Kennedy's Political Consolation

How an outsider, once ignored by the public-health establishment, became the most powerful man in science

By Michael Scherer

From the ⁠⁠January 2026 issue⁠⁠.

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices