Comments on: The Much-Disputed Personality Types of the Presidential Candidates

By: Dan Pevar

Dan Pevar — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:01:35 +0000

My guess is that Obama is either an INFP or an ENFP. Both of those types bring out the best in people, and it’s obvious to me that Obama did/does just that.

By: Jennifer B.

Jennifer B. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:49:52 +0000

What I would like to see is the breakdown by personality type of how people voted.

By: Jennifer B.

Jennifer B. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:27:50 +0000

I agree with sarah k. and Dennis that Obama is an NFP. Often people make the mistake of thinking that the F preference means that the person cannot think logically or analytically. That is not the case. The ability to be logical or analytical is more a factor of intelligence and education. The F preference means that when making a decision, the person prioritizes how people will be affected — takes the human factor into account.

Let’s hope he can be the catalyst we need right now. More than that — America’s advocate. Ironically, a dire situation is probably the only time an Idealist Champion would make it into office (both because that’s the only way a population that is mostly NOT idealist would vote for one and that’s the only time an Idealist — NFP anyway– would be motivated enough to take action, assume leadership, and play the political game). Fortunately, this is also the best type to get America back on course. Diplomacy being the highest skill, then strategy a close second. Advisors will help as needed with strategy, tactics, and logistics, but the key is that Obama has the idealist vision to guide America back to being the role model it used to be in the days of our Founding Fathers.

By: sarah k.

sarah k. — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:35:16 +0000

For McCain, I agree with everyone on the xSTP; most likely an eStp but not a very strong one: he is not smooth and ruthless enough; he must have a pretty strong secondary function (introverted thinking) which makes him act like an isTp - you can still see the brooding part of him

Palin: I would place her as an SF - there’s not an ‘N’ bone in her body - the beauty queen and clotheshorse part clearly point to a Senser - probably an esFj (look for ‘values’ judgments)

As for Bill Clinton, I don’t buy the ‘N’ part either - ‘N’s can’t help but strategize and Bill was - is - all tactics. Another indication of an ‘S’ is his famous enslavement to the sensual aspects of life. A very smart eSfp would be my guess (’feel your pain’)

By: sarah k.

sarah k. — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:13:23 +0000

For Obama, I would have to agree with Lori Hile above - the only think we can say for sure is primary N (intuitive) - in the Jungian sense though; the F-T divide is not so defining. He must be very close to the centerline on his F-T and I-E, which makes him able to view situations from many different points of view, and have all functions pretty strong.
My 2-cent analysis makes him a natural eNfp who has over time developed all his other functions quite admirably:

- Primary: extraverted iNtuition: (eNfp) : perceives the world through intution: this also explains the P (disorganization and keeping options open)
- Secondary: introverted Feeling: evaluates the world through feelings of right and wrong: this gives him empathy and moral sense like an inFp
- Tertiary: extraverted Thinking: acts on the world through formulation of strategy and marshaling of resources like an enTj (fieldmarshall)
- Quaternary: introverted Sensing is the least developed function. Does not seem to care much about food and drink and earthly pleasures, has good control over his body like an iStj

By: Dennis

Dennis — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:58:27 +0000

Interesting discussion. I agree with the conclusion - INFP, although I think the P/J preference is probably close. That Obama is an introvert seems obvious to this INTJ - his well known need to recharge and reflect at the gym, solo, his pause before answering debate questions to collect his thoughts, his very demeanor all suggest introvert to me.

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Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:57:36 +0000

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Personality Types of the Presidential Candidates « Idea Pizzeria — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:02:59 +0000

[…] a comment » This is an interesting and insightful […]

By: Regifter

Regifter — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:54:40 +0000

Interesting and insightful analysis. Very similar to my own conclusions. Why does it seem like the conservative candidates are always thought of as having a sensing preference whereas the more liberal ones are perceived as have a preference of intuition? My preference is intuiting (INFJ) yet I lean conservative because my values stem from my Christian faith. “Compassionate conservatism” describes me best.

I believe Bush has been labeled an ESTP (what else could he be?) also. I’m not entirely convinced McCain is the same personality type but I’m not sure which letters would be different. I remember one site predicted he was an INTP.

As for Obama, he does seem like an NF, but I don’t know about the other letters. His countenance strikes me as more calm which makes me wonder if he’s an introvert. Then again, that could point to a thinking preference.

What about Palin? I tend to think she’s an ENTJ, but I’m not totally sure. Policiticans are really hard to figure out!

By: Lori Hile

Lori Hile — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:38:33 +0000

I think the only preference we can all agree on for Obama is the “N” for intuitive. There’s been frequent talk of Obama being “messy,” disorganized, and late–and there’s certainly ample evidence of him leaving his options open–or at least weighing all of them (and incorporating as many as possible) when making a decision. He is also extremely flexible and open to change. This suggests a “P,” rather than a “J” personality to me. I agree that he has many of the qualities of a “feeler,” including a deep concern for and ability to relate to people–but the way that he keeps his cool and can argue dispassionately also suggests a strong “thinking” preference. Even the “E” vs. “I” is questionable. You’d think that someone running for president would need to be an “E,” but Obama seems like someone who figures everything out/polishes it in his head before speaking; this is partly what makes him such a brilliant writer.

My guesses for Obama, in order:

INFP
ENFP
ENTP
INTP

I don’t get the “J” at all.