Self-promotion works: Donald Trump and the Political Benefits of a Narcissistic Personality

[pnwmom]

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/donald-trump-and-the-political-benefits-of-a-narcissistic-personality/454116/

Trump is breaking every convention of presidential politics — flaunting his unapologetically egotistical, politically incorrect style — and baffling pundits in the process. Trump is often lampooned for this, but maybe the joke's on everyone else. His grandiosity appears to be working. By force of personality, Trump is taking an idea as far-fetched as a competitive Trump presidential bid and turning it into glittering reality.

W. Keith Campbell is less shocked than the pundits. While not admitting to being a narcissist himself, Campbell is one of the foremost narcissism researchers in the United States, having authored dozens of academic papers and some books on the topic.

SNIP

In the lab, Campbell has seen how narcissistic subjects come to dominate group task assignments. He was also apart of a team that studied historical levels of narcissism in American presidents and found evidence the personality trait correlated with effectiveness in office.

So what can politicians learn from narcissism research? Campbell explains below in this lightly edited interview.

(And keep in mind, although Trump stands out in self aggrandizement, any person running for president is sure to score high on a narcissism assessment scale. "That's a job requirement," Campbell says. "You have to think, 'I should rule the free world.'&quot

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[msongs]

1. it's working somewhat well for bernie, why shouldn'ttrump try it too? nt

[wendylaroux]

2. Bernie wants to actually help others,so no ,he is not Narcissistic,your gal however,

that is a different story,quite sad.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you're not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling.

Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is centered around talk therapy (psychotherapy).

[pnwmom]

4. Neither of them have more than the usual amount of narcissism required to think

one should be the leader of the free world.

Neither of them are in the category of the Don.

[Chasstev365]

3. Really?

Go back and watch any debate between Clinton and Sanders. Hillary says "I" about 350 times. Who's the Narcissist?

[pnwmom]

5. You need to read more about narcissism. It's not about counting the "I's." n/t

[Chasstev365]

6. And you need to go back and read about what the Democratic Party used to stand for.

Maybe then you'll see that Hillary is really a Republican!

[pnwmom]

7. She and Bernie voted together 93% of the time. And part of the time they didn't was on gun laws. n/t