So the issue here is not simply one of transparency and accountability. In addition, political considerations may be at work. At times, an increase in the unemployment rate may be required to sustain stable, low inflation.
The nominal federal funds rate is currently 2 percent, a level that, using standard measures of core consumer price inflation, implies a real funds rate that is just above zero - considerably lower than the long-run average of about 2-3/4 percent.