Ads Distort Oz’s Position on Abortion, Taxes and Social Security

Ads from two Democratic-aligned super PACs distort Dr. Mehmet Oz’s positions on taxes, Social Security and Medicare, and abortion.

An ad from Senate Majority PAC says Oz would “hike taxes on working families” based on Oz’s vague comments praising a plan from Sen. Rick Scott that included a (since deleted) provision that said, “All Americans should pay some income tax … even if a small amount.” Oz has not endorsed that aspect of Scott’s original plan, and he vows to cut taxes.

Ads from SMP and FF PAC attack Oz for supporting a plan that would “end” Social Security and Medicare — referring again to Scott’s plan, which would “sunset” all federal programs in five years unless Congress reauthorized them. But Oz has not expressed support for doing that. He says he wants to “strengthen” Social Security without “taking away benefits.”

An ad from FF PAC claims that if you vote for Oz, “he’ll let politicians take away the right to choose, with no exceptions.” Oz opposes abortion, but has consistently said he supports exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother. Oz also says he opposes a national abortion ban, and that such decisions should be left up to states.

The Pennsylvania Senate race between Oz and Democrat John Fetterman to replace Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, who is not seeking reelection, has been the most expensive race this year, and has attracted by far the most outside spending, according to Open Secrets.