Devastating new ad uses Ronald Reagan's words against Trump to stunning effect

The Lincoln Project is not the only right-wing group that has been creating attack ads slamming President Donald Trump. Another is Republican Voters Against Trump, which uses the words of President Ronald Reagan in its latest video to illustrate Trump’s failures as president.

In the ad — which lasts one minute and 40 seconds — RVAT contrast Reagan’s words with images of the U.S. during the Trump era. The message is not subtle: Under Trump, the United States is a long way from Reagan’s vision for the country.

The ad isn’t aimed at liberals and progressives, many of whom would argue that Reagan’s economic policies were bad for the American working class during the 1980s. It asks Republicans: “Has your party left you?”

Reagan is heard saying, “Together, tonight, let us say that America is still united, still strong, still compassion, still willing to stand by those who are persecuted” while Trump-era images appear — images that include U.S. cities suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, high unemployment and civil unrest. And when Reagan speaks of “victims of police states or government-induced torture or terror,” one sees images of police attacking non-violent George Floyd protesters.

In the video, Reagan, who was 93 when he died in 2004, declares: “I believe we can embark on a new age of reform in this country that will make government again responsive to people. We can fight corruption.” And RVAT offers some examples of corruption, showing images of disgraced Trump allies such as Paul Manafort,Trump’s former campaign manager), veteran GOP operative Roger Stone and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

When Reagan mentions “the elderly” being able to “live their remaining years in happiness,” Buffalo police are seen assaulting 75-year-old Floyd protester Martin Gugino. And when Reagan mentions “a city of hope in a country that is free” and “that shining city on the hill,” RVAT are sending out a message that he obviously isn’t describing the U.S. under Trump.