WASHINGTON — Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., was leaving a news conference Tuesday morning at the National Press Building when former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan stepped onto his elevator a few floors down.

“How are you doing, Mr. Greenspan?” Rep. Wamp asked.

“Not bad, but the day is young,” Mr. Greenspan quipped. “A lot of terrible things can still happen.”

“Be careful what you say, now,” Rep. Wamp replied. “You might cause a ripple in the world economy. The whole world leans on what you say.”

“OK, I’ll keep my mouth shut, then,” Mr. Greenspan deadpanned.