WASHINGTON – Michael J. Fox laughed off criticism of his appearance in recent political ads in support of embryonic stem-cell research, but he said his mother was not as amused.

“She was not happy,” Fox said during an interview aired Sunday’s on ABC’s “This Week.”

Fox, who has Parkinson’s disease and supports embryonic stem-cell research as a possible cure, drew some conservative criticism after a Missouri ad began running. It showed Fox visibly shaking while urging viewers to vote yes for stem-cell research and for a Democratic Senate candidate over the Republican incumbent.

Radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh criticized him, claiming that Fox was “either off his medication or acting.” Limbaugh called Fox “really shameless” in his effort to stir up sympathy.

Fox said he was neither acting nor off his medication.

“I know the community was really hurt by it,” Fox said of the criticism during an interview aired Sunday. “And it really brings up the specter of, ‘Go away, shut the window, shut the doors, close the curtains and suffer, and don’t let us know,’ because it’s a fearful response.”

Stewart takes show to battleground state

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jon Stewart and staff from Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” fielded questions from Ohio State University students and others at a special appearance.

The popular news parody is gearing up for a week of broadcasts from Ohio for its “Midwest Midterm Midtacular.”

“We wanted to go there because Ohio was so crucial last time,” he told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. “We want to know what happened to all that loving attention that they were given in 2004, and if they feel lonely.”

Associated Press