The quality of narcissism is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. It floodeth the chambers of Congress and presidential palaces. ‘Tis most dangerous in the mightiest, for it is enthroned in the hearts of kings and presidents.

With apologies to Shakespeare for this riff on Portia’s eloquent soliloquy on mercy in the Merchant of Venice, in this age of narcissism, politicians with significant narcissistic personality features are apparently ubiquitous. The arena of politics is particularly attractive to narcissistic individuals who, if gifted with persuasive skills, can attract adoring followers. As the jury deliberated in the case of Senator John Edwards, accused of misuse of campaign funds to cover up an affair with a videographer with whom he had a child, an affair carried out while his wife was undergoing painful treatment for breast cancer, the gap between the glittering surface of the candidate and what lies beneath was all too palpable. The jury acquitted Edwards, saying the charges never should have been brought in the first place, and the Department of Justice dropped the case.