Eastwood is a libertarian and long-time Republican voter who supported John
McCain against Mr Obama in the 2008 election. In the 1980s he was mayor of
his home town, Carmel, in California.
The “Dirty Harry” actor has also been a vocal critic of the bailouts.
Chrysler, which nearly collapsed in 2009, received a multi-billion dollar
government bail-out.
Eastwood, who donated his fee from the advertisement to charity, said he had
not changed his political views and there was “no spin in this ad”.
He said: “I am certainly not politically affiliated with Mr Obama. It was
meant to be a message 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. If Obama or any other
politician wants to run with the spirit of the ad, go for it.”
White House spokesman Jay Carney said the Obama administration had nothing to
do with the advertisement, but said there was “a simple fact, which is
that the auto industry in this country was on its back and potentially
poised to liquidate three years ago.”
Chrysler also insisted the advert contained “zero political content”.
It was broadcast during half time at the Super Bowl, the most watched
television event in US history with 111 million viewers. Advertising slots
cost $3.5 million for 30 seconds.
The advert faced further criticism after it emerged that the portions
featuring Eastwood were filmed in Los Angeles, not Detroit, and the rest of
the production was shot in New Orleans and Northern California.
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