A natural way that an economist approaches a problem is to say, here's where I think the economy is going; this is what we need to deal with the problem.
Christina RomerThere's a joke in economics about the drunk who loses his keys in the street but only looks for them under the lightposts. When asked why, he says, 'because that's where the light is.' That's the problem with the deficit.
Christina RomerIf increasing income equality is the goal, it might be wiser to put money into infrastructure than to subsidize manufacturing. Construction also pays good wages, but with lower educational requirements. And America's infrastructure needs are enormous.
Christina RomerYou care about the deficit because it allows you to do things you need to do to help people who are suffering.
Christina Romer