Congress, Globalization, and the Economic Crisis, James A. Leach, Former Chairman of the House Banking and Financial Services Committee Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes former Iowa Congressman James A. Leach for a discussion of his 30 year career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Topics covered include: how principles are affected by interest group pressure, how the Republican Party and Congress changed during his tenure, how the U.S. electorate will respond to the changed economic circumstance, and how Congress will navigate between nationalism and internationalism as it legislates on the current crisis. Leach also discusses the successes and failures of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which changed the nature of the financial industry. He also analyzes the domestic and global implications of the relative decline of American power. In conclusion, he reflects on the leadership needed in the executive and legislative branches during the difficult days ahead. Recorded March 17, 2009 http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/iis/Kreisler.html http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/conversations