‘Devastating Political Consequences’: A Mistake This Senior Democrat Believes Had Major Impact on His Party
Rep. Brendan Boyle is eager to address Medicaid and pricing concerns, yet he believes Democrats should also tackle additional issues. He has insights on how to approach these challenges.
TroibNews 
As Donald Trump and his Republican allies push to drastically cut federal agencies and spending programs, congressional Democrats are under increasing pressure to counteract these moves while engaging voters for the upcoming 2026 and 2028 elections. This challenge demands a blend of effective politics and sound policy, and one rising figure within the Democratic Party is confident in his approach: Rep. Brendan Boyle, a congressman from Pennsylvania and the ranking member of the House Budget Committee.
In a recent interview for the Playbook Deep Dive podcast, Boyle emphasized the importance of achieving policy objectives like preventing significant Medicaid cuts and lowering prices, arguing that these efforts align with good political strategy as well. He noted that the party must also work to demonstrate to voters that they occupy the “cultural mainstream” on topics like the participation of transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports. “But at the same time not go down the route of beating up and bullying kids who are trans, just so we can get a few votes out of it,” he added. He also shared insights on how voters might assign blame if Democrats pursue a government shutdown over cuts to the Department of Education (DOGE) next week.
Regardless of whether his approach is the right one, Boyle is optimistic about the Democrats' prospect as they move forward. “I will do everything possible to make sure [Republicans’] bad ideas don't become law,” he asserted, adding, “but I think either way, next November, they’ll be held responsible.”
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity by Deep Dive Producer Kara Tabor and Senior Producer Alex Keeney. You can listen to the full Playbook Deep Dive podcast interview here:
Listen to this episode of Playbook Deep Dive on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The discussion turned to the shutdown politics surrounding the government, Democratic positioning in the face of Trump’s influence, and what Boyle referred to as the “DOGE bags.”
Boyle was asked about a significant statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who remarked that Democrats have misstepped regarding transgender individuals, particularly those assigned male at birth, competing in women’s sports. Boyle expressed a mixture of sarcasm and concern, stating, “The new-found Republican commitment to high school girls’ sports is truly admirable.” He clarified his stance, saying, “I’m very comfortable with both the NCAA and high school sports associations making these decisions,” emphasizing the need to keep girls' sports safe while addressing the troubling implications of some Republican-proposed legislation.
He elaborated on the ramifications of certain bills, asserting that they could lead to invasive checks of female athletes. “If my daughter is playing tennis or playing soccer, I sure as hell don’t want some high school coach or parent asking for an inspection or something grotesque like that,” he stated.
When discussing the effectiveness of political messaging, Boyle criticized a damaging ad he encountered about Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting that Democrats need to respond more vigorously and address trans issues while prioritizing economic concerns. “The main takeaway is that any time you’re hit, you have to respond,” he emphasized.
Regarding finding common ground and neutralizing potential arguments, Boyle indicated that Democrats should clarify their stance upfront. “We don’t want men playing on the same playing field with women,” he stated, while expressing trust in the relevant sports organizations to handle such decisions without invasive measures.
Boyle addressed the polarization surrounding cultural issues, arguing that Democrats must showcase their alignment with mainstream values while standing up against bullying. “We’re not going to bully anyone, and we’re not going to stand for bullying anyone,” he remarked, noting the alarming statistics regarding trans teens' mental health.
The discussion shifted to the broader strategy for addressing Trump’s policies and legislative tactics as Democrats navigate the current political landscape. Boyle pointed out that for many congressional members, their primary races are often determined in party primaries rather than the general election. “For those of us who want to be in the majority, we recognize that the districts that will determine control of Congress don’t look like the 85 percent of districts where the race is determined in the primary,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of focusing on issues that resonate with the American public, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts. “We got confirmation yesterday evening that I want to get the word out about: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office verified what we have been saying,” he informed listeners.
As the impending government funding deadline looms, Boyle discussed the leverage that Democrats could hold in negotiations, emphasizing the need to address illegal practices happening under the current administration. He stressed that a “clean” resolution would not be acceptable given the context of current policy violations.
In addressing concerns about the political ramifications of a potential government shutdown, Boyle reassured that he is focused on ensuring that laws are followed and that the Republican push for impoundment threatens the checks and balances inherent in the government. He expressed confidence in the future of Democratic leadership as they face these challenges.
