Much speculation has been made in regards to President Donald Trump's temperament, with more than a few people accusing the President of being a narcissist. Now journalist Steven Beschloss is suggesting the United States needs to create safeguards against electing people mentally unfit for the office of President.
On Monday, Beschloss took to Twitter to make his case.
He posted:
"Can we make one agreement when this nightmare is all said and done? We will require basic mental examinations to ensure we don’t ever elect a malignant narcissist again, a person who has a clinical disorder and is thoroughly unfit to hold power responsibly."
Beschloss added:
"A great nation should not be at the mercy of a malignant narcissist who [uses] demagoguery to exploit the fears and insecurities of a troubled people. As we know now, the constitution forged centuries ago is not enough to protect us."
Considering a President's access to weapons of mass destruction, Amy Springer suggested they must pass the same mental fitness screenings that military personnel do.
Others suggested other minimal requirements and reviews that should apply to the President of the United States.
While some felt the bar could be lowered even further and Trump would be excluded.
But others pointed out that many people already knew President Trump was unfit for office, but did not care. Or saw his unfitness as a benefit to them.
According to clinical references, narcissistic personality disorder is a chronic condition found more commonly in men.
"The cause is unknown but likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors."
"Symptoms include an excessive need for admiration, disregard for others' feelings, an inability to handle any criticism and a sense of entitlement."
The book Abused by a Narcissist? Knowing and Becoming the Narcissist’s Worst Nightmare., available here, gives tips on dealing with a narcissist.
After receiving replies to his original message, Beschloss acknowledged the many suggestions and asked people to suggest more.
He posted:
"Of course, this nightmare period has clarified the need for other requirements beyond norms to ensure we’re never again endangered by a sick criminal: mental and physical exams, tax returns, background checks, essential civics test. What else?"
Dr. Justin A. Frank—former clinical professor of psychiatry at the George Washington University Medical Center and a physician with more than forty years of experience in psychoanalysis—wrote Trump on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President which sought to analyze the President based on his words and actions. Dr. Frank's book is available here.
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