Chrysler’s “It’s Halftime” Commercial Featuring Clint Eastwood

The Super Bowl game this year had car companies racing to outdo each other to see who could be the funniest, or just plain weirdest. Not Chrysler, who enlisted the help of Clint Eastwood for the brilliantly executed extension of its “Imported From Detroit” campaign. Chrysler brings us a genuine, somber and confidence-inspiring commercial that hits close to home.

The American auto industry is recovering, growing and putting people back to work, and Chrysler’s spot manages to capture that spirit by simply telling the truth about what’s facing this great nation today. Amid all the flash, this was the most memorable Super Bowl commercial of all.

But many conservatives believe that the commercial was politically driven, that it was a way for Chrysler to give the Obama Administration a push for the reelection bid later this year. Some might say that the commercial should be taken for what for what it is: a salute to the American spirit, pride and job growth. The fact is, the auto bailout saved 1,000,000+ jobs. It was not a popular decision at the time, either.

Since then, the American auto industry has thrived, with GM, Chrysler and Ford (who did not receive bailout money) posting double-digit gains and products that can actually compete with their foreign adversaries. That fact cannot be disputed.

In 1984, Ronald Reagan, President at the time, released one of the most famous ad campaigns ever produced, entitled “Morning in America”.  It was, however, after the recession.

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Script, narrated by Clint Eastwood:

It’s halftime. Both teams are in their locker room discussing what they can do to win this game in the second half.

It’s halftime in America, too. People are out of work and they’re hurting. And they’re all wondering what they’re going to do to make a comeback. And we’re all scared, because this isn’t a game.

The people of Detroit know a little something about this. They almost lost everything. But we all pulled together, now Motor City is fighting again.

I’ve seen a lot of tough eras, a lot of downturns in my life. And, times when we didn’t understand each other. It seems like we’ve lost our heart at times. When the fog of division, discord, and blame made it hard to see what lies ahead.

But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right, and acted as one. Because that’s what we do. We find a way through tough times, and if we can’t find a way, then we’ll make one.

All that matters now is what’s ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together? And, how do we win?

Detroit’s showing us it can be done. And, what’s true about them is true about all of us.

This country can’t be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines.

Yeah, it’s halftime America. And, our second half is about to begin.