The internet never forgets — and on Thursday morning, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire learned that the hard way.
Appearing on Fox & Friends to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, Shaheen attempted to push back against one of the Republican Party’s most potent talking points: that Democrats are holding the federal government hostage in pursuit of taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants.
But her attempt at damage control unraveled on live television when Fox host Lawrence Jones “rolled the tape,” reminding viewers — and Shaheen herself — of her party’s past promises.
The exchange, which quickly went viral online, captured in real time the political peril Democrats now face as the shutdown drags into its second week, with both parties accusing the other of intransigence.
“I haven’t heard anybody in my party saying that illegal immigrants should get access to the health insurance marketplace,” Shaheen said confidently, trying to draw a distinction between her position and that of progressives like Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
“I’m so glad you said that,” Jones replied. “Actually, I have some tape of your Democratic Party members saying this on the debate stage. Let’s play the clip.”