Showing posts with label manipulation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manipulation. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Traits Considered Unfit for Public Office. Who Does This Sound Like?

It occurred to me to stop looking at our current and obvious disaster of a president of the United States of America, convicted criminal (not a judgment, mind you, a proven fact) Donald Trump, and ask say...ChatGPT, the other side of that question. 

What would be the traits of someone who should never be allowed to be POTUS? 

First, check this out: What to do if the Insurrection Act is invoked
With the Insurrection Act looming, now is the time to learn how it might unfold and the strategic ways to respond — including the power of ridicule.

Also, check out "2073" on MAX. Democracy isn’t dying with a bang but
fading in silence between headlines. "2073" shows how the system is quietly rigged & how many might not see until it’s too late. Watch on Max, before we lose it all. Probably, too late already.

Anyway, this is what AI thinks of who should never be allowed to be POTUS...

A person who should never be President of the United States would likely exhibit a psychological profile that includes the following traits:


1. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

  • Extreme self-importance and a need for constant admiration

  • Lack of empathy for others

  • Belief that they are uniquely special and above rules

  • Exploitative tendencies, using people for personal gain

2. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) / Psychopathy

  • Chronic lying and manipulation

  • Lack of guilt or remorse for harmful actions

  • Impulsivity and recklessness, disregarding consequences

  • Charm that masks a deep lack of morality

3. Paranoid Personality Traits

  • Deep mistrust of others, including close allies

  • Seeing enemies and conspiracies everywhere

  • Quick to retaliate against perceived slights

  • Inability to take responsibility for failures

4. Authoritarianism & Power Obsession

  • Desire for absolute control and intolerance of dissent

  • Disregard for democratic institutions and processes

  • Cultivation of a personality cult, demanding loyalty over competence

  • Willingness to use fear and division to maintain power

5. Impulsivity & Lack of Emotional Regulation

  • Making rash, emotion-driven decisions

  • Inability to handle criticism without overreacting

  • Taking petty grievances to extremes, even at great cost

  • Lacking discipline, strategy, or long-term vision

6. Grandiosity with Delusions of Invincibility

  • Belief that they alone can fix everything

  • Ignoring expert advice in favor of personal instincts

  • Refusing to admit mistakes or change course

  • Viewing themselves as a messianic or historic figure

7. Intellectual Laziness & Willful Ignorance

  • Disinterest in learning or seeking knowledge

  • Preference for slogans and soundbites over policy and governance

  • Reliance on gut feelings over data and rational analysis

  • Easily manipulated by flattery or disinformation

8. Vindictiveness & Grudge-Holding

  • Using government power to punish enemies

  • Obsessing over past slights and seeking revenge

  • Rewarding only sycophants and crushing dissenters

  • Letting personal vendettas dictate national policy

A person with a combination of these traits would be fundamentally unfit for the presidency, as they would prioritize personal power, vendettas, and self-aggrandizement over the well-being of the country and its people.

OK, that being said, time to ask the other side of that question:

Of all current or previous holders of the office of POTUS, which president would that most represent? 

Make of it what you will, this was the decision of the AI...

The psychological traits described in the previous response most closely align with certain aspects of Donald Trump’s presidency. While it's important to recognize that psychological analysis of public figures is speculative and subjective, many critics and analysts have pointed to traits in Trump that match several elements in the profile:


1. Narcissism and Grandiosity

Trump exhibited a strong sense of self-importance, often portraying himself as uniquely qualified and capable of solving national problems. He frequently spoke about his abilities and accomplishments in exaggerated terms, which is a hallmark of narcissism.

2. Antisocial Behavior and Manipulativeness

Trump’s tendency to lie frequently, exploit others for personal gain, and disregard the truth were commonly noted during his time in office. His presidency was marked by constant controversy surrounding his honesty, relationships with the media, and the use of power for personal advantage.

3. Paranoia and Conspiracy Theories

Trump often expressed deep mistrust of others, especially political opponents and the media, frequently accusing them of being part of a "deep state" or "fake news." He was prone to seeing conspiracies where there were none, further fostering division.

