Can Democrats defeat Donald Trump and win back Congress while continuing to play by the old political rules?
Patrick Reynolds does not believe they can.
In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Reynolds says Democrats must become more aggressive, confront Trump and his MAGA allies directly, and stop allowing Republicans to control the political message.
Reynolds is the grandson of tobacco pioneer R.J. Reynolds. His father died from smoking the products that made the family wealthy, and Patrick Reynolds later became one of the nation’s most visible opponents of Big Tobacco.
In 1986, he testified before Congress in support of banning tobacco advertising. He subsequently spent decades working for stronger tobacco regulation and public-health protections.
Now Reynolds has taken on a different fight.
As leader of the Congress Majority PAC, he is working to help Democrats win control of the House and Senate.
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Four Ads Designed for Key Races
This interview includes four hard-hitting political advertisements that Reynolds wrote, produced, and narrated.
Unlike traditional campaign ads, they are not centered on one Democratic candidate or one Republican opponent. They make a national case against Trump and the Republican Party and can be placed in competitive races across the country.
Each ad ends with the same direct appeal:
Vote Democrat.
Reynolds explains that the ads are intended for strategic placement in the House and Senate races most likely to determine control of Congress.
The four ads focus on:
- Trump and the Republican Party’s support for him
- Climate change and the influence of major oil interests
- The economy and the contrasting records of Democratic and Republican presidents
- Disaffected former Democrats who may be considering staying home
The final ad recognizes that some voters no longer feel enthusiastic about the Democratic Party. Its message is both serious and humorous: Vote Democrat, even if it hurts.
Why Reynolds Became More Partisan
Reynolds says his transformation from public-health activist to openly partisan political organizer took place gradually.
During his fight against Big Tobacco, he noticed that the overwhelming majority of the industry’s political contributions went to Republicans. At the same time, measures that could have reduced smoking and saved lives were repeatedly blocked.
He points to the increase in the federal cigarette tax enacted after Barack Obama took office with Democratic congressional majorities as an example of what became possible when Democrats held power.
Reynolds concluded that Democratic control was also necessary to achieve progress on climate change, reproductive rights, gun safety, and other major issues.
Stop Playing Defense
Reynolds is critical of the candidate-centered advertising that dominates every election.
Most campaign money, he says, funds commercials in which candidates promote themselves or attack their individual opponents.
His ads take a different approach. They attack Trump and the broader Republican record while asking voters to support Democrats as a party.
Reynolds believes that approach can create a stronger national message and help Democratic candidates in multiple races.
He also wants the ads placed when and where their subjects are especially relevant. A climate ad could run during a heat wave or natural disaster. An economic ad could be used where voters are especially concerned about prices and financial insecurity.
Democracy on the Ballot
Reynolds says the stakes could not be greater.
He argues that if Trump continues to govern with Republican control of Congress, he will face few effective restraints.
“The future of our democracy is at stake,” Reynolds says.
He believes that Democratic control of both the House and Senate is the strongest available check on Trump’s power and the MAGA agenda.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why Reynolds turned against the industry that enriched his family
- How his tobacco activism led him into Democratic politics
- Why he believes traditional campaign advertising is inadequate
- How the Congress Majority PAC plans to target crucial races
- Why Democrats must stop playing nice
- The four ads Reynolds believes can help Democrats win Congress
Watch the interview and the four ads, then tell us what you think.
Do Democrats need to become tougher and more confrontational? Which ad is most likely to persuade voters?