Reflecting on the political landscape, he cautioned that while Republicans have successfully weaponized cultural issues in the past, it is crucial for Democrats to maintain focus on substantive, forward-looking policies that improve voters’ lives. By doing so, he believes Democrats can secure victories in upcoming elections: “Anytime we make it about the voters and how we can improve their lives, that’s when you win.”
Listen to this episode of Playbook Deep Dive on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a recent interview for the Playbook Deep Dive podcast, Boyle emphasized the importance of achieving policy objectives like preventing significant Medicaid cuts and lowering prices, arguing that these efforts align with good political strategy as well. He noted that the party must also work to demonstrate to voters that they occupy the “cultural mainstream” on topics like the participation of transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports. “But at the same time not go down the route of beating up and bullying kids who are trans, just so we can get a few votes out of it,” he added. He also shared insights on how voters might assign blame if Democrats pursue a government shutdown over cuts to the Department of Education (DOGE) next week.
Regardless of whether his approach is the right one, Boyle is optimistic about the Democrats' prospect as they move forward. “I will do everything possible to make sure [Republicans’] bad ideas don't become law,” he asserted, adding, “but I think either way, next November, they’ll be held responsible.”
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity by Deep Dive Producer Kara Tabor and Senior Producer Alex Keeney. You can listen to the full Playbook Deep Dive podcast interview here:
Listen to this episode of Playbook Deep Dive on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The discussion turned to the shutdown politics surrounding the government, Democratic positioning in the face of Trump’s influence, and what Boyle referred to as the “DOGE bags.”
Boyle was asked about a significant statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who remarked that Democrats have misstepped regarding transgender individuals, particularly those assigned male at birth, competing in women’s sports. Boyle expressed a mixture of sarcasm and concern, stating, “The new-found Republican commitment to high school girls’ sports is truly admirable.” He clarified his stance, saying, “I’m very comfortable with both the NCAA and high school sports associations making these decisions,” emphasizing the need to keep girls' sports safe while addressing the troubling implications of some Republican-proposed legislation.
He elaborated on the ramifications of certain bills, asserting that they could lead to invasive checks of female athletes. “If my daughter is playing tennis or playing soccer, I sure as hell don’t want some high school coach or parent asking for an inspection or something grotesque like that,” he stated.
When discussing the effectiveness of political messaging, Boyle criticized a damaging ad he encountered about Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting that Democrats need to respond more vigorously and address trans issues while prioritizing economic concerns. “The main takeaway is that any time you’re hit, you have to respond,” he emphasized.
Regarding finding common ground and neutralizing potential arguments, Boyle indicated that Democrats should clarify their stance upfront. “We don’t want men playing on the same playing field with women,” he stated, while expressing trust in the relevant sports organizations to handle such decisions without invasive measures.
Boyle addressed the polarization surrounding cultural issues, arguing that Democrats must showcase their alignment with mainstream values while standing up against bullying. “We’re not going to bully anyone, and we’re not going to stand for bullying anyone,” he remarked, noting the alarming statistics regarding trans teens' mental health.
The discussion shifted to the broader strategy for addressing Trump’s policies and legislative tactics as Democrats navigate the current political landscape. Boyle pointed out that for many congressional members, their primary races are often determined in party primaries rather than the general election. “For those of us who want to be in the majority, we recognize that the districts that will determine control of Congress don’t look like the 85 percent of districts where the race is determined in the primary,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of focusing on issues that resonate with the American public, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts. “We got confirmation yesterday evening that I want to get the word out about: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office verified what we have been saying,” he informed listeners.
As the impending government funding deadline looms, Boyle discussed the leverage that Democrats could hold in negotiations, emphasizing the need to address illegal practices happening under the current administration. He stressed that a “clean” resolution would not be acceptable given the context of current policy violations.
In addressing concerns about the political ramifications of a potential government shutdown, Boyle reassured that he is focused on ensuring that laws are followed and that the Republican push for impoundment threatens the checks and balances inherent in the government. He expressed confidence in the future of Democratic leadership as they face these challenges.
Reflecting on the political landscape, he cautioned that while Republicans have successfully weaponized cultural issues in the past, it is crucial for Democrats to maintain focus on substantive, forward-looking policies that improve voters’ lives. By doing so, he believes Democrats can secure victories in upcoming elections: “Anytime we make it about the voters and how we can improve their lives, that’s when you win.”
Listen to this episode of Playbook Deep Dive on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
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