The Battle For Massachusetts' 8th District

Summary

Podcast Summary: What A Day — The Battle For Massachusetts' 8th District (July 30, 2026)

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Episode Overview

This episode of "What A Day" tackles the heated Democratic primary in Massachusetts’ 8th Congressional District. Host Jane Coaston brings together both the veteran incumbent, Rep. Stephen Lynch, and his challenger, attorney Patrick Roth, to explore their contrasting visions for the district's future. The conversation sheds light on key issues like affordability, generational shifts in politics, and the evolving priorities for Democrats, amidst a broader context of national crises and shifting political winds.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: National and Local Political Turbulence

• Ongoing Iran War: Coaston highlights the U.S.-Iran conflict and how it’s impacting President Trump’s approval ratings, noting widespread public disapproval.
  • "The Iran war is the most unpopular American war since public polling began, and it's dragging down Trump's poll numbers even further." (Jane Coaston, 01:24)
• Midterms Countdown: With only 96 days until the midterm elections, intra-party challenges are gaining prominence, especially within the Democratic Party as establishment figures are faced with progressive challengers.

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Interview with Challenger: Patrick Roth

Vision for Democrats If They Retake the House

• Optimistic, Forward-Looking Policies: Roth criticizes Democrats for focusing too much on being “not Trump” and not offering an affirmative policy vision.
  • "We have to be an optimistic, affirmative story... It's got to start with a big picture concept about the American dream and how we are going to help people achieve that dream." (Patrick Roth, 05:39)
• Omnibus Affordability Bill:
  • Affordable housing via direct federal financing and incentivizing zoning reform.
  • Reducing childcare costs by expanding childcare centers.
  • Moving toward universal healthcare while curbing corporate greed in the current system.

Theme of Affordability

• Housing as Central Issue
  • "We live in a community where it is just so impossible for young people in and around Boston to even think about buying a home someday in the community they grew up in... It's largely a supply problem." (Patrick Roth, 06:54)
• Personal Connection: As a new parent, Roth emphasizes skyrocketing childcare costs and the strain they put on families.

Critique of Incumbency & Case for Change

• Lack of Responsiveness and Leadership:
  • Asserts that the district’s been underserved with "no town halls in person since 2019" and little legislative leadership from Lynch.
  • "We've had someone there for 25 years, no town halls... never had a leadership position. And only after that can I tell you about how the fact that he didn't vote for the Affordable Care Act..." (Patrick Roth, 08:16)
• Generational Turnover & Fresh Approach
  • Dismisses the idea that youth correlates with extremism, focusing on energy and pragmatic solutions.
  • Commitment to term limits: six terms max in the House.
  • Refusal of corporate PAC money.
• Main Pitch to Voters:
  • A promise to show up, listen, and treat Congress "like a mission and not a retirement plan.”
  • "I think people are looking for a fresh face, some creativity, a bold commitment to actually solving problems for people." (Patrick Roth, 10:00)

Memorable Moment:

"I'm 39, the congressman, something like 71. But I think people are looking for a fresh face, some creativity, a bold commitment..." (Patrick Roth, 09:33)

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Interview with Incumbent: Rep. Stephen Lynch

Forward-Looking Policy Priority

• AI Regulation as Existential Issue
  • Sees unregulated development of AI as "probably the greatest existential threat to not only our country, but to humanity in general."
  • "I just see us barreling forward with trillions of dollars being invested across that industry... my concern is that this race towards developing artificial superintelligence is probably the greatest existential threat..." (Stephen Lynch, 16:23)
• International Cooperation
  • Advocates democratic guardrails and privacy protections, hoping to set a global standard including for China.

