I'm sorry, I understand the man has had to deal with some difficult issues, but in an administration of weaklings, he really stands out as lacking leadership skills. He couldn't control the Fed Board and consequently was coerced into fighting "inflation" at a time when it was clear to even Jim Cramer that the real estate market was on the precipice. Clueless Ben pushed it over the edge, taking the entire over-leveraged mess with it. Of course, the fact that banks were ridiculously exposed to toxic assets can also be laid directly at the Fed's doorstep. Anyone who wants to take the time can search the archives and see that I severely criticized him at the time. Cramer did his infamous rant, saying the same thing. Clueless Ben did nothing and watched the whole mess become so dire that de facto nationalization of the banking system struck republicans as a good idea. Now he sits quietly as Obama turns our economy into a third world socialist mess. Bernanke is thoughtful and well-spoken. I don't think he's evil, just weak. We needed a Paul Volcker, someone who pisses vinegar and isn't afraid to shove his cigar in your face, but we got a mild-mannered professor.
YUP! and Bernanke should have told that ass where to shove it. Instead he was polite and in a quivering voice just answered the questions. I can't imagine Volker or Greeny even allowing themselves to be in that situation before a bunch of political hacks with another agenda.
We are much better off with Bernanke at the helm of the Fed than would be the case if an ex Goldmanite were in that position. In fact, how is it that Goldman was not able to place one of their own there? Seems they slipped up on that one.