In recent years, CNN has tried to put on new makeup. But their old, ugly ways keep revealing themselves.
And the CNN set exploded during a hot illegal immigration debate when one question was asked.
Democrats’ Dangerous Dance with Open Borders
The debate over illegal immigration and its strain on American resources has reached a boiling point, with Democrats clinging to positions that clash with the priorities of most Americans. A heated exchange on Thursday night between Republican strategist Scott Jennings and former Democratic South Carolina State Rep. Bakari Sellars laid bare the disconnect.
While the majority of Americans demand tighter borders and responsible use of public funds, some Democrats seem determined to defend policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over citizens. The clash centered on President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a legislative push to reform Medicaid and block its use by illegal immigrants, sparking a revealing showdown.
Jennings pressed Sellars directly, asking if he supported illegal immigrants accessing Medicaid, a program designed to provide health coverage for low-income Americans. “According to your logic train, we need to let more illegal aliens into the country, give them more health care to keep all the hospitals —” Jennings began, only to be interrupted by Sellars, who dodged with, “I’m not — no. First of all, let me tell you what I’m saying.” The evasion set the tone for a tense back-and-forth, exposing the reluctance of some Democrats to confront the issue head-on.
Jennings didn’t let up, repeatedly asking, “Are you for it or not?” Sellars, cornered, tried to deflect: “Can I start my logic train?” But Jennings kept the pressure on, demanding clarity. Sellars finally admitted, “My logic train starts with the fact that I don‘t want to — I don‘t want to kick 11 million people off of Medicaid —” before Jennings cut in again, sharpening the question: “Do you want illegal aliens on or not?” Sellars’ response was unambiguous: “Do I want undocumented citizens to have health care? The answer is yes.” The admission crystallized the divide—Democrats like Sellars openly advocate for extending taxpayer-funded benefits to those who break immigration laws.
President Trump, since taking office on Jan. 20, has moved swiftly to address illegal immigration. His executive orders designate groups like Mexican drug cartels, the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, and the El Salvadoran gang MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations. An April 15 order further aimed to bar illegal immigrants from accessing public services, including Medicaid. These measures reflect a push to prioritize American citizens and secure the border, a stance that resonates with millions frustrated by unchecked immigration.
The exchange grew heated as Jennings challenged Sellars’ position. “Okay. More Democrats,” he quipped, prompting Illinois Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh to jump in with a loaded question: “Do you want them to not get insulin if they’re diabetic?” The retort framed the issue as a matter of life and death, sidestepping the core question of whether illegal immigrants should access a program meant for citizens. Jennings fired back, “I want Medicaid to exist, first and foremost, for American citizens who need it,” anchoring his argument in the principle of prioritizing taxpayers.
Sellars tried a different tack, invoking the labor of illegal immigrants. “How about this? When the people that are — that are picking your peaches —” he started, only for Jennings to interject, “So passionate.” Sellars insisted, “Yeah, I’m passionate about Americans,” but Jennings wasn’t buying it: “Very passionate for the illegals.” The sharp retort highlighted the contradiction in Sellars’ stance—claiming to champion Americans while defending benefits for those here illegally.
The scale of the issue is staggering. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show millions of illegal immigrants were encountered at the border during the Biden administration, with many released into the country. This influx has strained public resources, from hospitals to schools, fueling public frustration. Yet, Democrats like Sellars seem Alphazaleh seem unmoved, doubling down on their defense of open access to services like Medicaid for illegal immigrants.
Abughazaleh’s interjection, “How dare you want people to be alive? How dare you?” aimed to paint Jennings as heartless, but it only underscored the emotional rhetoric Democrats often lean into. Jennings didn’t flinch: “Passion for the illegals. Bring more.” The jab cut through the posturing, exposing the core issue—whether American taxpayers should foot the bill for those who violate the law.
While most Americans, polls show, want stricter immigration enforcement, some Democrats remain steadfast in their refusal to draw a line. Sellars’ and Abughazaleh’s responses reflect a mindset that equates compassion with unrestricted access to public benefits, regardless of legal status.
The numbers tell a stark story. Border Patrol encounters under Biden’s watch reached unprecedented levels, with millions entering the country, many without vetting. The strain on public services like Medicaid has become a flashpoint, as Trump’s reforms aim to redirect resources to citizens. Yet, Democrats like Sellars continue to frame the issue as a moral imperative, sidestepping the practical consequences of their stance.
Jennings’ relentless questioning forced the issue into the open: should illegal immigrants have the same claim to taxpayer-funded benefits as citizens? Sellars’ and Abughazaleh’s responses suggest a wing of the Democratic Party is out of step with the public’s demand for accountability.
Democrats continue to struggle with earning back trust from the American people after their horrific showing during the 2024 election which saw the Republicans control both chambers in Congress and Donald Trump win a resounding victory against Kamala Harris for the White House. One of the major issues during that election proved to be immigration, especially after Joe Biden’s blatant dereliction of duty during his tenure.
Recent polls have suggested that Democrat Party favorability has never been lower going back all the way to the 1960s. To make matters worse for them, they have no real leader in the pipeline who is willing to put the politics aside to actually reach the American people with a vision anyone can get behind. That’s what Donald Trump did for the Republican Party and the conservative movement, but Democrats are struggling to find that spark to trigger any real reform on their part.
Dems have blown their credibility with the working class on illegal immigration, insane cultural issues, and identity politics.
And now they expect people to believe their attacks on Trump’s economic policies? pic.twitter.com/uDBnQI4z34
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) June 3, 2025
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