Yeah this stuff is alot of fun to think about pj, I agree.

There are certain strengths to having an NF in office. First, as you pointed out, the president has an entire cabinet of people to filter information for him, and his empathic ability to assess character would likely result in very competent secretaries. Everything that's been observed about Obama's campaign during the primary suggests that he is able to synthesize a group of individuals effectively to achieve a specific end. This TIME article articulates what I'm talking about (www.time.com/time/magazi...97,00.html):

"If nothing else, a presidential campaign tests a candidate's ability to think strategically and tactically and to manage a very complex organization. We have three plausible candidates remaining--Obama, Clinton and John McCain--and Obama has proved himself the best executive by far."

"Clinton's sins are different: arrogance and the inability to see past loyalty to hire the best people for the job and to fire those who prove inadequate. 'If nothing else, we've learned that Obama probably has the ability to put together a smooth-running Administration,' said a Clinton super-delegate. 'That's pretty important.'"

As president, Obama would not be writing any legislature, he'd only be promoting, cultivating and sometimes resisting the will of the legislative branch. His ability to communicate, notice trends, empathize, and mediate would all serve him well in that role. And obviously, being an NF would be tremendously advantageous with regards to international diplomacy.

Still, my knowledge of the day-to-day life of the president is very limited. Hopefully someone here can give a second opinion.

Great read, and the post article discussions, thanks so much for link.

Good call Bart.

This is fun.

And what about Obama, Vicky? Would you agree on a possibly "ENFP" typing?

...and every bit of my gut feeling the same Jess. I think the person that wrote the mask piece has a motive, and it's not one of objectivity.

My personal opinion is that INFP's can be whatever they want, including Presidents and Prime Ministers...I just think for most of us, we have other agendas and leadership is not always the priority in this.

I think he is idealistic too, and I think that is an amazing thing, there is always the Purpose->Ease->Flow that can kick in with Idealism; works for me...haven't had a dream yet that hasn't come true.

(Have emailed Hillary for her personality, I figure I am being a sticky beak on this, but I'm being a very polite, respectful sticky beak). They can ignore me, or say no. :)