Positioning Experience vs. Change

• Unique Perspective from Working-Class Roots
  • Lynch recounts growing up in public housing and working as an ironworker, stating that these life experiences inform his policymaking, especially on affordable housing and labor rights.
  • "I grew up in public housing. My family was dirt poor... that's probably why I'm one of the founders of the Affordable Housing Caucus..." (Stephen Lynch, 18:47)
• Affordable Housing Achievements
  • Highlights recent accomplishments, like securing funding for nearly 900 new public housing units in his boyhood neighborhood.
  • "I just cut the ribbon on 887 new units of public housing...about $500 million worth of federal funding that I got..." (Stephen Lynch, 19:52)

Navigating the Shift Toward Progressives

• Defending Experience and Relationships
  • Encourages a "mix" of new and seasoned legislators, underscoring the importance of long-term relationships for bipartisan work.
  • "I honestly think you need a mix. It also helps to have some experience and know how to get things done and even have relationships with people on the other side." (Stephen Lynch, 21:01)
  • Points out that despite media focus on generational turnover, Congress is already much younger than in the recent past.

Evolving Policy Stances

• Medicare for All
  • Admits to previously opposing Medicare for All but now believes the country must move toward it due to persistently high healthcare costs shutting out even middle-class families.
  • "In the past I opposed the idea of Medicare for All... Now I favor something like that... I think that probably a model that reflects Medicare for all is probably the model that we need to move toward." (Stephen Lynch, 22:08)

Notable Quote:

"We are probably one of the youngest Congresses that we've had in a long, long time. I honestly think you need a mix." (Stephen Lynch, 21:01)

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Significant Quotes & Timestamps

• Patrick Roth:

  • "We have to be an optimistic, affirmative story about that..." (05:39)
  • "I think people are looking for change. They are ready for change. Change doesn't even necessarily mean occupying an ideological extreme." (08:16)
  • "Who's setting the agenda right now? ...the new generation of voices that is stepping up, taking the fight to Washington is showing up." (10:59)

• Stephen Lynch:

  • "My concern is that this race towards developing artificial superintelligence is probably the greatest existential threat to... humanity in general." (16:23)
  • "My family was dirt poor. Having a roof over our head was not a given..." (18:47)
  • "I just cut the ribbon on 887 new units of public housing...about $500 million...that I got..." (19:52)
  • "In the past I opposed the idea of Medicare for All... Now I favor something like that." (22:08)

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• [05:22-11:58]: Patrick Roth Interview
  • Forward-looking Democratic vision (05:39)
  • Affordability, housing, childcare (06:54)
  • Case for generational change and term limits (10:48)
• [16:00-22:54]: Stephen Lynch Interview
  • AI regulation as a top legislative priority (16:23)
  • Experience and role of moderate Democrats (18:47)
  • Affordable housing achievements (19:52)
  • Policy evolution on healthcare (22:08)

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Tone & Language

• Jane Coaston: Direct, inquisitive, and occasionally sardonic, especially when discussing the national political context.
  • "But besides the unpopular war and the affordability crisis and the president enriching his friends and allies while trying to imprison people he doesn't like, I really don't understand what's going wrong for Trump." (01:54)
• Patrick Roth: Upbeat, earnest, reform-minded; focused on solutions, new ideas, and responsiveness.
• Stephen Lynch: Courteous, pragmatic, emphasizes experience, and admits to evolving views.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode offers a substantive, issue-driven debate reflective of the generational and ideological crossroads facing the Democratic Party. Patrick Roth argues for a new, solutions-oriented approach to Congress, focusing on affordability and generational change, while Stephen Lynch emphasizes the value of experience, pragmatic policymaking, and his evolution on critical issues like healthcare and AI regulation. Both acknowledge the affordability crisis in Boston but differ sharply on how to bring about effective change in Washington.

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For listeners seeking more:

• The push-and-pull between establishment stability and new energy in Congress is vividly on display here.
• Both candidates present concrete policy priorities: Roth centers on affordability and fresh leadership; Lynch foregrounds AI regulation and housing, drawing on lived experience.
• The episode concludes without endorsing a candidate but provides a clear, nuanced look at the stakes for Massachusetts’ 8th District and, by extension, Democratic Party politics in 2026.

Transcript

[Patrick Roth]

I think people are looking for a fresh face, some creativity, a bold commitment to actually solving problems for people.

