Super Bowl Ad Watch: It’s Halftime in America

Full disclosure:

I grew up in Detroit, and like many people in that economically beleaguered city, my entire family and many of my friends are connected to the auto industry.

So it's perhaps not surprising that Chrysler's "Halftime in America" Super Bowl ad resonated with this viewer, despite a mini-controversy over YouTube and copyright infringement issues. 

But in a night filled with half-naked women and barking dogs pitching a variety of products, it was refreshing to see a serious take on an economic issue that affects not only the Motor City, but the entire country.

Of course, it didn't hurt to have the gravitas of a gravelly-voiced Clint Eastwood on the case.

Here's the clip, in case you missed it:

And here's the transcript, which elevates an advertising pitch into something that's beyond selling Chrysler cars and minivans, particularly in an election year where the economy will be front-and-center:

"It's halftime. Both teams are in their locker room discussing what they can do to win this game in the second half. It's halftime in America, too. People are out of work and they're hurting. And they're all wondering what they're going to do to make a comeback. And we're all scared, because this isn't a game.

The people of Detroit know a little something about this. They almost lost everything. But we all pulled together, now Motor City is fighting again.

I've seen a lot of tough eras, a lot of downturns in my life. And, times when we didn't understand each other. It seems like we've lost our heart at times. When the fog of division, discord, and blame made it hard to see what lies ahead. But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right, and acted as one. Because that's what we do. We find a way through tough times, and if we can't find a way, then we'll make one.

All that matters now is what's ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together? And, how do we win?

Detroit's showing us it can be done. And, what's true about them is true about all of us.

This country can't be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines. Yeah, it's halftime America. And, our second half is about to begin."

Good stuff.

But please, let's not talk about the game, except to wish the New York Giants a healthy congratulations on their victory. 

GlobalPost, after all, is headquartered in Boston, aka Tom Bradyland.

It's been a tough morning here. 

For more from Thomas Mucha on Twitter: Follow @thomaswmucha