The narcissist I knew best was an ACA. There isn’t necessarily a connection, but when certain elements come together they can create a most definite connection.
At its root narcissism is a total break from a childhood so unendurable that the child detaches from it. If you’ve known a real narcissist, he or she can relate incidents from their early childhood, but then they say something like, “It’s as if I’m watching someone else. It’s not me, and I feel nothing re what this child went through.”
Recall that both Ted’s parents were alcoholics. Also, Dad abandoned him at a vulnerable age. There was likely more going on, but we don’t have the specifics.
The bottom line is that at some point certain children become so overwhelmed by a destructive environment far beyond their control that they leave it—and their feelings—behind. They create a new reality for themselves, and in it they are the most unique, amazing and singular people on earth.
Ted’s Dad aided this alternative reality when he reentereed the family and began talking big about his son. He told Ted he was anointed—a king. He led his son to believe there was a unique and, one might almost say, awesome destiny in his future.
Put it altogether, and you have a classic narcissist. The shame and rejection—and quite possible abuse (alcoholism and young children is a bad mix)—are emotionally detached from the adult Ted. What’s real to him is his anointed destiny. He’s singular, unique and amazing—and whatever happens, it’s all about him. I.e.: he’s a narcissist.
Whereas, Trump is constantly selling his brand. He speaks big and grandiose about himself and his business because he is ABC (always be closing). Before he entered the race, Trump was selling his brand as the best thing since sliced bread. One can agree or disagree with that sentiment, but it is not narcissistic. Big ego, yes...but Trump interacts with his audience and speaks to them as individuals as well as a group.
There is a difference between how Trump sells his “Brand” and how Cruz sells his. Trump goes for the positive and paints word pictures of his opponents that poke fun but are not vicious. Cruz on the other hand paints a doom and gloom picture of the world if he is not selected.
What you wrote about Cruz is the exact same as Obama. We don’t need another Obama.