Chrysler 's Super Bowl XLVI ad " Halftime in America " was controversial due to its political overtones , especially as it came during the lead-up to the 2012 U.S. presidential election . Critics interpreted the ad as being in support of re-electing Barack Obama , suggesting that the metaphor of " halftime in America " symbolized the performance of Obama 's first four-year term as president going into his re-election campaign , and noting Obama had supported George W. Bush 's bailout of Chrysler whilst acting as a Democratic senator . It was also noted that Eastwood had made statements against the bailouts in 2011 , had stated that he " could n’t recall ever voting for a Democratic presidential candidate " , and that he was a supporter of Republican candidate John McCain during the 2008 campaign . Eastwood would later appear as a surprise guest at the 2012 Republican National Convention in support of nominee Mitt Romney , addressing an empty chair meant to represent Obama
2012 Republican National Convention
2012 Republican National Convention
Super Bowl commercials