Psychopathic Narcissists

A reader (Hi Roger!) suggested that the term "psychopathic narcissists" was the best description of politicians. I've met a fair number of politicians in my day (ranging from local aldermen and regional council members up to provincial premiers and federal cabinet ministers), and I'd have to say that this is not true of most of the ones I've met. It probably is true of those who aspire to leadership roles, but most common-or-garden politicians seem to be pretty ordinary Joes. Oddly, the number of female politicians I've met is much, much smaller, but the proportion of "scary" types is much higher.

No, I haven't met Hillary Clinton, if that's what you're thinking. . .but I have met Mayor-for-Life Hazel McCallion, the Proprietor of Mississauga! I guess a case could be made that for a woman to succeed in politics, she has to be (or become) more intense, focussed, and/or Machiavellian than a typical male Pol, but I'm not sure that this is really true. It's a handy excuse for unethical behaviour and underhanded dealings, if so desired.