James David Barber’s

The Presidential Character: Predicting Performance in the White House.

 

Positive

Negative

 

 

 

Active

 

 

 

ADAPTIVE: These presidents are confident & flexible; they create opportunities for action; they enjoy the exercise of power & do not take themselves too seriously; they emphasize the "rational mastery" of their environment; power is used as a means to achieve beneficial results.

F. D. Roosevelt, H. Truman, J. F. Kennedy, G. Ford (G. W. Bush 1st term?)

COMPULSIVE: power is used as a means to self-realization; they expend great energy on tasks but derive little joy; they are preoccupied with whether they are failing or succeeding; they have low self-esteem; they are inclined to rigidity & are highly driven; they have a problem managing aggression.

W. Wilson, H. Hoover, A. Lincoln, L. B. Johnson, R. Nixon, (J. Kerry, A. Gore, H. Clinton?)

 

 

Passive

COMPLIANT: superficially optimistic they seek to be loved; they are easily manipulated; they have low self-esteem which is overcome by an ingratiating personality; they react rather than initiate.

 

W. H. Taft, W. Harding, R. Reagan, W. Clinton

WITHDRAWN: they respond to a sense of duty; they avoid power; they have low self-esteem which is compensated by service to others; they respond rather than initiate; they avoid conflict and uncertainty; they emphasize principles and procedures and have an aversion to politicking.

C. Coolidge, D. Eisenhower, G. Washington, (G.H.W. Bush, G. W. Bush 2nd term?)

 

Braber Scheme