The Psychological Assessment of Political Leadershas the effect of underscoring the unique and selfless nature of one's
efforts. Both of these views are consistent with Clinton's idealized
view of his own behavior, motives, and policy ambitions.
The Wish to Have It Both Ways and the Dislike of Boundaries
Due largely to his idealized view of himself, Clinton often seems
unaware of the discrepancies between what he says and what he does.
In matters large and small, there is an element in Clinton of not
wishing to, or perhaps thinking that be does not have to, make the ordi-
nary choices that individuals and presidents do.
His leadership behavior gives the unmistakable impression of a
president who has difficulty following through on his professed com-
mitments. Furthermore, his behavior suggests a president who wishes
to give the appearance of following through on commitments while
acting in a manner that is not wholly consistent with adhering to
them. This behavioral tendency comes from the sense of not wanting
to be limited in any way personally or politically (itself a manifesta-
tion of grandiosity) and from a sense of being special and therefore
entitled to operate differently. However, in ordinary developmental
experience, an individual's grandiose wish to "have it all" becomes
modified by the acceptance and appreciation of realistic limits.Taking Risks
Clinton's risk taking, like his character, contains inconsistent ele-
ments. In some areas he is not reckless and many of his risks are
hedged. His frequent attempts to have it both ways are one strategy
for managing these larger risks. On the other hand, the combination
of strong ambition, high self-confidence, and feelings of being spe-
cial and above the rules that govern others frequently pushes him
toward substantial risk taking, often of a self-absorbed type.
On occasion, Clinton's belief that he can accomplish what has
eluded others leads him to take large risks and to attempt to mask
rather than hedge them. One prime example is the president's ambi-
tious and complex health care plan. It should be kept in mind that
this plan represented a risk, not only for President Clinton but for
the public. He was willing to take a large policy gamble that his
untried plan would work as promised, that it would not result in