Quotes from Ben S. Bernanke

Once again, the president expressed his full support for us.

I still considered myself a conservative.

Europeans hoped that their new currency—in combination with the harmonization of regulations and the removal of restrictions on the movement of people, goods, and financial capital across European borders—would convey some of the same economic advantages enjoyed by the United States, with its single currency and open borders between states.

He promised to be as supportive as possible.

I didn't leave the Republican Party. I felt that the party left me.

without appearing to be partisan.

It soon became clear that, without outside help, Greece would default.

years. That would give people a pretty good idea of where we were trying to steer the economy,

At Greenspan's urging, we decided to wait before considering further action.

My experiences in Washington turned me off from political parties pretty much completely. I view myself now as a moderate independent, and I think that's where I'll stay.

it accounted for only a tiny share of eurozone trade and investment.

commentary focused on the unfairness of bailing out Wall Street (a sentiment with which I agreed) rather than on what would have happened had we not acted.

would permit us to more aggressively loosen policy in support of job creation.

In March 2003 I began a series of speeches on the topic.

The senator believed I was doing a good job but, for political reasons, had to vote against me.

In Hank's proposal, this broad role would fall to the Fed,

Portugal's relatively weak economy had in turn weakened its fiscal position.

the Committee would take a "balanced approach" in pursuing both price stability and maximum employment.

Speakers are expected to make clear that they are expressing their own views and not those of the Committee as a whole.

The callers seemed to believe that voting in opposition to their personal views for political reasons was perfectly natural.

Tim and I had persuaded a reluctant Hank not to stand in the way of Dimon's higher offer.

term, I knew that politics would continue to occupy much of my time and energy.

It would also have the authority to examine individual institutions, in cooperation with the prudential regulator,

Congress would not take up reforms of this magnitude in a presidential election year.