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.
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"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.
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Each election cycle we hear about the abortion issue. We hear about how the Blessed Democrats are the only party that respects women's rights and how the GOP hates women so much and wants to place them back in the dark ages. They use Actresses and Actors, Singers and Politicians to plead ernestly for their cause. We also hear of starving children, poverty stricken families and names of all of these Americans who have spoken to only those people who are living every day for those less fortunate. Unfortunately, the Republicans receive just about all of these lies pronounced through the airwaves. Let me get this all straight from those begging for Democratic votes: Republicans want to take away voting rights, take control of womens bodies, start untold amounts of war, keep their own money instead of give it away to others and make slaves out of everyone not fortunate enough to be like them???? Did I miss anything? Oh Yeah.... I forgot the whole racist thing...but we all know Republicans are that too! Satans, embeciles and the like. Thamk The Good Lord we have Actresses, Politicians, Singers and the like to save us from all of that!!! Whew.....
"Those people are beyond the 1%. They are rich, pampered and spoiled. People like Rob Reiner and Scarlet Johansson are filthy rich and privileged. They live in a bubble where the average American is not allowed access. They talk down to us as if we are mere commoners and they are royalty."
Borderless, you could say the same thing about Romney, Ryan, Clint Eastwood, Donald Trump, Sheldon Addleson, or the hero of the right, Ted Nugent
The 1% speak up and show their support for Obama. These women live in a fantasy world. Private jets, limos......
Funny how Hollywood stars don't make much of a difference in swaying voters.
Yes we know women's rights would be stripped if romney were to be elected, we would be second class citizens in a world of rich white guys trying to cram their religious beliefs down our throats. I have my own personal beliefs but I would never try to force them on some other women and now we have men threatening us...you know we pay for alot of stuff that we have no idea about and say nothing...all that behind the scenes crap that goes on in those government contracts...we pay for that but does anyone stand up and say Roe v Wade and Obamacare is going to raid our wallets regardless of our beliefs...but what about all that overpriced shit the government buys that you pay for without a wimper. Give me a break. The govenment has no right to say anything about a women's body, that is the biggest intrusion of them all. We are not talking about some 200,000.00 toilet the pentagon buys we are talking about women and the rights of women. Yeah we need the likes of romney/ryan and throw in their buddy aken. You think life is tough now, don't let them get a hold of your life.
It's funny how Republicans claim to be about individual freedom and against big government. I guess none of that applies when it comes to what's in your pants or what happens in your bedroom. GOP, the party of hypocrisy!
"How many of those actresses plan on having an abortion? For that matter how many women voters plan on having an abortion? It's not a real issue – it's a perception issue. If you don't want a kid, don't spread your legs."
And I suppose "all those unemployed people need to stop complaining about the economy and get a job"? Or maybe "all those children living under the pverty line and going hungry in America shoudl just go and eat something"?
You're so misinformed it's not even funny. FORTY-THREE PERCENT of American women will have an abortion in their lifetime. That's call a "fact." Go learn some.
TO comment above. When women can procreate without men (or their seed) then tell me I don't have the right to express my opinion on the treatment of my children.
CJ says,"I do not like our abortion laws and believe this is a states rights issue. Each state should have the right to decide to make abortion legal or not. We had 8 years of Regan followed by 4 years of Bush Sr and 8 years of Clinton Followed by 8 years of Bush Jr. 20 out of 28 years were Republicans and the law did not change."
This time around its the extremist right elements that have hijacked the GOP in this election cycle. So your arguments held as long as GOP were moderate conservatives but no more. Times have changed. GOP will wage battle against the women, if Mitt is elected. Period!
How will the republican senators and congressman terminate the pregnancies of their mistresses if they do away with abortion? Or will the elite 1% still have their own doctors?
Rick McDaniel
More dishonesty from Democrats.
Romney has no plans to legislate away, abortion rights.