[Stephen Lynch]

We are probably one of the youngest Congresses that we've had in a long, long time. I honestly think you need a mix.

[Jane Coaston]

I'm Jane Coston and this is Whataday, the show that we'll not be watching. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. S new food show on YouTube where he'll be explaining how to eat well on a budget. That's in part because it's RFK Jr. But also because in the promotional materials for the show he says that he will, quote, eat anything because, quote, I don't have a gag reflex. But sir, I definitely do. On today's show, we dive into the Democratic battle over the future of Congress with two candidates, a 25 year veteran of the House and the man who is challenging him for his seat in Massachusetts, 8th district. Before we get into the chowder of it all, here's what we're following today. Thursday, July 30, so we're committed to

[Tommy Pigott]

furthering that maximum pressure policy. And of course, President Trump making clear to the Iranian regime that his policy is going to be a head for an eye. If we see the Iranian regime targeting US Troops, targeting US Interests, there will be consequences.

[Jane Coaston]

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott joined Fox and Friends this morning to spout more totally normal language as the Iran war heats back up. The United States and Iran continue to fire barrages of missiles on Thursday, igniting fears that the war will expand further across the region. Iran's official IRNA news agency said three people were killed and two were wounded in a strike on the island of Qeshm, which lies just off the Iranian mainland in the Strait of Hormuz. Jordan said Thursday it intercepted Iranian missiles for the second consecutive day. Kuwait said another Iranian strike in the northern part of the country killed one person. Also this week, drones caused fires on ships at an Egyptian port, and Saudi Arabia said it came under fire from Iran backed militias in Iraq. How much messier can this get? Who knows? Shocking but true. The Iran war is the most unpopular American war since public polling began, and it's dragging down Trump's poll numbers even further. Quinnipiac released a new poll on Wednesday showing that Trump's approval rating among voters has dropped to 32%, the lowest of either of his terms in the White House. That poll also found that 60% of registered voters opposed Trump's war in Iran, the highest number since the war began. And a new AP NORC poll released on Thursday measured Trump's approval at 33% while finding that 64% of Americans don't think the Iran war has been worth fighting. But besides the unpopular war and the affordability crisis and the president enriching his friends and allies while trying to imprison people he doesn't like, I really don't understand what's going wrong for Trump.

[Stephen Lynch]

Well, I thought we were pretty close to landing the plane last night, but this morning there's been some more complications. I think if this were just between me and Todd Blanche, we would have worked this out.

[Jane Coaston]

Ah, but that's the thing, Senator Cornyn. Where there's a Todd Blanche, there's always a Donald Trump. President Trump said today he may pull Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination for the full time AG position, at least temporarily. Why? To avoid making concessions to Senate Republicans demanding limits to a sweeping tax audit immunity deal benefiting Trump and members of his family. Because as it turns out, some lawmakers are still really irked by the agreement and that subsequent anti weaponization slush fund. Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and North Carolina's Thom Tillis, who are both out of office next year, have said they won't back Blanchard's nomination without additional assurances in writing about the settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over his leaked tax returns. Now it appears Trump's big plan is to just wait them out. He said on Truth Social that he'll keep Blanche in the role as acting AG until Cornyn and Tillis leave office. But Cornyn wrote on Twitter that the president is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis. And that's the news. Let's talk about the midterms. There are just 96 days until the November midterms determine which party will control Congress for the next two years. And while the battle between Democrats and Republicans is taking up a lot of headlines for good reason, many Democrats are facing serious challenges from within their own party. Right now we're in the midst of primary races that are pitting Democrats ensconced in the establishment against Democrats ready to take on the entire system as we know it. Take Massachusetts 8th District, which includes parts of the city of Boston. Democratic Representative Stephen lynch has represented the state in Congress since 2001, and for much of that time he hasn't faced any serious primary challenges. But this year he's up against Patrick Roth, a 39 year old attorney who thinks that it's time for a new generation in Congress. So today we're talking to both Patrick Routh and Representative lynch about what they each think Democrats should do if they win back the House and why they each are the best candidate for Massachusetts voters to send to Washington. Patrick, welcome to what a day.

