doi:10.7916/gzkv-e376Oral history interview with Brian Deese, 2020Deese, Brianoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesEconomic policy--United StatesBailouts (Government policy)--United StatesClean energy investment--United StatesDeese, BrianObama, BarackNational Economic Council (U.S.)Home Affordable Modification Program (U.S.)Home Affordable Refinance Program (U.S.)United States. Office of Management and BudgetUnited StatesUnited States. Consumer Financial Protection BureauDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection ActAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009Brian Deese discusses his contribution to the economic policy of both terms of the Obama presidency, in which he served in a variety of roles, including: special assistant for economic policy to the president, deputy director of the National Economic Council, deputy and acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, and senior advisor to the president. Deese outlines the organization of economic expertise in the Obama administration, and provides details about major economic policy debates and initiatives with which we was closely involved, including those surrounding the size and composition of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the administration's decision to provide support to General Motors and Chrysler, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the design and implementation of the administration's programs to provide mortgage relief and prevent home foreclosures (the Home Affordable Modification Program and Home Affordable Refinance Program). Also discussed are congressional fiscal negotiations, the support for clean energy technologies in the Recovery Act, and the challenges of communicating with the American public about complex economic policy issues