On Thursday morning, Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire faced a tough reality during a live appearance on Fox & Friends. While discussing the government shutdown, Shaheen firmly denied that Democrats supported healthcare for illegal immigrants, stating, “I haven’t heard anybody in my party saying that.” But Fox host Lawrence Jones quickly undercut her claim by airing footage from the 2020 Democratic primaries. In the clip, every major Democratic candidate—including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Elizabeth Warren—raised their hands when asked if they supported healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
The moment went viral, highlighting a growing political challenge for Democrats. As the shutdown continues, Republicans have accused Democrats of prioritizing healthcare for undocumented immigrants over reopening the government. Democrats insist they are fighting to preserve Affordable Care Act subsidies for low-income Americans, not funding undocumented care. However, past statements from party leaders complicate that narrative.
Public sentiment adds further pressure. Recent polls show nearly 70% of Americans oppose taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants, including many independents and moderate Democrats. This contrast between public opinion and past Democratic messaging has become a significant hurdle, especially as concerns over border security and immigration grow more prominent.
Even Democrats like Rep. Jared Golden have acknowledged the issue, criticizing the party’s alignment with progressive demands. He warned that the party risks alienating working-class voters by catering too much to the far left. This internal division further complicates Democratic efforts to present a unified stance on government funding and immigration.
Shaheen’s televised misstep was more than just a gaffe—it underscored the tension between past progressive positions and today’s political reality. As the shutdown drags on and media scrutiny intensifies, Democrats may find it increasingly difficult to distance themselves from earlier rhetoric that no longer aligns with voter concerns.
