BIDEN’S whiff
Bloomberg Businessweek US|August 08 - 15, 2022 (Double Issue)
The president’s caution after Roe was overturned has frustrated some aides and Democrats, who see their rights—and a political opportunity—slipping away
NANCY COOK
BIDEN’S whiff

The aides in the Joe Biden administration aren’t known for rebelliousness. They rarely air grievances over their boss’s missteps—certainly not publicly, or to the press. There have been moments of crisis, of course, like the nationwide baby formula shortage or the wildly chaotic military pullout from Afghanistan. But they kept their heads down through those, enduring long hours and low pay to work for a president some hadn’t even initially supported in the Democratic primaries.

This time was different. The chatter started almost immediately after the US Supreme Court reversed the precedent that had protected nearly 50 years of legal abortion in the US. In text messages, over drinks, and at house parties, aides privately expressed anger that President Biden wasn’t responding with real action, or seemingly any sense of urgency, to the dismantling of Americans’ rights.

“How can this be our reaction? It doesn’t meet the moment!” one young administration official said in a phone call. “If we don’t do the right thing here, will we ever?”

Like the rest of the world, the Biden administration knew for almost two months that abortion rights were about to be gutted, thanks to a leaked draft opinion published by Politico. For weeks, top White House aides consulted with outside lawyers and legal experts about what moves they could make, according to a White House official. All told, administration officials have so far met with over 200 groups or individuals on what could be done to salvage abortion access. Biden has regularly received policy briefings on the issue.

Denne historien er fra August 08 - 15, 2022 (Double Issue)-utgaven av Bloomberg Businessweek US.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 08 - 15, 2022 (Double Issue)-utgaven av Bloomberg Businessweek US.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK USSe alt
Instagram's Founders Say It's Time for a New Social App
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Instagram's Founders Say It's Time for a New Social App

The rise of AI and the fall of Twitter could create opportunities for upstarts

time-read
4 mins  |
March 13, 2023
Running in Circles
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Running in Circles

A subscription running shoe program aims to fight footwear waste

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
What I Learned Working at a Hawaiien Mega-Resort
Bloomberg Businessweek US

What I Learned Working at a Hawaiien Mega-Resort

Nine wild secrets from the staff at Turtle Bay, who have to manage everyone from haughty honeymooners to go-go-dancing golfers.

time-read
10 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
How Noma Will Blossom In Kyoto
Bloomberg Businessweek US

How Noma Will Blossom In Kyoto

The best restaurant in the world just began its second pop-up in Japan. Here's what's cooking

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
The Last-Mover Problem
Bloomberg Businessweek US

The Last-Mover Problem

A startup called Sennder is trying to bring an extremely tech-resistant industry into the age of apps

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Tick Tock, TikTok
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Tick Tock, TikTok

The US thinks the Chinese-owned social media app is a major national security risk. TikTok is running out of ways to avoid a ban

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Cleaner Clothing Dye, Made From Bacteria
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Cleaner Clothing Dye, Made From Bacteria

A UK company produces colors with less water than conventional methods and no toxic chemicals

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Pumping Heat in Hamburg
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Pumping Heat in Hamburg

The German port city plans to store hot water underground and bring it up to heat homes in the winter

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Sustainability: Calamari's Climate Edge
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Sustainability: Calamari's Climate Edge

Squid's ability to flourish in warmer waters makes it fitting for a diet for the changing environment

time-read
4 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
New Money, New Problems
Bloomberg Businessweek US

New Money, New Problems

In Naples, an influx of wealthy is displacing out-of-towners lower-income workers

time-read
4 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023