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Padilla on CNN: Border Crisis, Biden Approval, and Midterm Strategy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 14:08 GMT by CNN
      Locales: Washington, D.C., California, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - January 29th, 2026 - Senator Alex Padilla appeared on CNN's Inside Politics today to address pressing national concerns, including the ongoing situation at the southern border, President Biden's approval ratings, and the challenges facing Democrats as they approach the upcoming midterm elections. The interview, hosted by Pamela Brown, offered a glimpse into the Democratic strategy for tackling multifaceted crises amidst a deeply polarized political landscape.

The conversation centered heavily on the persistent challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border. Senator Padilla acknowledged the "deeply concerning" reality on the ground, rejecting a purely reactive approach in favor of a "comprehensive solution." He emphasized the need to address the root causes of migration - a point increasingly echoed by both Democrats and Republicans, though solutions remain elusive. This includes not only bolstering border security measures but also investing in the stability and economic opportunities within the countries from which migrants are fleeing.

Padilla stressed the importance of international collaboration, specifically citing the need for increased cooperation with Mexico and other Central American nations. While details of what that cooperation would entail were not fully elaborated, the Senator's comments suggest a move beyond solely focusing on enforcement to actively addressing the conditions driving individuals to seek refuge in the United States. He also called for increased resources dedicated to border patrol and a significant expansion of the capacity to process asylum claims, highlighting the current backlog as a major impediment to an effective and humane system.

Turning to President Biden's approval ratings - currently underwater according to most polls - Padilla attributed the decline to a complex interplay of factors. He specifically pointed to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent inflation, and the ongoing war in Ukraine as significant contributors to public dissatisfaction. However, he expressed optimism that the President could regain public trust by prioritizing "kitchen-table issues" - the everyday concerns of American families. These include job creation, lowering healthcare costs, and safeguarding vital social programs like Social Security and Medicare.

This focus on domestic economic concerns appears to be a core tenet of the Democratic strategy heading into the midterms. With control of Congress potentially at stake, Democrats are attempting to shift the narrative away from broader geopolitical events and toward tangible improvements in the lives of everyday Americans. The challenge, however, lies in demonstrating concrete progress on these fronts amidst ongoing economic headwinds and legislative gridlock.

Facing a potentially difficult midterm election, Padilla was asked about his message to voters. He advocated for national unity and urged Americans to overcome partisan divisions in order to address shared challenges. He framed the election not as a battle between ideologies but as an opportunity to focus on common ground - building a strong economy, protecting the environment, and ensuring equal opportunity for all. This call for unity represents a deliberate attempt to appeal to moderate voters and independents who may be disillusioned with the current state of political discourse.

Senator Padilla's appearance on Inside Politics offered a window into the Democratic playbook for navigating a complex and challenging political landscape. While acknowledging the severity of the issues facing the nation, he presented a message of cautious optimism and a commitment to finding pragmatic solutions. The success of this strategy will likely hinge on the administration's ability to deliver tangible results on key economic issues and forge meaningful cooperation both at home and abroad. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Democrats can successfully turn the tide and regain the trust of American voters.