And...the added aspect is that most of them just never grew out of their teen-age years when most are asserting their personalities. Somehow narcissists are "stuck" in those teen years, when they learned how to charm people (with toothy smiles, flirtatious words/behaviors, wide-eyed looks, etc.), fantasize (as teens do about sex, fame, etc.), try to get away with things we knew our parents did not want us to do, etc. A narcissist never grows out of that need to get the "teen-age rush," that all teens try to experience growing up. A narcissist just never outgrew that need to get attention, or to shock, or to do something a little questionable, and then try to manipulate others to excuse their behavior. All behaviors most teens live through and then progress out of to maturity as they become able to be empathetic, act responsibly, and loose their defensive arrogance . Narcissists are eternal children fighting for attention of any type, but now in adult bodies. They have played the game so long, they are skilled actors. They often remain very charming, well-mannered and disarming. They can feign sincerity, because they observe it in others and can play the role, simply to gain the trust of others they need, never because they have any real concern for anyone. But, when you cross them, or insult them (even a minor insult) they cannot recover - and they become vindictive. That is when they become frightening!
Politicis is just one career that entices narcissistic people. And, as I said, some degree of narcissism is good - we all are narcissistic to some degree. We need to feel the security of our own beliefs so enough narcissistic behavior to give you strength in your own convictions, and self-esteem, in other words, is good.
But, when the line between legal and illegal activity becomes blurred by a narcissist, therein lies the difference. As usual, there is a real problem separating the acts of leaders of any type (be it in politics or entertainment or sports) from those of others who are simply "assertive," "demanding," "persevering," "talented,"etc. Those are traits that we admire and respect.
A narcissist is keenly aware of the difference, and willing to cross the line anyway - because he/she feels he/she has the "right" to do so; they are above the law - legal or moral, in their minds. They feel they are just very special, and that others simply are beneath them and laws are only for those lowly masses.
OJ Simpson is just a prime example. I will leave it to others to suspect who else fits that description of Narcissism. We see so many in the public eye today who are severely affected by their own negative narcissistic personalities. And, a narcissist must control...they must manipulate...they must lie and continually cover-up and excuse their lies. That is what makes them dangerous. There is no real truth to a Narcissist...only his/her desire to do exactly what he/she wants so they believe their lies to themselves, and they continually work to convince others they are always right..., by manipulating, threatening, charming, controlling, whatever it takes. And that constant effort becomes the focus of their world, rather than ever, ever looking at the truth, or laws, or moral standards.
Is this your forward to an upcoming bio on hitlery? ;o)