Biden repositioning on pandemic as midterm elections loom

President Joe Biden took office promising to "shut down" COVID-19, but in recent weeks, he has taken steps toward acknowledging that the virus will not be eradicated, repositioning to limit damage in the midterm elections.

The focus of messaging from the White House and top administration health officials continues to promote vaccinations, masks, and caution. But in several notable instances, Biden officials have also moved to encourage the public about the relatively low severity of the omicron variant, backed the reopening of schools, and acknowledged that the spread of the virus was...