I'd really ask yourself if there is actually evidence that he is smart, or is it not more likely that he's just good at playing the political game and has a position of authority for possibly less than ethical reasons? None of us know him, we only know him through your descriptions. But basically every thing said about him sounds like "holy cow, this guy is clueless and I'd not keep him as an intern" then suddenly "he's a smart guy" kind of sticks out as not matching the description we've been getting thus far. A well meaning blundering buffoon, sure. That's how he sounded until then. Now it sounds like maybe he's setting up a heist or a network hostage situation.
