Tim Geithner the Man, the Mystery, the Secretary of the Treasury

In the March issue of Vogue, contributing editor Rebecca Johnson snagged an interview with Timothy Geithner, Secretary of Treasury. Perhaps it seems ironic–even wrong–to place “the man responsible for crafting much of the bailout” next to a $5,000 Prada bag, but Johnson’s article provides a refreshing, humanizing peek into Geithner’s life. Not just his closet.

And right now, that’s what just what Geithner needs. Since he assumed his post as captain of a sinking ship, he has received such negative flack that his own mother began to watch TV on mute. In response, Geithner emotionally shut down, constructing a steel facade that let him deal with the criticism hurled his way while simultaneously establishing legislation to save our wallets. He became hated, misunderstood.

“I understand that people want to understand you and get a feel for who you are,” Geithner told Vogue, “but it’s hard to do that in the political theater of a congressional hearing.”

Such overwhelming abuse and disconnect has the potential to complicate an already messy job, and this article seems to be Geithner’s attempt at redemption. Johnson’s piece captures Geithner as a whole, delving into his normally private personal life and making him utterly likable.

For example, Tim Geithner has a Kindle! He grew up in India, Africa and Thailand, and there’s even a picture of little Timmy Geithner playing baseball in India. He makes dinner, barefoot, in his parents’ Cape cod summer house and, when he comes to New York City, he doesn’t think he–the Secretary of the Treasury–can get a table at the “popular” places.

When the Daily Show filmed their hi-i-larious clip exploring Geithner’s issue selling his home, they scared the crap out of Geithner’s kids, who were home alone, and that is one of the few times Geithner has expressed visible rage. And his flawed tax returns that emerged after his appointment? Only happened because he tried to save some money and do his complicated, international taxes with TurboTax. Sure, he probably should have hired someone. But who doesn’t try to save a few bucks where you can?

Johnson’s piece paints Geithner as refreshing, full of integrity and humble, giving him a Vogue sparkle that makes him, well, lovable. Indeed, that seems to be Johnson’s goal; she sprinkles the concept of popularity throughout the piece and, by the end, effectively confirms our greatest fear: high school is never over.