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Oh, really? You know this how? The guy has been on both sides of virtually every issue, at times within a span of a few hours.
"How will the republican senators and congressman terminate the pregnancies of their mistresses if they do away with abortion? Or will the elite 1% still have their own doctors?"
Have no fear. The rules only apply to the serfs.
Honestly, who really cares what these three think. This is their opinion on the matter. Each person has to make the decision. If these three privledged actresseses The Romney ticket came out and said they do not support abortion unless it was caused by rape, incest, or the pregnant woman's life was in danger.
Plan Parenthood is just a push for one of the biggest billion dollar businesses in this country which is abortion.
Dave - they're speaking out as women, not as one of the 1%. They know voting for the Romney/Ryan ticket will end women's right's to choose. They know that Romney's choice of running mate co-sponsored a person-hood bill that could lead to banning all forms of contraception while criminalizing all abortions. With that in mind, they're doing their best to see President Obama wins another term.
Everytime I see an actor/actress/singer start espousing their political views, I always think the same thing; "hey you with the high school education; I didn't pay my money to hear you talk politics, so dance monkey, dance!"
Really and what about Mitt Romney bringing in top director Clint Eastwood. Or that Clueless actress Stacy Dash. They may be in the entertainment business but they are like we are, voters, people, they have every write to speak of who they wish to be their next president.
@Dave
The 1% speak up and show their support for Obama. These women live in a fantasy world. Private jets, limos......
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Not to mention ten homes from coast to cost , off shore banks , car elevators , dancing horse , children that live off there parents fame , and avoid volunteering for military service during times of war.
I'm with ya Dave , all the way !
Fantasy world , Romney / Ryan 201/2
CNN , you are weak! You cover this non-event crap yet, The story on Libya is nowhere to be found! And its not just you....ABC, NBC, CBS are all in the tank for Obama. This administration is lying over the White House involvement (or lack thereof) of why this happened and are hoping to run out the clock...ie after the election... before the truth comes out. Four U.S. citizens killed by terrorists and the cover up story rests on a You-tube video. Really?!?!... And the libs are looking the other way so their candidate can get re-elected?!?! Don't preach to the American public about honesty, morality and integrity in the Democratic Party
Here is an idea, if you cannot or do not want to have a child, then keep your legs closed. While I agree with a woman's should have a 'choice' they should also not use abortion as birth control.
I'm fine with certain birth control being paid for but it should not be free, NOTHING IS FREE IN LIFE so get over it.
In ending, no federal money should go to Planned Parenthood, period. If the rich and famous of Hollywood want to fund it, perhaps they can contribute some of their millions to keep it afloat.
"Romney has no plans to legislate away, abortion rights."
Romney has no plans.
FIFY.
@Martha
How will the republican senators and congressman terminate the pregnancies of their mistresses if they do away with abortion? Or will the elite 1% still have their own doctors?
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Yes they will ,
it's necessary for the 1% job creators at the top to have the free market option available in Mexico or China .
rs - GOP calls itself "Pro-Life" but supports war,
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Democrats also support and vote to go to war. Name one in which they did not. You cannot.
Capital Punishment
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Yes, after truly heinous acts, an adult after being given the due process of law should be put to death. I, for one, would not want to support Hitler or Bin Laden for the rest of their life had they been captured alive.
and wants to end programs to support children, single mothers and the poor.
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Just more BS lies from the left to scare people. Give it a break. It really is getting old.
You mean the GOP isn't deeply committed to women's health issues? Who would have thought?
And how could we ever forget the most famous and influential, most rootin-tootinest Teatrollinest conservative celebrity of them all? Victoria Jackson....brain trust, philosopher and strategist extraordinaire.
But no one talks about murder eh?
43% of women have abortions may be a fact but so is the one that states that the fetus has a heartbeat at 6 weeks while most clinics advice you to be atleast 6-7 weeks before making an appointment.
Facts usually aren't enough.