When Axios posed a series of blunt questions about transgender issues to 20 potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential race, the silence was deafening. On an issue that has plagued Democrats politically for the past year, most chose to dodge, deflect, or disappear. Only one Democrat offered a clear, direct answer—and it wasn’t who the activist class would prefer.
Axios asked three straightforward questions: Should transgender girls be allowed to compete in girls’ sports? Should minors under 18 be placed on puberty blockers and hormones? And, simply, can a man become a woman? Of the 20 Democrats contacted, most did not respond at all. Of the three who did, only former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel answered without linguistic gymnastics.
Emanuel told Axios his position hasn’t changed since his interview with Megyn Kelly. He said he does not believe a man can become a woman, does not believe men should play in women’s sports, and does not think children under 18 are mature enough to make irreversible decisions involving sex transition treatments. He also said biological males should not be housed in women’s prisons. In today’s Democratic Party, that’s apparently considered radical honesty.
Everyone else mostly ran for cover. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Cory Booker, Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Chris Murphy, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Gov. Gavin Newsom either declined to comment or ignored Axios altogether. When the questions get real, so does the vanishing act.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded by pointing Axios to earlier remarks on an NPR podcast, where he framed the issue around “compassion” and “empathy,” while conceding—carefully—that there are “serious fairness issues” when transgender athletes compete in women’s sports. His spokesperson declined to answer the rest of Axios’ questions. Apparently compassion has limits when specifics are required.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s spokesperson referred Axios to a previous interview with The Atlantic. When asked about Emanuel’s opposition to men in women’s sports, Shapiro reportedly rolled his eyes. He stressed that politicians shouldn’t “cosplay” conservatives and suggested sports officials—not elected leaders—should make the rules. When pressed further, Shapiro tried to straddle both sides, saying he doesn’t believe children should be bullied or persecuted, but also acknowledging concerns about unfair advantages in sports. Translation: please don’t make me pick a side.
This hesitation isn’t accidental. The transgender issue has become what many analysts describe as an 80–20 loser for Democrats. Multiple reports indicated it cost Kamala Harris votes in the 2024 election. President Trump understood this perfectly, spending at least $17 million on a devastating ad highlighting Harris’ stance with the blunt message: “Kamala is for they/them. I am for you.” Voters got the point.
Since then, Democrats have largely refused to articulate a clear position, hoping the issue will somehow fade away. It hasn’t. And as Axios’ simple questions revealed, only one prominent Democrat was willing to say what most Americans already believe.
The contrast couldn’t be clearer. While Democrats tie themselves in knots trying not to offend activists, President Trump continues to speak plainly, reflect common sense, and stand with the majority of Americans. And in politics—as 2024 proved—clarity beats cowardice every time.