[Patrick Roth]

Thanks for having me. Thrilled to be here.

[Jane Coaston]

So I want to start by asking what is the most important forward looking action Congress needs to take if Democrats take back the House? Not something that's a reaction to Trump or doing hearings or something. What is something Democrats should be doing on their own?

[Patrick Roth]

Oh, I love that question. And it's really kind of what motivated me to run in the first place because I had this sense that Democrats have become so hung up on telling people what we're not. We're not Trump. Right. And not done enough to stand up for who we are. What the vision is that we wanna see, what we wanna do for people's lives. I think we have to get back to that. We have to be an optimistic, affirmative story about that. And it's got to start with a big picture concept about the American dream and how we are going to help people achieve that dream. It's, you know, the kind of, it's my family story and the things that we are going to do in their lives very concretely, that help them get by. I think what that looks like in practice is something like an affordability bill, a big omnibus bill that does a lot of things that helps tackle housing costs, largely through supply, that helps tackle childcare costs.

[Jane Coaston]

Right.

[Patrick Roth]

That has something to say about health care costs, which is driving a lot of people out of Boston and in expensive cities like this one. So that's gotta be it. And it's sure we can do things about that, impose accountability on the Trump administration. But we have to be telling our own story and proving to people that we can still get things done with this government.

[Jane Coaston]

You mentioned affordability. That's a real focus because the Boston area is very expensive. But this is something that we've been hearing a lot. What does affordability mean to you?

[Patrick Roth]

Yeah, well, look, I mean, it has to start with housing. I mean, we live in a community where it is just so impossible for young people in and around Boston to even think about buying a home someday in the community they grew up in. And look, there's no. I wish I had a silver bullet, but I don't have a silver bullet. But I have a bunch of ideas and a commitment to solving that issue. Right. It's largely a supply problem. So we can directly finance from the federal government the affordable construction of homes across this country. We can incentivize communities to think about zoning and density the right way and we can help first time home buyers make that down payment. Right. So there's a whole suite of ideas that we can turn at this problem. The same is true with childcare. Right. I'm a new dad and that childcare bill is crazy. And trying to make that each month is really a problem for people. So same thing there a supply problem that we can solve by opening up more childcare centers, helping people get access to it, and then the whole healthcare thing, which we could do a whole podcast on. Right, I'm sure. And you probably have that has to do with pushing towards universal healthcare, which while also doing things along the way that can get the worst parts of the private system out and stop corporate greed from adding costs onto our, what is already a messy system.

[Jane Coaston]

So we've been seeing younger candidates, mostly progressives, ousting long term lawmakers across the country. Your district has been represented by a moderate Democrat for a very long time. So why should voters try something new with you?

[Patrick Roth]

I mean, I think people are looking for change. They are ready for change. Change doesn't even necessarily mean occupying an ideological extreme. But they are looking for someone who', responsive, that shows up in communities, that listens to what they're worried about and is gonna go down to Washington and treat it like a mission and not a retirement plan, who is really ready to roll up sleeves and work hard. Look, we've had someone there for 25 years, no town halls. In person since 2019, never had a leadership position. And only after that can I tell you about how the fact that he didn't vote for the Affordable Care act or he votes with the Republican, the Lake and Riley bill. This has so much to do with actually just showing up here and getting things done in Washington. And that's what we're not seeing more than anything. You know, look, I'm not taking corporate PAC money. I believe in term limits and I've got a very discreet set of issues that I want to go down there in advance for a couple of years and then hand it on to somebody else. That's how it should work.

[Jane Coaston]

Yeah, I mean, your opponent going back to 2004 was in opposition to hate crimes legislation. Even more recently, he described himself as being Pro Life until 2019. He's a comparatively conservative Democrat, but that's what voters kept supporting. So when you're talking to those same voters, what are you saying that is appealing to them and what aren't they seeing from your opponent that they would see from you?

