re: Head of State
Good post. I enjoyed it.
Obama seems to treat his intelligence the way a welder does his helmet, a plumber his tubing cutter and teacher a book. As a tool.
Intelligence, wealth, title, position, athleticism, possessions can all be used to imply to others the holder's superiority. In that case they are resented.
Obama is able to apply his intelligence without suggesting anyone else is stupid or the lesser.
And one of the ways he does that is to consult with others, something we all think we'd be smart enough to do. And that levels the playing ground.
Arf