Unfortunately, President Obama does not actually meet the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, though he is like that category in many respects. It is also unfair to use psychiatric nosology to condemn him, since there is no defense. It is a problem with psychiatry being applied to the real world. I prefer just calling him ordinary names like “poorly qualified” or “dishonest.”
However, there were very good psychiatric reasons for not electing him to such a high office. His early history was not of a stable family sort. Thus, we do not understand his inner workings, much like a family that adopts a child and does not understand him, though they may love him very much.
In addition, by his own admission, he was constantly searching out authoritarian male figures to explain the world to him. He did not seek the advice of quiet saints who accept the paradoxes of daily existence. He sought answers and ideology. Now we suffer for his “world view.”
The next president should be a women, mother, and perhaps grandmother who is more intelligent and accomplished than our current choice in the White House. Stable background and family ties are indeed important. No more damaged goods.
Personally, I support FDIC chairman Sheila Bair.