4. Authoritarian Tendencies

Trump often exhibited authoritarian leanings, including attempts to undermine democratic norms, disrespect for the independence of the judiciary, and a preference for loyalty over competence. His relationship with institutions like the press and the intelligence community mirrored authoritarian tendencies, as he sought to undermine checks and balances.

5. Impulsivity and Emotional Reactivity

Trump's decision-making was often seen as reactive and emotionally driven, whether it was via Twitter outbursts or abrupt policy changes. His administration was marked by impulsive decisions that sometimes led to unpredictable consequences.

6. Vindictiveness and Grudge-Holding

Trump's presidency was marked by his use of power to target perceived enemies, from calling for investigations into his rivals to making decisions based on personal animus. He was also known for rewarding loyalists and punishing those who crossed him, whether politically or personally.

While some might argue that other presidents have exhibited similar characteristics to varying degrees, the traits described here were notably amplified in Donald Trump's tenure, making him one of the most frequently cited examples in contemporary discussions.


Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Commander in Cheat: When Golf (or Sports) and Despotism Go Hand in Hand

Trump's rhetoric draws alarming comparisons to autocratic leaders and dictators.


We've seen odd behaviors from such types. And remember, how much Trump cozies up to these types (Putin, Kim Jong Il, Xi, etc.), and not out of any political cleverness, but merely for a desire to be one of them. 

We’ve seen odd behaviors from autocratic despots and dictators throughout history—leaders who manipulate, exaggerate, and bend the truth to maintain control. What’s striking is that Trump doesn’t simply align with these figures for political gain or out of strategic acumen; he cozies up to them because he admires their style of leadership. 

Trump's relationship with figures like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and other strongmen isn’t based on common ideological ground but on a shared desire for unchecked power. Trump's attraction to these leaders goes beyond diplomatic interests—it’s rooted in his own yearning to emulate their ability to dominate, control, and defy established norms. Instead of challenging their methods, he seeks to be one of them, reflecting an authoritarian impulse more than a pursuit of democratic principles.

Then the day Kim Jong IL became the world's best golfer. Kind of laughable, right? WE don't do that kind of thing...right?

I mean, who DOES that? OK sure, North Korea? But who else? Sure, it's just NK lies & Nonsense...but ON our American Despotic front?

"Donald Trump admits it was 'probably' his last golf tournament." OK, he's old, so hanging up his (faux) Pro-clubs in "playing" in golf "championships". One's he sponsors, so one HE "Wins".

Although this championship "win" wasn't THAT surprising.
After all, Trump has claimed "Victories" at this event for the past several years.

Donald Trump likened to Kim Jong Un by tennis legend over outlandish golf claim" Irish Star - and this from a country known for tall tales.

"The U.S. President appears to have developed a knack for over-exaggerating his success on the greens and has recently come under fire for something he claimed to have achieved in 2022." Overexaggerating? These are outright lies anyone who has ever played with him knows about. Though his supporters and Republicans do lie about it: "Another user backed the cheating claims, tweeted: 'Trump has been known to pick up the ball and put it in the cup so…��‍♀️' "

In fact, Trump's fantastically claimed "Wins" are notorious throughout the golf world. This type of lying behavior by a despot is often referred to as "megalomaniacal propaganda" or "cult of personality fabrication.

Jimmy Kimmel Remixes North Korean State Media to Mock Trump’s Golf Tournament Claims | Video

Martina Navratilova criticizes Donald Trump with Kim Jong Un comparison over US President's old golf claim.

Multiple individuals who have played golf with former President Donald Trump have publicly claimed that he engages in cheating during rounds. Notable accounts include:
  • Rick Reilly, a sportswriter who has played with Trump, authored the book Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, detailing various alleged cheating tactics. Reilly claims Trump uses a "turbo-charged golf cart" to get ahead of his competition, allowing him to move balls before others catch up.

  • Suzann Pettersen, a professional golfer with 15 LPGA Tour wins, stated in a 2018 interview that Trump "cheats like hell" on the golf course.

  • Mike Tirico, a sportscaster, recounted an incident where he hit a near-perfect shot, only to find his ball mysteriously in a sand trap later. He was later informed that Trump had thrown his ball into the bunker.

These accounts provide firsthand perspectives on Trump's alleged behavior on the golf course.

