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Democrats Finally Accept Wrongdoing

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They dropped the ball.

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, many Senate Democrats are secretly acknowledging a major blunder: their party’s mishandling of border protection. This failure, they argue, played a significant role in their electoral losses, including the defeat of several key Senate candidates and President Biden’s struggles.

During a recent meeting in the Mansfield Room, near the Senate floor, several Democratic senators aired their frustrations. Despite what they considered President Biden’s solid achievements and a generally strong economy, they believe their handling of the border crisis was a political disaster. The overwhelming surge of migrants crossing the southern border, they say, alienated voters and gave Trump an opening to capitalize on frustration over immigration.

The critical turning point, according to several Democratic lawmakers, came when President Biden ended Title 42 in May 2023—a move that allowed countless migrants to stay in the U.S. as their asylum cases were processed. Some Senate Democrats, like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, had long warned that ending Title 42 without a clear plan would lead to chaos at the border. Sinema even brought forward a bipartisan bill to lengthen Title 42’s expulsion authority, a proposal supported by several centrist Democrats. Yet, their warnings went largely unheeded, and the subsequent surge in border crossings became a major political liability.

By 2024, this border crisis had reached a boiling point. Democrats, especially those in swing states, were on the defensive. Candidates who previously argued for immigration reform found themselves in difficult positions. Many blamed Republicans for blocking legislation, such as a border security bill dealt with by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), but this defense didn’t resonate with voters. As the election season wore on, the border issue remained a primary concern for voters in key battleground states.

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Even among Democratic lawmakers, there was a growing sense that Biden’s approach to immigration policy was a major misstep. One senator referred to it as “political malpractice,” acknowledging that the party’s failure to manage the border situation—coupled with a lack of a clear, effective solution—cost them dearly. The rise in migrant encounters, especially after Biden reversed several Trump-era policies like “Remain in Mexico,” contributed to a perception that the administration was overwhelmed and unprepared. For many swing-state Democrats, this mismanagement was a fatal flaw.

In battleground states like Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin, the border issue was particularly potent, leading to a shift in voter allegiances. Exit polling showed Trump performing well among Latino voters, even in states where Democrats had long been strong. Many of these voters, particularly Latino men, expressed concern over uncontrolled immigration and its impact on their communities. This was a serious blow to Democrats, as Trump successfully framed immigration as not just a security issue, but a key factor driving economic instability and rising crime.

Republicans were able to capitalize on this, using the border issue as a powerful wedge that connected to broader concerns about the economy and safety. Trump’s messaging focused on the strain that illegal immigration placed on public services, housing, and jobs, positioning himself as the only candidate who could restore control over the border. This strategy, more than any other, helped galvanize his base and expand his appeal among moderate voters, including many Hispanic Americans.

In light of these developments, Senate Democrats are realizing that the way forward on immigration requires a shift toward more pragmatic, centrist policies. Some, like Sinema, have urged the party to take a more measured approach, advocating for tougher border security while still pursuing comprehensive immigration reform. There’s a growing recognition that moderates on both sides of the aisle need to work together to address the crisis, rather than allowing it to become a political football.

Moving forward, Republicans should continue to push for a strong border security agenda. The failure of the Biden administration to secure the border offers a clear contrast. By emphasizing the need for stricter immigration controls, improved border enforcement, and policies that prioritize the safety and economic interests of American citizens, Republicans have a unique opportunity to continue gaining ground in key electoral states. The debate over border security will likely remain a central issue for the next election cycle, and Republicans are well-positioned to lead on this front.