In a bold move during the recent debate, Senator Elizabeth Warren did not hesitate to challenge Michael Bloomberg regarding his controversial history. She highlighted a serious allegation involving pregnancy discrimination, where Bloomberg allegedly told a pregnant employee to “terminate” her pregnancy.
Warren shared a personal experience, recalling her own encounter with pregnancy discrimination while working as a public school teacher. “I loved that job, and by the end of the first year, I was visibly pregnant,” she recounted. “The principal simply wished me luck and handed my position over to someone else. Discrimination? Absolutely. At just 21, I lacked union support and federal protections.” She then directed her comments toward Bloomberg, stating, “At least I didn’t have a boss who allegedly said to me, ‘Kill it!’ like Mayor Bloomberg is accused of saying.”
This remark referred to the allegations made by a former employee, Hannah Jacobs, in a lawsuit claiming that when she informed Bloomberg of her pregnancy, he allegedly responded with “Terminate it!” not once but twice, and remarked, “Great! Number 16,” in reference to how many women were on maternity leave at the time. Bloomberg has categorically denied these allegations, although other employees have corroborated Jacobs’s story, and a settlement was eventually reached. “I never said it, period. End of story,” Bloomberg asserted. “We couldn’t figure out what she was talking about. I’m sorry if she heard something different, but we need to move on.”
During the debate, moderator Lisa Greene pressed Warren on the basis of her accusation, asking what evidence she had that Bloomberg made such a statement. Warren’s response was simple yet powerful: “Her own words.” This underscores the importance of believing women who share their experiences, particularly in such painful circumstances.
However, this straightforward defense was not enough for MSNBC’s Tom Richards, who questioned Warren further about the issue after the debate. Throughout the debate, Warren maintained her composure, a strategic choice in an environment where interruptions from male counterparts were rampant. She understood the potential backlash of being labeled “shrill” or “aggressive” if she raised her voice, a reality many women face in similar situations.
Following the Nevada debate, Bloomberg took the step of releasing three women from non-disclosure agreements after Warren’s public challenge. Warren’s calm demeanor combined with her effectiveness in addressing critical issues demonstrates qualities that many view as presidential.
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In summary, Warren’s unwavering support for those who have faced discrimination, coupled with her personal experience, sets a powerful precedent in the political landscape.