Category: The Presidential Election

Every four years, we, the American people, engage in a curious ritual: we elect a president. It’s supposed to be the highest office in the land, a symbol of leadership, integrity, and service. But if we’re being brutally honest, isn’t it really just a contest to see who has the most polished version of their own reflection staring back at them in the mirror?

Let’s call it what it is: an exercise in collective narcissism. We choose leaders who don’t just represent us—they embody the parts of ourselves we’re either too proud of or too ashamed to admit exist. And yes, presidents are narcissists. All of them. It’s practically a requirement of the job. Who else would willingly take on the pressure of running an entire nation, standing under constant scrutiny, and delivering speeches with the cadence of a savior?

The “Me, But Bigger” Syndrome

Take John F. Kennedy, for example. Charming, polished, and endlessly charismatic, he gave America exactly what it wanted to see in itself at the time: youth, vitality, and boundless ambition. But let’s not forget, JFK loved the spotlight just as much as the nation loved him in it. He wasn’t just a leader—he was a mirror reflecting an America that was ready to take the world stage with confidence and swagger.

Or how about Ronald Reagan? The actor turned president. Reagan’s “shining city on a hill” rhetoric wasn’t just about national pride—it was about making everyone feel like the protagonist of a blockbuster movie where America always saves the day. We didn’t just vote for Reagan; we voted for a Hollywood version of ourselves.

Then there’s Donald Trump. Love him or hate him, Trump’s presidency was like a national therapy session—except instead of confronting our issues, we projected them onto a man who mastered the art of shameless self-promotion. His slogan, “Make America Great Again,” wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was a reflection of our collective fear of being left behind in a world that’s moving too fast.

Narcissism is a Feature, Not a Bug

Let’s be real: you can’t get elected president without a healthy dose of self-obsession. The very act of campaigning—standing on a stage, waving to crowds, and saying, “I alone can fix it”—requires a level of confidence that most of us would need several years of therapy to even attempt. The same traits that we find grating in politicians—arrogance, an insatiable need for attention, and a knack for spinning reality—are exactly what make them electable.

Barack Obama, with his soaring speeches and rockstar persona, made Americans feel like they were part of something bigger. But let’s not kid ourselves: you don’t run for president because you’re humble. Obama’s carefully cultivated image as the “cool dad” of politics wasn’t an accident. It was a masterclass in appealing to a nation that wanted to see itself as progressive, hopeful, and yes, a little bit cooler than the rest of the world.

Why We Elect Our Own Egos

The truth is, we elect the candidate who best reflects our collective ego at the time. In moments of crisis, we choose leaders who project strength and decisiveness—qualities we wish we had. In times of prosperity, we lean toward charm and vision, because hey, who doesn’t love a little inspiration when things are going well?

But the darker side of this is that we also elect candidates who mirror our flaws. When we’re divided as a nation, we choose divisive leaders. When we’re insecure, we choose leaders who promise to restore our sense of importance. And when we’re looking for someone to blame, we choose leaders who are experts at pointing fingers.

So, What Does This Say About Us?

If every president is a narcissist, and every election is a reflection of ourselves, then maybe it’s time to stop pointing fingers at the politicians and start taking a good, hard look in the mirror. Why do we need leaders who thrive on applause? Why do we gravitate toward candidates who make promises that no one person could possibly keep?

Maybe the problem isn’t just the narcissists running for office. Maybe the problem is the narcissists voting for them.

So the next time you’re watching a debate or scrolling through campaign ads, ask yourself: Do I like this candidate because they’ll make a good leader—or because they make me feel good about myself?

Because in the end, the president isn’t just the leader of the free world. They’re the ultimate reflection of who we are as a nation. And sometimes, the mirror doesn’t lie.