Jared Bernstein: Biden's Economic Policy Adviser

CHICAGO — Vice President-elect Joe Biden on Friday named Jared Bernstein as his chief economic policy adviser, a new post created as the nation faces a recession.

Bernstein, a senior economist at the liberal Economic Policy Institute, has been an informal economic adviser to President-elect Barack Obama's campaign. He also served as deputy chief economist under Labor Secretary Robert Reich during the Clinton administration.

In a written statement, Biden called Bernstein a "proven, passionate advocate for raising the incomes of middle class families.

"His expertise and background in a wide range of domestic and international economic policies will be an invaluable asset to the Obama-Biden administration," Biden said.

Bernstein holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts, master's degrees in social work and philosophy and a doctorate in social welfare.

Comments

[robbor]

Right On!!! Jared Rocks

I often read his pieces on this site and they are fresh air...the dude cares

[mnemko]

I've interviewed Jared Bernstein for about 5 hours on my NPR-San Francisco show. Although I'm libertaria­n-leaning, I have great respect for Bernstein: smart, caring, terrific communicator. He'll do well in the high-level White House meetings he'll be a part of. He'll also be an extraordinary spokesperson for the Administration's economic policies.

[LeftLeanWing]

He looks a lot like what JFK Jr. would have if he remained among us.

[munki]

His credential is more than blogging...
Hey... on the positive side, we can have him hear our voices!
Don't you agree?

[Harrier]

He has no credentials

[ErnestineBass]

Sure he does...he worked for Robert Reich who brought us NAFTA. Swell...

[munki]

NAFTA is a long term project... It will work IF and ONLY IF...
everyone plays by the rule...

[AtlantaBill]

Great Choice so long as he keeps his distance from that Larry Kudlow fellow on CNBC where he frequently appeared as a guest.

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

No Biden adds a progressive voice as his economic advisor and you still complain. You people are getting more ignorant by the day with you knee jerk complaints when you don't know batshit. Biden is going to do a lot on foreign policy but because of his senate ties he will ave a great deal to to with domestic policy like health care and pushing the stimulus package.

[canucklivinginUSA]

Its getting to be a waste of time to argue with these people. They are never going to be happy. They remind me some much of the Quebec separatists, who are never happy unless the Federal gives them enough money for them to shut up

[Carolab]

Jared Bernstein blogs here on HuffPost:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jared-bernstein/watching-history-unfold_b_128116.html?page=14

Naomi Klein seems to think he's okay.

[DB55]

Bernstein seems like a good guy, but why the heck does the VP need an economic policy advisor. Will Biden be making economic policy separately from Obama?

Obama already has a Treasury Secretary, a Commerce Secretary, a Council of Economic Advisors, a National Economic Council, and a new economic recovery council headed by Volcker. Now, added to this mish-mosh, we've got Biden's economic team. Who is supposed to make a coherent policy out of all of these strong opinions? There doesn't seem to be anyone in particular in charge, and Obama won't be able to micro-manage it himself. I just hope that SOMEBODY actually has the task to pull all of these teams together and ensure there is a clear policy and set of recommendations for the President. Otherwise, we'll be in endless thrash mode as the economy sinks.

[SparkyDash]

This is definitely new stuff for an administration, and I'm for it. I belive Joe Biden has made a wise move...undoubtedly with strong agreement from PE Obama. The short answer may be: there has not been appropriate emphasis or priority placed on the vast complexities of our nation's and the world's economic makeup and policies for a while..too long. We're in an extreme and unprecedented time with regards the state of our economy, you should be scared. Bless Obama-Biden for stressing this situation, placing it as top priority, and pushing the norm. Someone has to lead. Because previous VEEPs have not had an economic advisor doesn't mean that the lack of one should continue. VP-elect Biden will be a significant piece of Obama's Administration. He has an awesome background and a big job ahead of him. I'm glad he will not simply attend funerals and events...no disrespect. Joe Biden likes to serve and work hard and that's what he is preparing for. No doubt, with the intellect and organization skills in team Obama-Biden, I think they'll pull an effective and wise economic team together.

[BlueBoomer]

Note that BIDEN's choice doesn't come from the ECONOMIC world, but the SOCIAL WELFARE world... I suspect that is to keep the money-minded men from running amok without considering the middle-class folks like us and how economic policy will actually (vs. theoretically) affect us and our lives.

Leave it to JOE to make that kind of contribution to the party...

GOTTA LOVE THAT JOE!

[canucklivinginUSA]

Ever thought that Jared will be added to that new Council?

[MontereyDean]

Let's see if I understand this. Economists have been exposed as total frauds. Granted, a couple of them guessed (not "predicted" but guessed) correctly that we were headed for a worldwide crisis. Further, once the crisis was upon us, these geniuses didn't have a clue as to what to do about it. Except more guesses. I can understand, somewhat, consulting one of these snake-oil salemen. But why would anyone hire one, actually pay them money for advice? And why the hell should the money come out of my pocket? You know where they should be peddling their advice? On the nastiest, coldest city streets with tin cans in hand.

[SparkyDash]

hmmm...a blanket negative, opinion about economists­.Charmingl­y snarky, but no meat and not an argument. Similar to a blanket negative opinion about any large group, say, attorneys, however most of us understand that there are many exceptional and beneficial individuals doing outstanding work for Americans,say, as attorneys.

[canucklivinginUSA]

Whoa there, economists are completely fraud?!!! That is sweeping generalization my friend! You obviously need to check your prejudice towards economists and briliiant minds, there is obviously something underneath it. I seriously resent that generalization

[GravitonX]

Blogging is now a qualification.

Where's my position?

I'd like to be Ambassador to Fiji.

[ErnestineBass]

I call dibs on Tahiti.

[IndyReader]

I'm sorry, but what does this guy know about economics?

[PATina]

Someone didn't read...

Bernstein, a SENIOR ECONOMIST at the liberal ECONOMIC Policy Institute, has been an informal ECONOMIC ADVISER To President-elect Barack Obama's campaign. He also served as DEPUTY CHIEF ECONOMIST deputy chief economist under Labor Secretary Robert Reich during the Clinton administration. (EMPHASIS MINE)

[ErnestineBass]

"Bernstein holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts, master's degrees in social work and philosophy and a doctorate in social welfare.".

Looks like someone "neglected" to list his economics degree.

But Bernstein once worked under Clinton's "Labor Secretary", Robert Reich...

Clinton + Reich+ NAFTA = giantsucking sound of American jobs "goin' south".

[curiousasheck]

Bernstein's best known blogging was for what he calls "You're On Your Own" (YOYO) economics.

[aFlyoverPerson]

Sigh. And smartness in the mix. Just. . . sigh.

I'm trying hard to think of a good looking republican man but . . . neh. Must be something about all the selfishness and hate that turns 'em old fat and ugly.

[T Pol]

I've read Jared Bernstein's columns. Very deep thinker. Good choice.