[Patrick Roth]

Well, it's really important to realize that part of that is that voters didn't have a choice. Right. He's been in office for 25 years in the Congress, but there weren't, you know, fully fledged serious primary challenges throughout that time. I'm really one of the first person. So you have to offer people alternative for them to have an alternative in the first place. And our system is constructed to make that difficult for so many reasons, corporate campaign finance and corporate PACs being number one out of all of them. But what I'm pitching to people. Look, I mean, I don't actually. You mentioned age. I don't really mention my age. Right. I'm 39, the congressman, something like 71. But I think people are looking for a fresh face, some creativity, a bold commitment to actually solving problems for people. I think where you started, this is where people are at. They sure, they want to fight back against the administration and what Trump is doing, but they want someone who gets what's going on in their community, how expensive it is to live around here, and is ready to work on that and provide a solution, not just kind of talk about the challenges.

[Jane Coaston]

So let's say you're elected. You'd be the metaphorical new kid on the block. How do you plan on getting this done? Because I think that that's something else. It's like, you know, you hear from voters all the time, like, we send these people to Washington, they talk about how they're not gonna do politics as usual. They're gonna take on the establishment, and then they just camp out for 30 years. What are you going to do differently?

[Patrick Roth]

Yeah, well, first of all, hold me to the term limits thing. I think that's a good start. I think six terms for a House member is more than enough. 12 years, two Senate terms. First of all, in this district, it's not like we'd be losing someone who has a lot of seniority.

[Stephen Lynch]

Right.

[Patrick Roth]

Sometimes that's the case in these House districts. And you're weighing new guy versus someone with a lot of seniority, not the case with Congressman Lynch. So I think that puts a lot of people's concerns at bay. And look, just ask yourself, who's setting the agenda right now? Who are people listening to about who is going to sculpt things, the thing that comes after Trump, what this Democratic Party is going to look like? I actually think it has a lot to do with the people who are getting elected in these primaries who are upsetting members, the new generation of voices that is stepping up, taking the fight to Washington is showing up. I think that they've actually got a much more salient vote and are clearer policy priorities than the folks who've been there for 30 plus years. And I wanna be part of that.

[Stephen Lynch]

Right?

[Patrick Roth]

I wanna be part of that crew. And we've got an opportunity on September 1st up here to, to send someone else down there who has that orientation. And I think that's how you get things done in Washington. I think this whole wait your turn, wait it out seniority thing for decades is changing and it's gonna change for the better.

[Jane Coaston]

Patrick, thank you so much for taking the time to join me.

[Patrick Roth]

Thanks so much.

[Stephen Lynch]

Great.

[Jane Coaston]

