President Obama is expected to choose the colorful White House economist Austan Goolsbee to succeed his former boss Christina Romer as the chairman of the administration’s Council of Economic Advisers. Goolsbee, an accomplished number cruncher and award-winning standup comic, takes the reigns of the council at a time when the lumbering economy haunts the Democratic Party’s prospects in the midterm elections. Goolsbee’s résumé also includes a stint with Slate as our “Dismal Science” columnist in 2005 and 2006. And long before that, he was a dear friend and college debate partner to Dahlia Lithwick, Slate’s Supreme Court dispatcher. Below are Goolsbee’s contributions to Slate over the years.
“Michael Moore and the Beige Bomber: He’s got the indictment of health care right, but not the fix.” Posted July 1, 2007.
“Where the Buses Run on Time: The lure of incentive pay.” Posted March 16, 2006.
“The Benefits of Bozo: Proof that TV doesn’t harm kids.” Posted Feb. 16, 2006.
“It’s Not Your Grandpa’s Moral Hazard Anymore: The problem goes corporate.” Posted Dec. 8, 2005.
“The Grip of Gas: Why you’ll pay through the nose to keep driving.” Posted Sept. 27, 2005.
“Pump It Up: Don’t worry about price gouging now. Worry later.” Posted Sept. 7, 2005.
“Bubble-lusions: Why most real-estate agents aren’t getting rich.” Posted Aug. 26, 2005.
“Tragedy of the Airport: Why you get stuck for hours at O’Hare.” Posted July 25, 2005.
“The ‘529’ Rip-Off: Those new college savings plans aren’t so great.” Posted Aug. 23, 2002.
