The “Great Recession” has prompted professors, policymakers, and pundits to take positions on the health of the U.S. economy and the cause of the crisis. Some experts believe that we are on a road to recovery, but a major question remains to be resolved: debt. While many have focused on the negative effects of our national debt, evidence shows that private debt—held by consumers and private businesses alike—may undermine our economy to an even greater degree.

With keynote speaker Paul Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, The Atlantic's Second Annual Economy Summit examined topics like the declining value of the dollar, the merits of deleveraging the U.S. economy through targeted policies, the possibility of new “bubbles” forming in healthcare, education, and other industries, and the road to recovery. 

For a transcript of James Bennet's interview with Gene Sperling, CLICK HERE

For a transcript of Paul Volcker's keynote presentation, CLICK HERE

For a transcript of John Hoeven being interviewed by Steve Clemons, CLICK HERE

For a transcript of Grover Norquist being interviewed by Steve Clemons, CLICK HERE