Clint Eastwood Says He's Not Politically Affiliated With Mr Obama

The specially produced commercials are one of the greatest attractions of the Superbowl. People often look forwards to them (and the half-time show) as much as they do the actual game. For some, it's the only reason to watch. The ads get graded and talked about, and one that hit the ground running, in terms of talk, was the Clint Eastwood/Chrysler "It's Half Time In America" ad. The lefty blogosphere and Obama's people were elated, believing it to be an endorsement of Obama and his auto bailout, and perhaps that was Chrysler's intention, but Eastwood's? Nah. 

In an exclusive interview with Ron Mitchell, a producer for Fox's O'Reilly Factor, Eastwood said this:

"I just want to say that the spin stops with you guys, and there is no spin in that ad. On this I am certain.

l am certainly not politically affiliated with Mr. Obama. It was meant to be a message about just about job growth and the spirit of America. I think all politicians will agree with it. I thought the spirit was OK.

I am not supporting any politician at this time. Chrysler to their credit didn’t even have cars in the ad. Anything they gave me for it went for charity.

If any Obama or any other politician wants to run with the spirit of that ad, go for it."

The right feel betrayed by someone they thought was conservative.  However, although a registered Republican, Clint Eastwood is more of a moderate, libertarian-leaning Republican. But, politics aside, what most people fail to remember is that actors are paid to endorse products that they don't necessarily like.  They are cast in movies or plays with different agendas than their own.  I have played 'liberal' parts, but that does not make me a liberal. I remember seeing a local actress in a political ad for a conservative politician, and she's a flaming liberal.  That didn't stop her from claiming her paycheck. 

Yes, Clint donated his money to charity, but he was paid. And I'm sure if it was an outright endorsement of Obama, he would have refused. But Eastwood is a patriot, and obviously liked the can-do, we will prevail "spirit" of the ad. And there's nothing wrong with that.