The GOP Problem: “It’s Halftime for America”

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2012-02-10/article/39286?headline=THE-PUBLIC-EYE-The-GOP-Problem-It-s-Halftime-for-America---By-Bob-Burnett

THE PUBLIC EYE: The GOP Problem: “It’s Halftime for America”

By Bob Burnett

Friday February 10, 2012 - 05:01:00 PM

This year’s Super Bowl program contained a commercial ”It’s Halftime in America”, featuring Clint Eastwood. Initially this seemed to be a public service pep talk for the nation, then a promo for Detroit, and it turned out to be a Chrysler ad. The commercial outraged Republicans. It’s an indication of their core problems in the 2012 Presidential contest. snip

Republicans are angry about the “It’s Halftime in America” ad because it flies in the face of their negative themes: Obama has failed; America has gone in the toilet; and the only way to dig ourselves out of this hole is to place our faith in corporate America. Republicans will have an uphill battle selling this to voters.

Whether or not they have seen the Eastwood ad, Americans don’t believe the Republican message. They don’t believe that Obama has failed; the feel he has done as much as he could to clean up the mess Bush left him, considering Republican obstruction. Further, Americans don’t believe that the US economy is in the toilet. They identify with the people of Detroit who fought back. We believe it’s halftime for America and our best days lie ahead.

Finally, voters don’t believe that the solution to our problems is to do what Republican suggest: place our faith in the one percent. Americans agree with Obama: “As long as we are joined in common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey moves forward, and our future is hopeful.”



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Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at [e-mail]

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. It IS a GOP problem, and I hope they fail to solve it.

Bob Burnett has it right.

And the ad itself is gorgeous.

[cbrer]

2. The GOP is trying to find an analogy that their primary bloc understands

Football won the toss.

It's pathetic, demeaning, and waaaaaay off subject. The "when you don't have any ideas that work, appeal to competitive sports" mentality.

Anyone with 1/2 a brain who votes for one of the "wrecking crew" after this, is voting with the wrong 1/2 of their brain!

[no_hypocrisy]

3. And the beauty of this ad is that it didn't originate from Obama or the Democratic Party.

It originated from the GOP's own base: a manufacturer and its advertiser.

[On the Road]

4. Attacking the Ad Was an Incredible Blunder by the Republicans

The ad can be taken as supporting either party. Clint Eastwood is a known Republican. It was funded by a major corporation.

The Republican line should have been: "I agree with Clint Eastwood, and the Republican Party is the best one to lead America during the second half." As it is, the Republicans just handed Obama the "morning in America" issue on a silver platter. And made themselves look like whining turds in the process.

[ThoughtCriminal]

5. Maybe if they quit cheering for America to lose

they would get it.

The fans don't want to go back to the coaching staff with the 1-15 record.