Growls

Russ Roberts, one of two George Mason University economic professors who blog at Cafe Hayek, points to a podcast that should interest Growls readers. Roberts writes:

“This week’s EconTalk is with Keith Hennessey talking about the debt ceiling, the budget process, and what’s going on behind closed doors. He is very clear and I learned a lot talking to him. You will, too.”

In addition to a list of reading “assignments,” here’s more information on Mr. Hennessey and why you might find the podcast of interest:

“Keith Hennessey of Stanford University's Hoover Institution talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the debt ceiling and the budget process. Hennessey, who worked for Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott on budget issues in the late 1990s, explains the politics of the debt ceiling and the budget process. Using his past experience as a staffer, Hennessey gives those of us on the outside a window into what is actually going on in the hallways, who has power, and how information flows up and down in the chain of constituents, members, party leaders. The conversation closes with Hennessey's best guess of which outcomes of the current negotiations are most likely and why.”

EconTalk includes a link to another podcast -- an interview with economics professor John Taylor on fiscal and monetary policy, also hosted by Russ Roberts.

The first podcast is an hour and 11 minutes, and the second is 59 minutes. After listening to them, you may know more than some members of Congress.