Posted on 02/01/2010 10:22:57 AM PST by CaroleL
Many historians believe that John Adams suffered from bi-polar disorder. Franklin Pierce had a lifelong struggle with alcoholism. There are strong indications in his own writings that Abraham Lincoln suffered from clinical depression. Nixon most likely suffered from paranoid personality disorder. It is impossible to know for sure what inner demons and/or mental defects were present in the hearts and minds of these deceased US presidents. But perhaps they, and some of their modern day counterparts, demonstrate the need for a formal look at the mental fitness of those who want the job.
(Excerpt) Read more at talkingsides.com ...
What they never seem to notice is that they’ve just invented lots more categories of mental illnesses nowadays.
[Nixon most likely suffered from paranoid personality disorder]
BS.
Bad idea all around.
Right off the top there’s the fact that psychology is as much an “art form” as it is a science, maybe more so. Last thing we need is a bunch of liberals deciding who is mentaly able to run for president.
If Nixon was paranoid - he had a good reason!!
After having the 1960 election stolen by Chicago Democrats and Texas/LBJ ballot stuffing - and having the fraud ignored by the media, Nixon had ample reason to be “paranoid” about how the media would cover his actions.
Nixon was far more gracious in avoiding a major political firestorm that should have occurred in 1960 by not challenging the election. Consider, on the other hand - Al Gore and how he tried to steal the 2000 election, yet claim that Bush stole it!
It will be a historical fact that Nixon had more class and honesty that Al Gore....not that either had a lot of class or honesty.
>> It is impossible to know for sure what inner demons and/or mental defects were present in the hearts and minds of these deceased US presidents.
... then it is irresponsible to speculate.
When you invent psychological disorders to excuse every character flaw and moral weakness, everyone has a “disorder”.
SnakeDoc
In Nixon’s case, they WERE out to get him.
Interesting replies, all.
I wonder though if those opposed to psychological testing for president/presidential candidates think we should abolish existing psychological testing done on military, police and private sector applicants.
Is it only the politicans who should be protected from this form of screening?
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