Battenfeld: Immigration crisis has Joe Biden and Democrats in a strangle hold

The immigration crisis appears to have a choke hold on Joe Biden and Democrats and threatens to damage even popular state politicians like Gov. Maura Healey.

The latest polling shows only about two in 10 Americans approve of Biden’s handling of immigration, making it the most damaging issue to the president’s hopes of re-election – even more potent than his age, the economy or inflation.

A new Washington Post poll found that 62% of Americans disapprove of his handling of immigration – up several points from earlier this year.

What is the Democratic strategy? Right now the border is completely porous, and all the Democrats are doing is quietly panicking and trying to send Biden out to sea.

The warning signs have been around for a while, and now it’s even worse.

A poll in April of voters in seven swing states found 58% – both Democrats and Republicans – disapproved of the president’s immigration policy, and that was before the problems blossomed into a crisis and cities were swamped this summer with migrants.

A Newsweek poll in July found a majority of Americans – even those who voted for Biden in 2020 – don’t believe the Biden administration has control of the U.S. borders.

It’s clearly becoming the issue that’s going to sink Biden and the Dems.

If Michelle Obama or Hillary Clinton is the candidate, are they going to get immigration under control? Not likely. Vice President Kamala Harris was smart enough to refuse Biden’s offer to be immigration czar, but she has no answers, either.

Republicans are poised to pounce on the immigration issue in 2024 but they have a big problem too, and that’s Donald Trump.

There should be an emergency plan by the GOP to replace the former president on the ballot.

If Trump were to stumble because of his multiple indictments or be kept off the ballot, who is on the bench to replace him? Right now it’s pretty thin.

The GOP needs an emergency plan if Trump is blocked.

Who is the stand-alone candidate or running mate that could step in, in case of emergency?

It has to be a MAGA candidate hand-picked by Trump. Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake is still in the news, fighting in court to get access to the ballot return envelopes of 1.3 million voters in her unsuccessful 2022 race.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is also on the list of MAGA devotees who could be a running mate for Trump or replace him in the top slot.

Among the current crop of 2024 candidates, whoever it is, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or someone else, that candidate should be ultra-focused on immigration.

Healey is also in a tough position that could come back to bite her political future.

With thousands of migrants pouring into the state and being funneled to unprepared communities, Healey is under pressure to do something and be more transparent.

Even Democratic lawmakers in liberal Massachusetts are questioning Healey’s actions or lack of action.

President Biden. (AP file)

Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald

Gov. Maura Healey (Herald file)