Los Angeles: Hollywood giant Clint Eastwood has defended his controversial Super Bowl ad for automaker Chrysler, saying it was not meant to be a support to President Barack Obama’s campaign.
The ad, which sees Eastwood declare ‘it’s halftime in America’, has been criticised by Republicans, who claim it supports Obama’s bailout of auto industry including Chrysler during the recession.
The 81-year-old Oscar-winner feels that it was a patriotic ad and showed no affiliation with the current administration or any political party, the Fox News reported. “I am certainly not politically affiliated with Mr Obama. It was meant to be a message…just about job growth and the spirit of America. I think all politicians will agree with it. I thought the spirit was OK,” Eastwood said.
“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. I am not supporting any politician at this time.”
Eastwood also said that he donated the money earned from the ad to a charity. White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer and Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod tweeted their support for the advertisement.
However, Republican strategist Karl Rove said he was “offended” by the ad despite being “a huge fan of Clint Eastwood.” (PTI)
