Now, if he actually believes this, he's even more insane than I normally figure. Think about this: we're talking the Super fuckin' Bowl. Think about how much advertising money goes into just one 30-second commercial during the SB. Now, try to imagine how much money they would have to have sunk into a project like this from day 1, just to get the ball rolling, as it were. And now, suddenly, they give into this pressure and pull out of it?
Now, the event is still happening, just supposedly without Dodge's support. Doncha think it's a tad late in the game to pull out like that? That money is gone. BUT, and here's the clever part, Dodge now looks GREAT. If their sales don't rise in the next year, I'll be surprised. They suddenly look fabulous to the 'soccer mom' demographic. Think about it: they already know that, among that 'target demographic' they they referred to, sales are going to be just what they always are. guys who think trucks, tend to have a brand loyalty between Dodge, Ford, and Chevy already, and no event is gonna change that. but that untapped demographic of 'family people' are the ones that smart shop, checking on strengths and weaknesses, talking to their friends, etc...and "family" tends to equal "church". So, how do you sway that group's opinion? You either do something REALLY good, or almost do something bad, but change your mind, doing 'the right thing'.
Dodge took choice B. Face it, it's a win-win situation. They get to promote the Lingerie Bowl (points with the target demographic), then they get to pull out, calling it 'pornographic' (points with the soccer moms). they come out looking great, and the Lingerie Bowl still gets shown. Besides, it takes the heat off of the Lingerie Bowl, which would otherwise have gone through even more outcry and bullshit. Dodge is playing the Great American Game of "shifting opinion", and playing it rather well...except for a few obvious flaws. Luckily, the American Public is stupid. Need proof? Go look up the American Family Association.