I have heard Chopra speak on a few occasions. He's bright but not the brightest apple in the bunch. He appeared to me to be green (for someone with his level of responsibility) and not the most polished of speakers, IMHO. I would certainly not characterize him as being "brilliant." He must have been at the right spot at the right time to have been nominated for that post. I could think of some more well qualified and seasoned alternatives.