"Halftime In America - Clint Backlash

thefw.com

After watching the Super Bowl on Sunday and the many commercials, the one that stood out for me was Chrysler’s message of hope.  Employing the iconic figure of Clint Eastwood drove home a powerful and inspiring message for the American people.  After seeing the commercial, the first thing that came to mind for me was that the Republican Party would be upset.  As expected, it didn’t take long for Karl Rove to denounce Chrysler’s message and Eastwood for delivering it.  There is no question that the message mirrored much of what President Obama has delivered across the nation.  It’s a message of hope, determination and confidence.  Just what I think we need as a nation.    

Chrysler’s message was a powerful one.  It was heartfelt and I think appropriate.  It spoke of us coming together, working together, overcoming the odds and turning America around. It was far and away the best commercial of Super Bowl Sunday.   Both Chrysler and Eastwood indicated that there was no connection to any political party or political message.  It was intended to be non-political.  It was a commercial that celebrated Detroit’s rebirth with the reemergence of the automobile industry. 

Eastwood’s script included, “They almost lost everything.   But we all pulled together, now Motor City is fighting again.  Yeah, it’s halftime, America.  And our second half’s about to begin.”  It was a powerful, inspiring message for all Americans wanting our nation to succeed.  The message delivered by someone who is truly an American icon.  Eastwood said, “If Obama or any other politician want to run with the spirit of that ad, go for it.”  Sounds like something he would say in one of his films.  I must admit that I loved it. 

Many years ago, Hollywood stars took to the screen frequently during World War II to support war efforts, workers making products here at home and  families sacrificing.  The message of hope and determination delivered then is similar to what Chrysler and Eastwood was doing with this year’s Super Bowl ad.   The reemergence of Detroit’s car industry is a huge win for America.  It needs to be celebrated no matter whether you supported the President for choosing to bailout the car industry or not.  It was a great win for America.   The jobs saved and created was a big deal.  One of America’s great recession stories. 

I would like to see more of the same.  These stories are inspiring for the American people and when times are tough, it’s great to see one of our heroes, stars, sports figures or other legendary figure speak out and say we can persevere, we can turn it around, we are America.