Ever notice how many times Obama asserts: “I am the President of the United States“?  At first, this was just an annoying speech pattern to me.  Now, however, it is starting to make me wonder if it doesn’t have some deeper psychological significance.  A few dates that I’ve found (not necessarily in chronological order):

1. May27, 2010 press conference, ” I am the President and the buck stops with me”
2. Feb 25, 2010 – health summit, “I don’t count my time because I am the President“
3. June 23, 2009- press conference, ” Only I am the President” when asked about criticism from McCain and Graham
4. August 6, 2009 – speech in McLean, VA, “I am the President” .. and doesn’t want those who created the mess to do a lot of talking
5. December 6, 2009 – Kennedy Center, ” I remember I am the President, but he’s the Boss (Springsteen)

I’m sure there are many, many more.  I’ve also heard him say many, many times, ” I didn’t run for President of the United States to …… (fill in the blank)”. If there is anyone out there with the time, patience and talent to do a mash-up video of all the times he makes this unnecessary assertion, it would be great.  Might even go viral.

It just doesn’t seem normal for anyone I’ve met, or anyone I’ve viewed in public life to keep restating the obvious.  It smacks of an unhealthy mental conditon.  So I looked up the word: narcissism in Meriam’s on-line dictionary and was led to a Healthline definition:

Narcissism is the personality trait that features an exaggerated sense of the person’s own importance and abilities. People with this trait believe themselves to be uniquely gifted and commonly engage in fantasies of fabulous success, power, or fame. Arrogant and egotistical, narcissistics are often snobs, defining themselves by their ability to associate with (or purchase the services of) the “best” people. They expect special treatment and concessions from others. Paradoxically, these individuals are generally insecure and have low self-esteem. They require considerable admiration from others and find it difficult to cope with criticism. Adversity or criticism may cause the narcissistic person to either counterattack in anger or withdraw socially. Because narcissistic individuals cannot cope with setbacks or failure, they often avoid risks and situations in which defeat is a possibility.

This is getting scary to think that our President fits this definition exactly.  This is the man charged with the defense of this nation!  This is the man with his finger on the button!  This is the President of the United States!