On several consequential issues — potential student loan forgiveness and the repeal of tariffs against China, among others — the decision-making process has dragged on for over a year, to the frustration of many Democratic officials inside and outside the administration.

People familiar with the dynamic say the process gets drawn out in part because in meetings Biden pushes for every last possible detail – his own version of the Socratic method, or Socratic badgering depending on who you ask. Biden dislikes vague answers and prefers officials to just say they don’t know but will find out. That often results, however, in scheduling another meeting — and more delays…

Biden’s history of indecisiveness has extended to his own political ambitions as well. He engaged in an extended Hamlet act before deciding whether or not to run for president in 2016, and again in 2020, to the frustration of some on his team. But putting off a decision while holding the presidential levers of power can bring consequences.