The ad, 'Carl,' is quite honestly devastating. If you've ever watched a Republican ad in awe and wondered why can't we make ads like that?, here's your answer. The ad features Carl Riccio, a young quadriplegic man talking about the hope of embryonic stem cell research, which Corzine supports and Forrester does not. He's the only speaker in the ad. Here's the transcript:
Right now, the most hopeful thing for spinal cord injuries is embryonic stem cell research.
Doug Forrester doesn't support embryonic stem cell research. Therefore, I don't think he supports people like me and doctors who say a cure is coming.
Jon Corzine supports embryonic stem cell research. I think he's the best candidate for our Governor.
I've watched this ad a number of times now and it still hits me in the gut each and every time. Doug Forrester is running a campaign making false promises about tax cuts. It's total garbage. Never does Forrester talk about using the collective power of the people embodied in government to make people's lives better. That's what Corzine's campaign is about. That's what responsible progressive governance is all about. Sure, I want our guy to win this race. But this race and every race is about more than winning for our side. It's about making the world a better place. I know that sounds so corny, but if this ad can shake me out of the day to day back and forth of a political campaign, I can only imagine the impact it will have on others.
Forrester's response has been to attack Carl. No, I'm not kidding. This is what Forrester had to say about Carl on the public New Jersey Network. "My position is not known by this young man and I wouldn't expect necessarily that he would know this; he has been used for political purposes." Without even getting into Forrester's Robo-Nixon linguistic style, this is ridiculous. Carl Riccio, an adult, endorsed Jon Corzine. Forrester responds by saying that Carl doesn't know what he's talking about. In response, Carl put out a public statement slamming Forrester and reiterating his support for Corzine.
I have never met, therefore I do not know Doug Forrester. I am sure he is a good man, but he does not support the public funding of embryonic stem cell research, which at this time still gives us the best hope of a cure for central nervous system diseases and spinal cord injuries. Public funding will make the research move faster, therefore finding cures sooner.
A person in my condition is very aware of every thing that is going on throughout the world that can possibly cure spinal cord injuries. Just like most people who are afflicted by a disease such as diabetes, cancer etc. We become well read on our particular medical problem. It would be hard pressed for any lay person to know more about spinal cord injuries, and what is going on in the world as far as research goes, for a cure, then me.
A few months ago Doug Forrester's office called my mother to ask her if she was interested in meeting with Doug Forrester's campaign to discuss Stem cell research. She said she would be happy to and if Forrester's office would name the place and time she would be there. My mother never heard back. I can assure you I am well aware of Mr. Forrester's stance on stem cells as well as embryonic stem cell research.
With all that I have just said I hope it is clear that not only was I not taken advantage of by being in the commercial supporting embryonic stem cell research, and Senator Corzine's campaign for Governor, but that my presence and words were well thought out and understood.
I hope when Carl is cured he can give a more thorough, in person response to Forrester.
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