IT’S TIME FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING OF ALL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES (and ANNUAL TESTING OF U.S. PRESIDENTS)

Actually, it’s long overdue. U.S. law does not require that candidates for President undergo psychological testing. U.S. Presidents undergo only an annual physical examination that does not include a psychological evaluation. Have you ever heard a President’s doctors pronounce him mentally sound?

This is the most powerful job in the world, with immense responsibilities, tasks, stresses and demands 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. A single episode of weakness could have damaging consequences for the country. Given the responsibilities of the office, aren’t psychological exams even more important than physical exams? At the time a Presidential candidacy is announced, and before a single donation is made, shouldn’t we have the knowledge that the candidate is mentally sound, with a psychological profile evidencing the traits that would allow him or her to be successful in that office? Wouldn’t a baseline psychological exam be helpful in any determination that may need to be made under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment in the event that there is a question of incapacitation?

Beyond evidencing sound mind, shouldn’t American citizens have access to a candidate psychological profile that tells us how the candidate is likely to behave in office? After all, candidates have no problem with asking us for donations!

So, why haven’t we mandated psychological examinations for Presidential candidates and the President? Could it be that the Republican and Democratic parties don’t want their Presidential candidates to be tested with their psychological profiles made public? Yes, we think that is precisely what’s going on. We resolve that any American Party candidates for President will undergo both physical and psychological testing at the time their candidacy is announced, with the results made public. Taking this one step further, we believe that all Presidential candidates should make all of their educational, testing and work-related records public.

The following list contains traits known to be present in a certain type of personality. Do any of these sound familiar?

– Subtly misrepresents facts and expediently and opportunistically shifts positions, views, opinions, and “ideals” (e.g., about campaign finance, re-districting). These flip-flops do not cause overt distress and are ego-syntonic (he/she feels justified in acting this way). Alternatively, refuses to commit to a standpoint and, in the process, evidences a lack of empathy.

– Ignores data that conflict with his/her fantasy world, or with his/her inflated and grandiose self-image.

– Feels that he/she is above the law.

– Talks about himself in the 3rd person singular or uses the regal “we” and craves to be the exclusive center of attention, even adulation.

– Has a messianic-cosmic vision of self and his/her life and “mission”.

– Sets ever more complex rules in a convoluted world of grandiose fantasies with its own language (jargon).

– Displays false modesty and unctuous “folksiness” but is unable to sustain these behaviors (the persona, or mask) for long. It slips and the true self is revealed: haughty, aloof, distant, and disdainful of simple folk and their lives.

– Sublimates aggression and holds grudges.

– Behaves as an eternal adolescent (e.g., his choice of language, youthful image he projects, demands indulgence and feels entitled to special treatment, even though his objective accomplishments do not justify it).