Just like those liberal, scientific types. A recent article in livescience attempts to tie Donald Trump’s popularity with the decline of our culture and the acceptance of narcissism.

His popularity appears unblemished despite brash statements, personal insults thrown at his opponents and rampant speculation over his perceived narcissistic tendencies.

The article (of course), is backed by research (just throw scientific and research in any article and the left is all over it like the Gospel has been spoken.) states that “both the political class and ordinary people are becoming more self-absorbed. And this increase in narcissism may have implications for many elections to come”.

Trump surely displays enormous self-regard; in June, for example, he boasted that he’d be “the greatest jobs president that God has ever created.” In September, he promised, “We will have so much winning if I get elected that you may get bored with winning.”

Now, Trump is not currently my pick and I might actually come off as standing up for the guy here (for a minute). But why, pray tell, now, all of a sudden, are we so concerned with ego in our culture and the possibility of a narcissistic president? And of course, there is not so much of a mention of who is in the White House as we speak (a-hem) and there’s no mention of current hopefuls on the Democratic side of the fence (cough, cough, Hillary).

Key traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4. Requires excessive admiration
5. Has a very strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
6. Is exploitative of others, e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
7. Lacks empathy, e.g., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
9. Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

So, yes, according to “research”, Livescience can call Trump out on the carpet for being a potential candidate for NPD. No counterpoint here to whether or not, BHO is affected with the same affliction. We have to go back to Dr. Sam Vaknin, a world authority on narcissism and the author of the Malignant Self Love, for that:

“Narcissistic leaders are nefarious and their effects pernicious. They are subtle, refined, socially-adept, manipulative, possessed of thespian skills, and convincing. Both types [cerebral and somatic] equally lack empathy and are ruthless and relentless or driven.”…As for his ruthlessness, perhaps his support of legislation to let babies die if they survive abortion, gives a glimpse into his soul, that he may lacks empathy, does not value life, and if in the position of power can be ruthless. Narcissists need power to show their ruthlessness. Considering the fact that Obama neglected his own half brother, George Hussein Obama, who lives on one dollar per month in Kenya, we can’t vouch for Obama’s empathy or say he is a caring person…”

Wow. Trump, subtle? As a sledgehammer, maybe. Trump, socially-adept? Maybe in a New York board room. Trump, refined? Are you kidding me? Think about these three descriptions when you see Obama’s face, or Clinton’s, for that matter. You can see more arguments for the case of Barack Obama’s apparent NPD here and analysis of Hillary Clinton here. I have but one case to argue for the time being.

Thespian skills:

No tears here:

And, just in case, our friends on the left are not convinced, let’s throw in Hillary for good measure:

Livescience does have a point. We are a culture that has become increasingly over-inflated, shallow, vapid and narcissistic. Our presidential election could be a repeat of the past 8 years with current behaviors and attitudes further magnified or tides can be changed for the better of all. But before the leftist media decides to diagnose an over-inflated ego and the “entrepreneurial spirit” of a hopeful on the right as a classic case of NPD, they should be checking their own house as more may be shattered than Narcissist-Of-The-United-States’ ego and their “glass ceilings”. Katy Perry concert and Indian food, anyone? There’s a piece of Naan bread calling my name…and yes, I have in my hand a rock!