The Federal Reserve is working overtime to try to shore up the reeling economy. Last night it freed up credit for banks, cut a key interest rate, and bailed out investment firm Bear Stearns. Meantime, out on the campaign trail, the presidential candidates are all trying to convince voters that they have the know-how to steer America clear of recession. But do Presidents really have the power to heal an ailing economy? Or affect the economy at all? Ben Olken is a Harvard economist who’s studied the effect of leaders on the marketplace, and he speaks with Faith Salie on Fair Game.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.