President Bush; Zealot or Opportunist?

[bryant69]

Poll question: President Bush; Zealot or Opportunist?

Do you think President Bush is motivated by his ideology or by his desire to get some? Or what do you think his primary motivation is?

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[kaal]

1. Idiot...!

He's just a plain idiot... to be either an opportunist or a zealot you need brains, which he lacks.

[bryant69]

2. I don't know about that

Molly Ivins, who can't be seen as a Bush sympathizer, said repeatedly that he's not dumb.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Solly Mack]

4. I agree with Molly

Bush ain't no intellectual but he ain't dumb either

I don't judge Bush by any reasonable expectations of how a President should be - I judge him by his actions and what I see as his motives...and his behavior

Bush never wanted to be President to serve America - he wanted to be President so America could serve him.

[newyawker99]

16. Hi kaal!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[kaal]

17. Thanks for the welcome newyorker99

[Richard Steele]

3. Puppet. nm

[aquaman]

5. Where is the "sociopath"' option?

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

[bryant69]

6. Sociopath does not describe motivation; rather it allows him to go after

what he wants in an immoral crazy way.

Bryant

[aquaman]

7. Actually I disagree.....

Having worked as a therapist with many sociopaths in correctional settings, I would say that having a sociopathic personality does indeed impact motivations. But hey, different opinions makes the world interesting.

[bryant69]

8. Explain how then?

I mean my take is that he could be idealist; he has a way of looking at the world as it should be and he's going after that - his sociopathy allows him to tune out empathy for those affected by his pursuit of his ideology and to comfortably assume that his ideology is completely right and fuck anybody who disagrees with him.

Alternatively if he's just motivated by greed, his sociopathy helps him rationalize it and helps him tune out any suggestions that he might not be doing the right thing.

Bryant

[aquaman]

10. Don't get me wrong.....

I see where you are coming from and completely respect your opinion. And actually I agree with many aspects of your statement. I feel that true sociopaths are motivated by there own desires, points of view, opinions, etc without any ability to recognize (or care) how it impacts others. I feel that a personality type that is so ingrained as a sociopathic personality is, has an impact on motivations for decision making, actions, etc. They feel they are right, always, no doubt in their mind. Thus, that mindset which is a product of their personality impacts their motivations and inevitably their actions.

[wuushew]

12. Did you know any religious sociopaths?

Bush claims his entire life is built around evangelical Christianity. Is religion sufficiently malleable to deal with the obvious contradictions or has Shrub somehow compartmentalized his mind to protect himself from the obvious conflict between ideas and his actions?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

9. A wannabee "Strong Leader" who's neither strong nor a leader.

Just a mediocrity who is convinced that he's "somebody" and finds himself in a job that he is totally incapable of handling.

Or, as H.L. Mencken said:

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” - H.L. Mencken

[dkofos]

11. Actually he just another rebube IDIOT

But that was not an option

[bryant69]

15. Even if he is an idiot, that doesn't go to his motivation.

[BurtWorm]

13. President Bush is clearly an opportunist. I don't know about his son.

Probably a zealot. An ignoramus, certainly.

[PhilipShore]

14. Bush is a puppet