Everybody’s Business – In the Financial Crisis, Ordinary People vs. Extraordinary Problems – NYTimes.com

The inauguration today made me think of an article I read in the NYT recently that I really enjoyed.  Here’s one excerpt that sums up the spirit of the article:

“Mr. Bernanke and Mr. Paulson did not see the bubble, but then federal officials never see bubbles. This just shows that they’re human. They cannot be expected to be geniuses, and even geniuses are often wrong, and in the face of crisis, merely ordinary people.”

There are great expectations for Obama and his administration.  He seems to have a superstar team, and his poise and personal intellect is admirable.

But in the face of the task at hand, he is a relatively ordinary person.  He is not a super-hero.  We all know that, but sometimes, we can get mesmerized by the polish of his campaigns and the strength of his words.

Ordinary people get nervous in front of millions and stumble on their words a bit, like Obama did as he was sworn in.  Ordinary people make mistakes of fact and judgment, just at Obama is sure to do.

But the fact that he is ordinary doesn’t mean that he will be a disappointment.  I have high hopes for this administration. Actually, I think brilliant leaders make it too easy to stop using common sense and just follow along.  But at a time where this nation is facing uncommon problems, it’s up to everyone to work with this ordinary leader and be responsible and constructive in whatever ways they can.