Ron Howard says Barack Obama represents the Mayberry spirit.

In a phone interview with Dome, the former "Andy Griffith Show" actor and Hollywood director said that he decided to use his past to make a Web video for Obama because this election is "a really crucial moment" for Americans.

"I've never done anything like it at all," he said. "(I've) never been outspokenly supportive. Once in a while, might answer the question honestly if someone put it to me in the past, and sometimes I avoid it. But I had this idea."

He said he mentioned it to producer Judd Apatow, who referred him to Adam McKay, cofounder of the "Funny or Die" Web site. McKay and a group of writers drafted the script, while Howard talked Andy Griffith and Henry Winkler.

"I knew that Andy was a Democrat, but I wasn't even sure how he stood on the presidential race because we hadn't talked in months and months," he said. "When I broached the subject, he was excited."

Griffith's part was filmed in the woods near his Manteo home, while Howard took time off from shooting "Angels and Demons" to film his on a Los Angeles backlot. The two were brought together with special effects.

Putting on a striped shirt and hairpiece, Howard said "definitely took me back."

For audio of the interview, click here. 

More after the jump.

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Can Andy Griffith engineer a "Mayberry Miracle" for Barack Obama?

The legendary TV actor has long been known to lend his name to North Carolina Democratic candidates, most notably helping turn the tide for Gov. Mike Easley in 2000. 

This year, he's reprising his role as Sheriff Taylor for a Web video on "Funny or Die," a humor site run by comedian Will Ferrell.

In the video, director Ron Howard shaves his beard and puts on a hairpiece and a striped T-shirt to play Opie, asking Griffith about the upcoming election. 

Opie: Pa, why are people so set on staying on the same road that's been messing us up for so long?

Andy: Well, Ope, people are funny. Sometimes change scares them and they'd rather keep doing the same ol' thing that's been messing them up than change to the thing that can help them.

Opie: Like the time I wanted to fish for lake trout using peanut butter and jelly as bait?  

Howard then says he hopes to "vote for somebody as good as Mr. Obama" when he grows up.

"If you stay healthy and strong, avoid any felonies, stay away from the butterfly ballot, I'll bet you'll get a chance," Griffith replies.

A video on "Funny or Die" features director Ron Howard and actor Andy Griffith reprising their roles from "The Andy Griffith Show" to endorse Barack Obama.

Hat Tip: Isaac 136