Perhaps more than any election in recent history, voters are all but obsessed with the personalities of the candidates. Using the highly validated PREP Profiles survey, based on Jungian temperament and Quadrant traits models, the following summaries present the personality component of the Presidential candidates as manifested by their outward behaviors. An individual’s values and ethics are not included in personality assessments.
Joe Biden, Vice Presidential Candidate, Democratic Party
Joe Biden is a self-admitted, Outgoing style, known to talk a lot, at times too much--his much-publicized gaffs. With a Personal communication style, Biden is empathetic, friendly, and enjoys positive, optimistic interactions with others. And while he is quick to praise others and looks on the bright side of things, when confronted either directly or by surprise attack he might need time to develop an effective response.
When initially faced with a problem, Biden might resort to sarcasm or denial, but will ultimately employ a systematic problem-solving approach tempered by minimal risk-taking. He prefers to play within the rules. His networking and penchant for working within the system typifies his systematic approach to problem-solving.
Biden’s strongest role in the Administration would be in external relations, praising and encouraging others in their work or in their dealings with world leaders, and working to bring factions together. The wider his audience, the better he’ll relate and represent his nation and party.
Culturally, Biden’s style is much like the stereotypic open, friendly American who at times comes across as not ‘deep enough’ because of his desire to keep things on a happy note.
John McCain, Presidential Candidate, Republican Party
John McCain reflects the Controlling-
His grasp of specifics may not be keen, but he instills in others broad confidence in his abilities. When pushed on issues outside his area of focus, he may retreat, especially when the issues are personally sensitive or require him to go back on his word. He does not deal well with public embarrassment and would tend to react by deflecting blame back onto the “messenger”
His Presidency would likely be one of quick, impulsive actions based on his life experiences rather than on studied research. To some, he would be a ‘hot reactor’, to others, a ‘quick, decisive, decision-maker.’
Culturally, McCain’s style is typically American – a free, bold, ruggedly independent spirit, not hung up on details - all the while fighting for his targeted goals; he probably does not feel bound by the rules of society.
Barack Obama, Presidential Candidate, Democratic Party
Barack Obama has a Controlling-
He is most compelling when the facts are known and there is time to mull over what makes the most sense based on the data. He will do the right thing even when there are no personal benefits. It is easier for him to work tirelessly towards lofty goals, such as a national health care plan, than to solve a current staff conflict.
Obama, like McCain, has a survivor style (overcoming poverty) – he is just quieter about it than McCain. Obama is more likely to internally process anger rather than say the first thing on his mind. If he holds things in too long or a situation gets out of control, he will display the passion and fight to ‘right wrongs.’
Obama’s Presidency would be characterized by creating networks, building relationships and cautiously implementing change. His leadership would offer a calming, logical decision making environment, bringing as many stakeholders to the table as possible for the long-term ‘right’ decision.
Culturally, Obama’s style holds greater appeal to more intellectually-
Sarah Palin, Vice Presidential Candidate, Republican Party
Sarah Palin comes into the race as an entrepreneurial, charismatic, Controlling-
Because these individuals fall outside the normal range of personality, it is their personal value system that ultimately directs them toward either great good or potentially great harm. At its extremes, this style can be altruistic or sociopathic. Only when more of Palin’s personal life and her motives is revealed, will her potential as a top executive of the US be apparent.
Although Palin has the charm to express a compelling story, logical sequences and facts are not important to her. When pressed for specifics on her personal life or past decisions, she predictably speaks in bold, highly generalized terms, using sound-bites for what she has accomplished or to blame others.
Her style matches the stereotypical Wild, Wild West persona or the reputation that Americans have abroad as loud, fun, worldly-naïve and aggressive people. Just as Americans are seen by many other cultures as imposing their will on others, using force of sanction, favors and charm, exaggerating a case, she has the gift of high persuasion, winning people to her side, at least initially.
In summary, the overriding question in this year’s election is not “who has the most experience in Washington?” History provides numerous examples of successful presidents who did not have ‘Washington’
By JoAn A Mann, MBA, GPHR – President and Founder, PREP Profile Systems, Inc.
PREP Profile Systems was founded in 1984 with a mission to transform the global workplace by increasing understanding and trust to improve personal communications, motivation, and organizational productivity. PREP’s 5-minute personality survey has high statistical reliability and offers a uniquely non-biased and cross-culturally applicable personality assessment. The PREP reports are now globally used by individuals and organizations for rapid insight into relationships, career matching, hiring, assessing individual stress levels, leadership, teamwork and coaching.
