Obama, Romney, Personality, and the Presidency (voters, president, suspect, Clinton)

[Fiddlehead]

I just read a very interesting profile of Romney in the latest Time. The article actually paints a very impressive picture of the man. Extremely intelligent and analytical, with exceptional business sense. Actually, in reading it, he reminded me intensely of one of my employees. A young scientist with exceptional focus and ability to scrutinize data and documents. The guy loves to dissect things, usually trashing them. Anyhow, it seems to me that Romney is a pretty typical scientific personality (INTJ mastermind type-introverted, intuitive, thinking, judging). They love to focus intensively on one or a few things, where their analytical minds can show their uncanny skills for focus and analysis. These are the sorts of people who can focus on a single enzyme for a decade and write forty papers about it, or build a world-class company, or a martial lander. A potential negative of that type is that presidents do not get to select their problems, nor do they get to focus their time on any one problem, no matter how deserving. Moreover, the problems deal with people as well as facts and numbers. The introverted quality might also explain why although the man is clearly of exceptional intelligence, he appears forced and insincere when playing to large crowds. It is not his strength. He likes numbers and facts and time to master them. I supervise scientists and although they are often exceptionally knowledgeable in their specialties, they often struggle to see the big picture, or simply refuse to. They want focus, control, and precision, not airy fairy correlations. So, this type is one of the most impressive personalities for achievement, but may not always be best for political leadership. I would suspect it could be very good if the president set one to three goals for their term and focused ferociously on them. And, of course, that would have to be what the public expects (get us out of this damn war, fix the economy,etc.)

Obama seems to share many of the qualities. Intense focus, a great intuitive intellect, and an ability to strategize and relentlessly pursue his plans. He seems to have some of the qualities described above (he meticulously reeled in and defeated the Clintons and gave his all for the ObamaCare effort, and of course, Bin Ladin-point is, the man can focus). However, he seems to bring a much more natural fit to public speaking and very impressive emotional intelligence. He connects to people exceptionally well, and he enjoys the big picture, delegating specific analyses. I would say he is probably an ENFJ personality type (same as me). Capable of very intense effort and analytical feats, but much more comfortable, even drawn, to the social part of the job. We make good leaders, centering on people more than facts alone. INTJs can be great leaders two, focusing on facts first, people second.

They are both very qualified candidates, and I think both parties are to be commended for putting forward people of such obvious gifts. I would not have said about any of the other GOP people I saw this year (except maybe Huntsman). I predict very forceful and substantive debates. If Romney can convince the voters that his truly exceptional analytical abilities are what is needed, he may seize the high ground. If Obama can convince them that his efforts will be comparable, and that he will be able to multitask and provide the voice for the common person, he will lead.

To noone's surprise, I am leaning Obama, because I think he better fits the model of a political leader. I also have many specific policy reasons. But that is not my point here, just to start a conversation about the personality traits of the two leaders and their relevance to the POTUS.