The longer I cover politics, the less interested I am in ideology and the more interested I am in behavior.
Psychologists have long studied personality traits that appear more frequently in positions of power. Two of the most discussed are Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Machiavellianism is defined by calculation, manipulation and the belief that the ends justify the means. Psychopathy, in its clinical sense, is characterized by a lack of empathy, shallow emotional attachment and an unusual willingness to harm others if it serves a purpose. The term sociopathy is often used alongside psychopathy, though it isn’t a formal diagnosis. Generally speaking, sociopathic behavior is thought to be more impulsive and emotionally reactive, while psychopathic behavior tends to be more calculated, controlled and capable of blending into everyday life.
The difference often lies in execution. Machiavellians are patient. They build alliances, shape narratives and think several moves ahead. They prefer subtlety because subtlety is effective. Psychopathic personalities often operate the same way, but with even less empathy or remorse. Sociopathic personalities, by contrast, are more likely to act impulsively, create conflict or lash out when challenged.
One plays chess. The other flips the board. As I’m writing this, I’ve got two distinct political characters in mind. I wonder if you do too.
I know if I were one of the two it’d be the sociopath because this girl ain’t subtle. Or a very good long term planner.
Neither personality necessarily looks like the villain people imagine. Many are intelligent, composed and remarkably persuasive. They understand incentives. They know when to flatter, when to divide and when to point fingers.
I’m not interested in diagnosing public officials. That’s not journalism, and it’s not my job. But recognizing patterns is.
Politicians can manage an image. They have a much harder time managing a pattern.
Because governing is ultimately defined less by what leaders say when everyone is watching and more by what they do when no one is. The most revealing moments rarely happen in public. They happen behind closed doors, where relationships are leveraged, information is controlled and unnecessary obstacles are created. Those tactics don’t produce better government. They produce more friction, less trust and far more work for everyone involved.
Sound familiar, Fort Bend?
Power doesn’t change character nearly as often as it reveals it. And nothing reveals it more than an election year.
Here’s to rewarding integrity instead of manipulation.
Here’s to creating a political system that doesn’t encourage these behaviors.
Here’s to believing there is a better way.
All my love,
All my light,
All my best,
Jess