Bernanke’s midterm tests, New York Times
I really can’t imagine that anyone wouldn’t reappoint Bernanke. To introduce someone new so quickly, especially after Greenspan’s long reign, may be more a sign of instability than anything. Adjustment takes time – being Fed chairman undoubtedly has quite a learning curve – and putting someone new in there probably won’t fix anything, especially since Bernanke has the academic credentials that should give him some credibility already.
Besides, it is recognized that a lot of what he has had to face was not caused by him – it’s the economy, and many factors were remnants of Greenspan’s reign (not blaming him, either, just saying – the issues preceded Bernanke). Think the housing market …
I don’t think the article mentions Bernanke’s latest transparency moves. I can’t say whether those are positive or not, though I think many view the newer policies as positive.
If it’s a midterm, the grading is going to be pretty subjective. Even if the effects -or state of the economy – is pretty obvious, whether or not it’s Bernanke’s fault, or just a poorly “written”/timed test, is still up for debate.
