Former Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Alan Blinder spoke with FOX Business Network’s (FBN) Liz Claman about whether the Federal Reserve will begin to taper after the September 17th – 18th meeting. Blinder said, “I would say yes” and that “it’s a very close call.” When asked whether he thinks Larry Summers or Janet Yellen will be the next Federal Reserve Chairman Blinder said, “Summers poses a potential confirmation danger that Yellen doesn’t” and “I don’t think Yellen has an enemy in the world.”
On whether the Federal Reserve will begin to taper after the September 17th -18th meeting:
“I would handicap it as slightly over 50%, so if I have to make a guess, I would say yes, but to me it’s a very close call.”
On whether Larry Summers or Janet Yellen will replace Ben Bernanke as the next Federal Reserve Chairman:
“Yes, I work with all three. That doesn’t give me an answer to your question since the question is about the behavior of the United States Congress, which is often mysterious, but look I think everybody recognizes, and it was in the papers today as you mentioned, that Summers poses a potential confirmation danger that Yellen doesn’t. I don’t think Yellen has an enemy in the world, at least not any that I have ever heard from and she’s not nearly as controversial a figure. It’s a shame that this is becoming like a baseball game or like a political contest, but unfortunately it has become that and I don’t think the games is over.”
On whether Blinder will become the next Federal Reserve Chairman:
“Well I think I am running in last place.”
