THE EASY PART is almost over. The Senate Banking committee has declared itself satisfied with Ben Bernanke’s responses to its members’ not particularly penetrating questions, and overwhelmingly recommended that the full Senate confirm the president’s choice to succeed Alan Greenspan for a 14-year term as governor of the Federal Reserve System, and a four-year term as its chairman. The press was impressed with Bernanke’s combination of modesty and command of his material and his audience: “The nominee, with a serene smile and droopy eyelids, leaned forward in his chair and clasped his fingers as the praise washed over him. Bernanke defanged the senators . . . ” Judge Alito should be so lucky.

Bernanke’s formal coronation is set for January.