman who can no longer afford her well-woman visit because Planned Parenthood has been defunded?
Mr. Romney needs to have Mr. Akin (and Mr. Ryan's support of same) tied around his neck- maybe then America will understand what these clowns are trying to do to the lives of women in America.
Progressives have done more to reduce the number of abortions than ALL of the actions of ALL of the rightwingers combined.
Progressives helped to ensure women's health care, sex education, contraceptive services and counseling by groups like Planned Parenthood that resulted in the number of abortions last year actually being reduced by over 1 million.
.
Way to go ladies!!
Can someone explain to me how 5 seconds before birth its called an abortion.. and 5 seconds after its called "Murder
I guess Romney/Ryan and the rest of the Republicans must think we are all stupid and don’t know the truth and can’t remember what they have always said and believed.
Most of the Republicans believe that there should be no abortion exception. Not even for women who were raped. This position is enshrined in their Party’s’ platform, which Romney adopted. Their VP candidate, Paul Ryan co-sponsored legislation that would grant NO reprieve to women who were raped and over 200 House and Senate Republicans voted for it. They all think that there is such a thing as legitimate rape. They all think that women should have no choice in the matter. This is the Republican Party showing their true colors. If they should ever gain control of the Presidency, House and Senate, Americans should BEWARE.
Romney wants to dictate to a woman what is best for her. He wants to stuff government down women’s throats and other body parts. The Republican Party believes certain types of rape are legitimate and the victims should have no reprieve if they get pregnant and that government should dictate to the victims what they can do to their bodies. This is certainly a more radical Republican position than the previous Republican Administration.
The choice is clear. Do we want to go back to the exact same policies (Romney/Ryan current policies) that brought America to its knees and curtail the rights of women or do we want to continue to build on the recovery and have equal rights for women.