That was my conversation with Patrick Roth, who's running to represent Massachusetts 8th congressional district in the U.S. house of Representatives. Next up, we're speaking with the incumbent, Massachusetts Democratic Representative Stephen Lynch. In the meantime, make sure to subscribe, leave a five star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, watch us on YouTube and share with your friends. More to come after some ads What a Day is brought to you by Oneskin. You've probably heard me talk about one skin before. And whether you're someone who tries every new skincare product that hits the market or you've been using the same one or two things for years, at some point most of us realize our skin just isn't keeping up the way it used to. That's what Oneskin changed for me. It didn't just make my existing routine better, it actually works differently than anything else I've tried. As we age, some skin cells stop functioning the way they should. Longevity scientists call them zombie cells, and that's what's actually driving those visible signs of aging, the fine lines and dullness that creeps in over time. And OneSkin's OS1 peptide was specifically engineered to address this. So you're getting everything you expect from great skincare with OS1 doing something most skincare was never built to do. And with summer here, that matters even more because up to 80% of visible skin aging starts with sun exposure. But Oneskin's new limited edition summer bundles have you covered. It's their skincare and SPF essentials paired together. So the OS 1 peptide is helping to reverse the visible effects of UV aging. While you're getting SPF protection from new damage, it's a complete system to summerproof your skin. So make sure to check these out before they're gone. I'm a big fan of Oneskin's moisturizer, which has made a big difference with my skin's appearance and texture. And this isn't just my experience. Oneskin's results are backed by four peer reviewed clinical studies, over 10,000 five star reviews and they've been recognized by Bloomberg as a leader in skin longevity. You really don't need a complicated routine to get healthier, younger looking skin. Born from over a decade of longevity research, Oneskin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code WAD at OneSkin CO. WAD that's 15% off at OneSkin Co with Code Wad. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them we sent you Water Day is brought to you by Deleteme. Have you ever thought I should really be doing something to protect myself from stalkers, scammers and hackers? But I'm not really sure what to do. Here's what you go to www.joindeleteme.com wad and enter code WAD. You'll get 20% off. DeleteMe delete Me removes your personal information that's being sold online. In the age of AI, we're all especially vulnerable to scammers using your personal data that's floating around on the Internet against you. Have you ever googled yourself and found your home address, phone number, or the name of a family member? It's unsettling, but the good news is Deleteme can help. That's why Deleteme was named the top pick for data removal services by Wirecutter. As someone with an active online presence, privacy is really important to me. That's why I'm glad Deleteme is here to help take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for Deleteme now at a special discount for our listeners. Get 20% off your delete me plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com wad and use promo code WAD at checkout. The only way to get 20% off is to go to www.joindeleteme.com wad and enter code wad at checkout. That's www.joindeleteme dot com wad code wad

[Tommy Pigott]

hey, it's Tommy from Pod Save America and Pod Save the world. Last year, 2,500 people joined us at CrookedCon for conversations with some of the smartest organizers, least annoying politicians, and most interesting voices in politics to talk about how to fix this mess. Even President Obama made a surprise appearance. We're doing it all again November 5th to 7th in Washington D.C. with even more podcasts, panels and workshops. Plus there'll be drinks, which we'll need after the midterms. No matter which way they go. Get [e-mail] if you're a friend of the pod, you get a discount too. See you there.

[Jane Coaston]

Now for my conversation with Massachusetts Democratic Representative Stephen lynch, we started with the same question. Representative lynch, welcome to what a day.

[Stephen Lynch]

Thank you for having me.

[Jane Coaston]

What is the most important forward looking action Congress needs to take if Democrats take back the House? Not something that hearings. Not something that's a reaction to Trump. What something Democrats should be doing on their own.

[Stephen Lynch]

I think the most important action we could be taking right now in Congress is actually passing some meaningful regulations on AI. I, the ranking Democrat on the AI subcommittee, AI and crypto in the Financial Services Committee, and we lack any meaningful regulations on AI right now. And I just see us barreling forward with trillions of dollars being invested across that industry. And my concern is that this race towards developing artificial superintelligence is probably the greatest existential threat to not only our country, but to humanity in general.

[Jane Coaston]

It's such a challenging industry to regulate, as you know. What would you like to see happen?

[Stephen Lynch]

Well, ideally what you would like to see is that these companies at the forefront of AI development would, would try to import preferences and guardrails that would import our democratic ideals on privacy, data privacy for every human being. Also to limit the power that these AI systems and large language models are being driven toward with some of these massive data centers. I would hope that in addition to those Democratic and human first preferences, that we would also try to encourage China and other nations to adopt those same protocols.

[Jane Coaston]

You first joined the house 25 years ago. And when you were running, being a more moderate Democrat even in Massachusetts, was kind of how you won elections. But now progressives have been winning primaries across the country. There's not a lot of bipartisan work going on in Congress, as you know. Why do you think your political viewpoint and your experience is still necessary in this moment?

