U.S. presidents through the eyes of Greenspan

— -- Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan worked with every president except Jimmy Carter after signing on in 1967 as an adviser to Richard Nixon during his bid for the White House. In his book, The Age of Turbulence, Greenspan expresses sometimes strong opinions about the presidents, their personalities, their leadership styles and how effectively they governed. A look:

President Nixon

Role: Economic and domestic policy adviser during the campaign

Thoughts: Initially impressed by Nixon's intelligence, Greenspan became turned off after attending a meeting with advisers during which Nixon discussed "how the Democrats were the enemy" in a profanity-laden discussion that "would have made Tony Soprano blush." When asked to join the administration after the election, Greenspan declined.

Quote: "When Nixon left office, I was relieved. You didn't know what he might do, and the president of the United States has so much power that it's scary."

President Ford

Role: Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers

Thoughts: An even-keel man who was the polar opposite of Nixon, President Ford listened to his advisers and should be recognized for his achievements in deregulation and for making reducing inflation a priority, Greenspan says.

Popular Reads

8 dead after Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff in California

• Jun 15, 7:29 PM

Personal trainer goes missing after leaving gym, search underway: Police

• Jun 16, 6:36 PM

Trump says US and Iran have reached a deal, opening the Strait of Hormuz

• Jun 14, 2:51 PM

Quote: "He always understood what he knew and what he didn't know. … Ford was secure in himself — probably one of those rare people who would actually score normal in psychological tests."

President Reagan

Role: Consultant to the campaign; headed a commission on Social Security; Federal Reserve chairman

Thoughts: Greenspan says he was struck by President Reagan's "clarity" in his conservative beliefs and his conviction about free markets.

Quote: "He brought a sunniness and benevolence to the presidency that never wavered, even when he had to deal with a dysfunctional economy and the global danger of nuclear war. … Under Reagan, Americans went from believing they were a former great power to regaining their self-confidence."