As a young reporter, I spent a good bit of time covering—or attempting to cover—U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker. It was a task he skillfully thwarted by either refusing to speak, mumbling, or concocting incomprehensible responses.

As a young reporter, I spent a good bit of time covering—or attempting to cover—U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker. It was a task he skillfully thwarted by either refusing to speak, mumbling, or concocting incomprehensible responses.