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Ron Howard moves from behind a camera to a dressing room. Changes into Opie Taylor style character clothing.
Ron Howard: Hi guys. I’m Ron Howard and I want to take a break from
directing for a minute and do something that I’ve never done before,
and that’s talk about this election that we’ve got coming up. This is
really an important one America, because, for the last eight years, our
country has been going down a decisive and wrongheaded path. Which is
why it is so crucial that we vote for change. And I’m talking about
real change, the kind of change that will allow us to trust our
government again. Which is why I’ve chosen to vote for Barack Obama.
And I say that not as a Democrat or a Republican, because I have voted
for candidates for both parties in the past and I probably will again.
So, as some of you might remember I began my career as an actor. But
over the last 25 years, I’ve worked hard to establish myself a
respected director and even a serious filmmaker. So, as I’ve said, I’ve
never done this before and I hope never to do it again. But, I guess
you could say I’m feeling pretty desperate these days. So, as a
demonstration of my sincerity, this is for you America.
Ron Howard and Andy Griffith, acting as characters Opie and Andy Taylor, have a conversation about voting while fishing.
Ron Howard: Hey Pa.
Andy Griffith: Hey Ope. You look like you got something on your mind son.
Ron Howard: Pa, why are people so set on staying on the same road that’s been messing us up for so long?
Andy Griffith: Well, Ope, people are funny. Sometimes change scares
them. They’d rather keep doing the same old things that have been
messing them up than change to the thing that can help them
Ron Howard: Like the time I wanted to fish for lake trout using peanut butter and jelly as bait?
Andy Griffith: That’s right Ope. You got stubborn and wouldn’t switch no matter what I said.
Ron Howard: When I’m a grown up, I sure would like to vote for somebody as good Mr. Obama.
Andy Griffith: Well, if you stay healthy and strong, avoid any
felonies, stay away from the butterfly ballot, I’ll bet you’ll get a
chance.
Ron Howard is back in the dressing room, changing into Richie Cunningham style character clothing.
Ron Howard: Ok I’ve just acted like an 8 year old kid from a 40 year
old television show. Please don’t let this be in vain. But I know a lot
of you think that I’m just following some liberal Hollywood trend.
That’s not me. And besides, if I was anything less than sincere, would
I do this?
Goes out to a parking lot and meets Henry Winkler: in Fonz appropriate clothing.
Henry Winkler: Hey Cunningham, finish your homework?
Ron Howard: Sure Fonz. Hey how did your date go with the Rodriguez twins?
Henry Winkler: Triplets. And, man, can they salsa!
Ron Howard: Gee Fonz, I sure hope our country gets itself back on track
Henry Winkler: You know, I’ll tell you something. Eight years ago, I
thought to myself, OK, we got these Presidents of the United States,
Cheney, Bush. We should give them a shot. Was I wrr. I was so wrrr.
Ron Howard: You were wrong, Fonz?
Henry Winkler: OK, that’s the word, but now we can make it right,
right? And after we vote, want to double date? My friend Janet
Tapowski, she’s got this girlfriend from Alaska.
Ron Howard: You mean the girl that shoots moose?
Henry Winkler: Wait a minute, shoots moose? I thought she said she was loose. Eh.
Ron Howard returns to dressing room and changes back into street clothes.
Ron Howard: We haven’t done those characters in decades. But the three
of us agree that with Barack Obama, we Americans have a rare
opportunity to elect an extraordinary President. Andy, Henry and I love
our country. We just hope that we could earn an extra five minutes of
your time to really think through this important election, register,
and vote with your heart, your mind and with courage and vision. That’s
all I ask.
Patience is a virtue...
View All
Comments (1621)
I just LOVE the look on Ron's face when he hears Andy call him, "Ope"! Wonderful. The beginning would have been a bit funnier if Ron's line was, "I wanna take a break from pretending to direct for a moment...", etc... But where's Harvey Bullock when you need him? I didn't vote for Obama but I like this gentle and funny way Ron Howard expresses his heartf... more >
That was so much fun. I loved it and that's no bull.
great job Ron ..you truly are a genius
cool
Well just like Obama who ran his campaign under being Christian and is now claiming to be Muslim, Ron Howard will also say and do anything to get him elected. Not like there were any better alternatives though.
hello there,how are you?
Ron really sucked up the whole "change" thing, didn't he? Of course, most of Obama's policies are basically the same as Bush's policies, but as long as he says the feel-good words, right? That's all sheep like us need.
Yeah, like the other guy said: Shut the fuck up, Opie. You think because you've made movies that your opinion is more valid than mine? So far we've seen what your "hope" and "change" candidate is, and that's just spending money with wild abandon on whatever special interest will get you the most votes. Seriously, Opie, go fuck yourself.
Lighten up people - it's entertainment! American democracy doesn't mean the majority can suppress minority rights, and the Constitution thankfully guarantees no intrusion of religion into politics - and vice-versa.. we don't want to go the way of the Nazis do we? When ONE religion gains control, we're all doomed and the foundation of America is gone..
LOVE YOUR PAGE!!
This is straight up spam and shit. Seriously, what comedy writer with a new show about prostitutes wouldn't spam a vid featuring Richie Cunningham? Anyhoo, I apologize in advance. My new series is called "Whorified! The Search for America's Next Top Whore" (we feature politically active prostitutes) and we take the piss out of reality TV. "Get Whorified!" he... more >
Shut the fuck up, Opie.
Still appreciating this one...
To bk21:
Ron Howard doesn't hate America you dumb ignorant fuck, nor does he hate Christians. It's YOU who hates America and everything this country represents. It's people like you that are destroying our country and our fundamental values set forth by our founders. Bravo to Ron Howard for putting his opinion out there.
You want to talk about buying into l... more >
It is truly sad Ron Howards needs some very serious help. He hates America, goes out of his way to show his hate for Christians and Christianity and what ultimately he really is showing is himself, his anger and his empty life. No Ron the video is not good, it’s not cute, and no, it is not right. It is sad.
The video is very sad. Ron Howard needs our praye... more >
I'm diggin' this. It was my first time checking it out. Tieuel Legacy! aka Shawnre' Filmmaker
I am 55 years old & I grew up on The Andy Griffith show. It was one of the best shows ever made! In addition to being funny, it reinforced timeless life lessons on truth, honesty, loyalty, family & personal responsibility. With this video, you have destroyed those memories & made a mockery of those values. McCain was/is a senile, borderline demented, old foo... more >
Wow - Richie and the Fonz! What a blast from the past :) You still have it, Ron!
All 1621 comments on Ron Howard's Call To Action