Face it: This $600 billion Fiscal Cliff talk is sorta confusing and mildly boring when you get down to the bones of it, at least right before you get down to the bones of your Thanksgiving dinner. Which is in part why we let Ben Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, explain things to us, which he did quite simply today: the sooner this negotiating process is over, the better—and the sooner we can enjoy a good 2013.

Fine, he didn't actually put it in those words, but the man in charge of overseeing major money decisions in the U.S. told reporters today (via Reuters): "In contrast, cooperation and creativity to deliver fiscal clarity — in particular, a plan for resolving the nation's long-term budgetary issues without harming the recovery — could help make the new year a very good one for the American economy." Those are some big words and a big deal if you're a fan of the U.S. economy, our current recovery, and not a fan of a stagnant economy. Now, of course, we're sorta depending on everyone who isn't Ben Bernanke to listen. 

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Alexander Abad-Santos