Tables are turned

The Federal Reserve chairman, Ben S. Bernanke, faced harsh questions Wednesday about the central bank’s efforts to stimulate the economy, in his first hearing before the new Republican majority in the House.

Bashing the Fed has become de rigueur for right wingers.

Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the top Democrat on the committee, defended Mr. Bernanke and the Fed.

And, in a turnabout, Democrats are now the Fed's defenders.