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Several Democratic senators recently acknowledged their party’s significant missteps on border security, privately admitting these errors constituted “political malpractice” and directly contributed to Donald Trump’s victory and the loss of four Democratic Senate seats.
A Democratic senator, speaking anonymously to The Hill following a private lunch in the Senate’s Mansfield Room, expressed frustration over their party’s handling of immigration, describing it as a self-inflicted wound that could have been prevented with better management.
Democrats have finally admitted that Biden totally botched the border, causing a crisis that cost them the election. Voter outraged over the open border is what compelled voters to seek out alternatives to the Democratic Party. Mayor Adams was right. https://t.co/ffB2u4WgW0
— Robbie Mouton (@mcgmouton57) November 29, 2024
During their gathering, the senators examined the reasons behind their party’s electoral defeats, despite acknowledging President Biden’s achievements, particularly in economic matters.
The consensus among the lawmakers pointed to the administration’s poor handling of the southern border crisis. Many viewed Biden’s decision to terminate Title 42 in May 2023 as particularly problematic, as it enabled numerous migrants to stay in America while their asylum cases proceeded through the court system.
Democratic candidates facing tough elections have defended the bipartisan border security bill negotiated with Senator James Lankford, arguing that Republicans deliberately blocked legislation that would have enhanced Biden’s border control authority to maintain the issue for campaign purposes.
Speaking to The Hill, another unnamed senator revealed widespread Democratic dissatisfaction with Biden’s border crisis management and his reversal of Trump-era immigration policies. These changes included ending Title 42, halting the “remain in Mexico” policy, stopping border wall construction, implementing a deportation moratorium, and suspending enforcement measures, though the senator supported ending the family separation policy.
Before the election, multiple Democratic senators had cautioned about the consequences of ending Title 42 and attempted to preserve the emergency measure through legislation.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, while defending vulnerable incumbents by criticizing the border security bill’s failure, remained largely quiet about the election losses. He emphasized Democratic victories in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin – states previously won by Trump.
"They implemented policies that undermined our entire homeland security apparatus, and for that they paid the ultimate price." @Charles__Marino, @RobAstorino and @BiancaDLGarza discuss how Democrats were hurt by the border crisis in the election on Friday's "American Agenda." pic.twitter.com/E2aEkPEChb
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 29, 2024
Another senator departing the lunch meeting characterized it as “a change election” where Democrats found themselves on the wrong side. They noted this created challenges for Vice President Harris as the party’s nominee, requiring her to potentially distance herself from Biden’s policies.
The senator also praised Trump’s strategy of connecting immigration concerns to economic issues, describing how he effectively linked immigration to rising housing costs, job losses, and wage concerns.
