> "If you're so smart, why aren't you the boss/senator/president?"
I think it mainly has to do with comfort. Most people don't want to step outside of their comfort zone to pursue political power. There's too much risk and not enough to gain from the time commitment.
Speaking as someone who helped with someone's unsuccessful political campaign, it takes a lot more than just discomfort to be successful in politics. I think the "just don't feel like it, but if I did, I could win" excuse for avoiding politics is like the "I could probably get in, but I don't want to be a member" excuse for avoiding Mensa. Both things are probably harder than they seem (though I only have experience with one).
I think it mainly has to do with comfort. Most people don't want to step outside of their comfort zone to pursue political power. There's too much risk and not enough to gain from the time commitment.