Let’s take a quick look at the narcissistic presidents whose biggest love affairs weren’t with the United States or with their country, but with themselves. As Kluger explains, narcissism may prove a useful trait for a president — or at least not a surprising one. “To run for president and endure a grueling, often ugly campaign, one has to possess the staunch and unwavering belief that he or she is the best qualified person for the job,” Kluger writes. “It’s what keeps presidential candidates going. It’s what motivates and drives them. All it takes is a foundation of grandiosity, a keen sense of entitlement, and perhaps a little lack of empathy and awareness.” The Harvard Business Review counts charisma as one of the things that make us love narcissists. Charisma, conveniently enough, also makes it more difficult to spot a narcissist. As the publication explains, “Not all charismatic people are narcissistic, but many narcissists are charismatic, and the more charismatic they are, the more time it takes to spot them.”
I think the study is confusing narcissism with simply being egotistical. I would think all presidents are a little egotistical, or they wouldn't think they could be president. Being egotistical is not always a bad thing. The Bushes??? . No way!!! . I don't think they were even egotistical. I don't even think Nixon was a narcissist. Just paranoid. A malignant narcissist is a truly evil person, a manipulator, and fairly rare. They enjoy pitting people against each other and sitting back and watching the show. It's called triangulation. "They get angry when folks in 'opposing' groups even talk to each other."
@Nancy Hart Perhaps the definition of "Narcissism" is broader than I have always understood it. I simply can't imagine LBJ, for example, admiring his appearance as revealed by a full-length mirror! Frank
Some even pit their own children against each other. A supervisor might try the same thing with his employees. I've been reading about it for months, because I had a supervisor like that. It's why I retired as early as possible.
Not narcissism.. Necessary, but not sufficient. I never cared much for it when a president referred to it as "My administration." They all do that now. It should be "Our administration." Not a big deal. Just annoying.
The most narcissistic president I'm aware of was the one who drafted our Constitution, Thomas Jefferson. Harry
Talking of DT... I have no particular feeling for the man good or bad... however this guy made me laugh... he does such a brilliant impression of DT..
I really don't think that at all, Bobby! Tom Jefferson was no more of a narcissist than Jimmy Carter...I just posted that for shock value! Maybe I should refrain from doing this...some serious replies get unceremoniously shot down this way. Sorry if this offends you. Hal
It didn’t offend me in the least Hal but I was definitely curious as to why Jefferson was at the top of your list. He was definitely ostentatious and by all reckoning his lifestyle indicates that he loved the finer material things which included a huge farm so he could make money to buy those finer things. So, with those small things in mind I really thought you might be on to something. Dern, what I thought might be a moment of genuine conversation delving into the lifestyle of one of our forefathers was alas, a prank post.
Yeah, Bobby...but if stimulated and motivated, you'd be surprised at my capacity to ramble on about certain technical and historical subjects! Hal 9000 (I can't locate that picture you said you posted.....)