Gary Cohn Emerges As Top Candidate To Head The Fed
Gary Cohn Image by Getty Images
White House economic policy czar Gary Cohn is considered to be the top candidate to replace Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen at the end of her term next year, according to Politico.
Cohn, the National Economic Council director, has previously denied any interest in the job.
There’s already an expected backlash from progressives who would take issue with Cohn’s time at Goldman Sachs. But sources told Politico that their would be little in the way to stop Cohn from getting the job if he so desired.
“It’s Gary’s if he wants it, and I think he wants it,” one Republican said.
Whether or not that remains true would depend on Cohn’s ability to stay in the president’s good graces, a notoriously difficult enterprise. He would also have to contend with the Bannon-Miller wing of the president’s inner circle, who are reportedly put off by Cohn’s history as a Democrat who preaches free trade.
Former Fed governor Kevin Warsh is considered the other front-runner for the position. He previously served under President Bush from 2003 to 2011.
Contact Jesse Bernstein at [email protected] or on Twitter, @__jbernstein
