'In Fed We Trust'

In his new book, "In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke's War on the Great Panic," Wessel examines how the central bank is assuming an increasingly important and visible role in reshaping the way the economy is regulated.

Wessel is economics editor for the Wall Street Journal and writes the weekly Capital column about how economic forces affect lives around the world. He has shared two Pulitzer Prizes. Read his biography.

Wessel answered questions about Fed Chief Ben Bernanke, the Fed's evolving role and the government's response to the Wall Street panic of 2008.