[Stephen Lynch]

Well, I think every member of Congress brings something unique. In my case, I grew up in public housing. My family was dirt poor. Having a roof over our head was not a given at all. I don't think there are a lot of members in Congress who had a worry about that that have had that experience. It's probably why I'm one of the founders of the Affordable Housing Caucus that I serve on. In addition, you know, I was an Iron worker. My dad was in the iron workers union. I joined the ironworkers when I was about 17 years old. And so, you know, I'm a vice chair of the labor and Working Families Caucus, so I'm at the forefront of that. So I think that's an important perspective for Congress to have, especially at a

[Jane Coaston]

moment where so many people are talking about affordability, so many people are talking about how hard it is to make ends meet. When you talk to your constituents, what costs are they struggling with, and how do you want to fix that?

[Stephen Lynch]

Well, first of all, being someone who, you know, as an iron worker for 20 years, I live paycheck to paycheck, and that's what a lot of my constituents are dealing with right now. So I think in my particular district, housing has just gone completely out of sight. We are losing talent here. Even though we've got these great universities operating in my district, once they graduate, it is really, really hard, unless you team up with two or three other roommates to actually, you know, to live in the city of Boston. It's unbelievable. So I would say housing is the most important part. I just cut the ribbon on 887 new units of public housing. Where I grew up, we knocked down those old housing projects with about $500 million worth of federal funding that I got and rebuilt that. All those projects.

[Jane Coaston]

You entered Congress as a moderate Democrat. You still describe yourself as a moderate Democrat, but 25 years is. It's funny because 2001 to me sometimes feels like, yeah, it wasn't that long ago. It was 25 years ago. How have your politics evolved since you were first elected?

[Stephen Lynch]

You know, I understand the big push and the media's behind, you know, the young people coming in. I get that. But 60% of the members of Congress right now on the House side have been there six years or less. We are probably one of the youngest Congresses that we've had in a long, long time. I honestly think you need a mix. It also helps to have some experience and know how to get things done and even have relationships with people on the other side. For most of my congressional time, we've been in the minority. And I think being there a while allows you to build those relationships up because you got to get 218 votes. And if you can, if you can persuade some of your moderate Republican colleagues to come over and vote with you or even co sponsor legislation you've got, that's how the magic happens. That's how you get to 218. And it's especially challenging when you're in the minority.

[Jane Coaston]

But would you say when you look back, are there moments where you changed your mind on something that you would do differently now than you did then? What are some of those ideas or thoughts?

[Stephen Lynch]

You have a big one. So in the past I oppose the idea of Medicare for All, so called, although there were several versions of that. Now I favor something like that. I think we have gone so far right now that a lot of families with two incomes are still being shut out because of the cost of health care. I think we need to have a full redo of affordable care for health care in this country. And I think that probably a model that reflects Medicare for all is probably the model that we need to move toward.

[Jane Coaston]

Representative lynch, thank you so much for taking the time to join me.

[Stephen Lynch]

Oh, my pleasure. Thank you.

[Jane Coaston]

That was my conversation with Massachusetts Democratic Representative Steven Lynch. Before we go Does AI truly have the potential to leave us all Jobless? On the latest episode of Offline, Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and universal basic income advocate, joins Jon Favreau to talk bluntly about this new era in tech. They discuss potential policy solutions for combating AI's impact in the job market and then dive into the surprising ways independent candidates could spoil elections for Republicans. New episodes drop every Saturday. Tune into Offline with Jon Favreau on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. That's all for today. If you like the show, make sure you subscribe. Leave a review. It is not that hard to get an accurate map of the continent of Africa and tell your friends to listen. And if you're into reading and not just about how the State Department had to apologize. Apologize on Thursday for presenting an AI generated map at an AIDS conference in Brazil that mislabeled every African country. Like me. What a Day is also a nightly newsletter. Check it out and [e-mail] subscribe I'm Jane Coston, and it's a map, guys. You don't need AI for a map. Come on. What a Day is a production of Crooked Media. Our show is produced by Caitlin Plummer, Emily4, Erica Morrison, and Adrienne Hill. Our team includes Haley Jones, Greg Walters, Matt Berg, Joseph Dutra, Johanna Case, and Desmond Taylor. Our music is by Kyle Murdoch and Jordan Cantor. Great help today from the Associated Press. Our production staff is proudly unionized with the Writers Guild of America East.