A resurfaced clip from the 2019 Democratic presidential primary is sparking backlash as illegal immigrant health coverage takes center stage in the government shutdown fight.
During the debate, NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie asked, “Raise your hand if your government plan would provide coverage for undocumented immigrants,” and all ten Democrats on stage—including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Eric Swalwell—raised their hands.
That moment, once brushed aside, is now going viral as Democrats deny GOP claims about their record. Former Sen. Al Franken tried to dismiss the charge by asking, “Is JD Vance a liar or just woefully ignorant when claiming that Democrats want to give health benefits to undocumented immigrants?” But conservatives quickly posted the debate clip in response.
Heritage Action summed it up: “Why don’t we let Democrats answer that?” Even Elon Musk weighed in with a simple “lol.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democrats for “trying to run away from their RIDICULOUS $1.5 Trillion big government spending bill,” saying the bill’s language reveals their true priorities. Meanwhile, Republicans point to states like California, where taxpayers were forced to cover over $52.7 million in improper claims for individuals with “unsatisfactory immigration status.”
As the shutdown battle intensifies, Democrats want to deflect—but the video evidence leaves little room for spin.
