It was Paulson who lead it, but Bernanke and Blair were right there next to him during the TARP ultimatum meeting. The implicit threat was that if they turned it down, the regulators would force it upon them.

The meeting minutes came out in an FOIA request and lawsuit[0]:

> Ben, Sheila, John, Tim and I have asked you here ..

> If a capital fusion is not appealing, you should be aware that your regulator will require it in any circumstance.

[0] http://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judic...