Forget JFK, think Lincoln

[Bread and Circus]

I posit that Barack Obama has enough things in common with Lincoln to make at least some comparison

1.) First and probably most importantly, we need to pay close attention to the archetypical personality type they both share: ENFJ which occurs in less than 5% of the population according to psychologists (Contrast this to Clinton's more common INTJ personality type). An ENFJ is often described in the following ways:

______________

ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are.

ENFJs are global learners. They see the big picture. The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability....

_______________

Portrait of an ENFJ - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging
(Extraverted Feeling with Introverted Intuition)

The Giver

As an ENFJ, you're primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

ENFJs are people-focused individuals. They live in the world of people possibilities. More so than any other type, they have excellent people skills. They understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others. ENFJ's main interest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people. They are focused on understanding, supporting, and encouraging others. They make things happen for people, and get their best personal satisfaction from this.

_________________

2.) They are both amazing orators with the ability to give inspirations speeches

3.) Obama is 46, Lincoln was 51 - both young

4.) Prior to Presidential office, both would share the fact that neither had executive experience (for comparison, neither does Clinton or McCain) but both hail with a legislative career in Illinois.

5.) Both have humble beginnings.

6.) Both are tall, skinny and lanky. Some say Lincoln had Marfan's. Obama may as well, he has partlicularly long fingers from what I can see on TV.

7.) Both would preside over a nation at war with itself. Lincoln literally, Obama figuratively.

8.) Both would share the motive to "heal" the nation (which is a feature of a ENFJ personality type).

________________________________

At any rate, I think it's really interesting to see Obama in light of his ENFJ personality type, as it explains a lot, something I'd like to delve into more in another thread.

[book_worm]

1. In the end Obama is neither JFK or Lincoln or anybody else. He's himself

a force to be reckoned with and a man who is inspiring millions of people and offers a new beginning in national politics.

[Bread and Circus]

2. Very true. My college major was psychology so it is still interesting to compare the two.

[Politicub]

3. Interesting an analysis- I hadn't seen Hillary is thought to be an INTJ

But I like that since I'm an INTJ, too - perhaps another reason why I'm drawn to her more than Obama. :)

[cd3dem]

4. wow... what does Obama say about the past and the future? WTF you people are nuts!

[Bread and Circus]

5. I'm sorry, I don't get your meaning.