This type of lying behavior by a despot is often referred to as "megalomaniacal propaganda" or "cult of personality fabrication." More specifically, it can fall under several psychological and political concepts, such as:

  1. Pathological Lying (Pseudologia Fantastica) – Habitual or grandiose falsehoods intended to create an exaggerated image of greatness.
  2. Mythmaking Propaganda – Creating absurd or superhuman myths to reinforce the ruler's divine or infallible status.
  3. Authoritarian Gaslighting – Manipulating public perception to make people question reality and accept the leader’s version of events.
  4. Omnipotence Illusion – Presenting the leader as all-powerful and superhuman to discourage dissent and solidify loyalty.

Kim Jong-il (not Kim Jong-un) was famously reported to have shot 38 under par, including 11 hole-in-ones, during his first-ever golf game, a claim that fits within these categories of despotic deception.

Accusations of despotism against former U.S. President Donald Trump stem from several actions and statements perceived as authoritarian:

  1. Expansion of Executive Power: In February 2025, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport 261 alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, despite a federal judge's order to halt such deportations. This unprecedented use of a wartime law during peacetime was viewed by legal experts as an illegal misuse of power and a direct threat to the rule of law.

  2. Defiance of Judicial Authority: Trump's administration proceeded with deportations even after court orders blocked such actions, challenging the judiciary's role as a check on executive power. Critics argue this defiance undermines constitutional checks and balances, posing risks to American democracy.

  3. Rhetoric Suggesting Authoritarian Intentions: During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump remarked he would act as a dictator only on "day one" to implement specific policies, such as closing the border. While some dismissed this as rhetoric, others viewed it as an indication of authoritarian ambitions.

  4. Dehumanizing Language and Threats of Violence: Trump's campaign employed increasingly dehumanizing and violent rhetoric against political adversaries and immigrants. Historians and scholars have described this language as populist, authoritarian, and fascist, raising concerns about its implications for democratic norms.

  5. Challenges to Constitutional Checks and Balances: Trump's actions, such as defying court orders and expanding executive authority, have been characterized as a "bald power grab," leading to fears that the U.S. could be on a path toward dictatorship. Legal experts warn that unchecked executive authority undermines the foundational principles of American democracy.

These actions and statements have contributed to perceptions of Trump as exhibiting despotic tendencies, prompting debates about the resilience of democratic institutions in the United States.

Trump’s alleged golf cheating fits a broader pattern seen in authoritarian leaders who fabricate personal greatness to reinforce their image. Just as despots throughout history have exaggerated their achievements—like Kim Jong Il claiming to shoot 38 under par—Trump has been accused by sportswriters, professional golfers, and playing partners of bending the rules to maintain a myth of dominance. 

Rick Reilly’s Commander in Cheat details how Trump manipulates the game, while LPGA pro Suzann Pettersen and sportscaster Mike Tirico recount firsthand instances of him moving balls and falsifying scores. These behaviors reflect a deeper authoritarian tendency: the need to control narratives, even in trivial matters, to project infallibility and superiority.

One last thing...


We have an entire cohort of co called "conservatives" who for decades have believed themselves to be that, while the party which serves that group have moved consistently into the extreme and the Fascist.

A statement that is largely accurate when looking at the political trajectory of the Republican Party in the U.S. over the past few decades. Many self-identified conservatives still see themselves as supporting traditional conservative values—such as limited government, free markets, and individual freedoms—while the party itself has increasingly embraced far-right populism, authoritarian tendencies, and nationalist rhetoric.

This shift has been noted by historians and political analysts, who highlight that the Republican Party has moved away from traditional conservatism (e.g., as represented by figures like Dwight Eisenhower or even Ronald Reagan) and toward more extreme positions. The embrace of Trumpism, conspiracy theories, election denialism, and policies that undermine democratic norms has led some former conservatives to break away, while others remain within the party, either unaware of or unwilling to acknowledge its transformation.

This kind of deception isn’t just about golf—it’s a hallmark of despots who manufacture their own greatness to maintain power and admiration. From claiming impossible athletic feats to rewriting history, authoritarian leaders rely on lies to craft an image of superiority. Whether on the fairway or the political stage, the need to cheat to win reveals not strength, but insecurity—the defining flaw of every despot.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT