Psychology of Barack Obama?

[ZenTaoist]

You know, this is honestly something I've wondered about for quite some time. It's no secret that the US government is responsible for some of the most evil atrocities in the history of the planet, but something that really gets me is the leaders of this nation.

For example, I can honestly see someone like George W. Bush being aware of exactly what he's doing and why. When he carpet bombed Iraq and lied to the public about the reasons for getting involved, I'm sure he knew full well what he was doing and why. And I don't think it bothered him much because he grew up around his father, who was a cold, merciless, warmonger and out of touch millionaire as well.

But with someone like Obama it's a bit different. Here we have a man who at least seemed to have some kind of common human decency at some point. I could be wrong, but from his early life growing up overseas and then eventually becoming a community organizer in inner-city Chicago (working with the poor), this hardly seems like the same man who could become a complete shill for the capitalists and corporate warlords. But here we are in 2013, and he's been responsible for ordering drone strikes that have murdered innocent people, signing a bill with indefinite detention, overseeing torture policies, working with NATO to bomb Libya, and providing corporate America with a stronger welfare state while millions of poor children go hungry.

So my question more or less is what exactly is going on in the guy's head? It just really baffles me. Did he just become extremely out of touch at some point? Do you think he even comprehends half the policy that is plopped down on his desk? I recall Noam Chomsky stating that he doesn't believe most presidents even realize the effects of the legislation they sign, because obviously the real power and control is with private economic concentration. Or do you believe he just outright decided to sell his soul to the bastards?

[redredred]

With all due respect, I think you are wrong. He became ensconced so deep into the establishment, he doesn't care about carpet bombing babies, either.

You truly do have to be a sociopath to hold elected office on the federal level.

[Rurkel]

Since most people sincerely think that they are doing good, I'd say that early Obama likely had some vague idealistic notions that never went beyond very limited nationalistic reformism. He probably still subscribes to them, mentally complimenting himself for his "sensible, moderate line in service of America and against her enemies".

[RedHal]

what's the point of trying to analyze Obama's thinking and try to paint him as some sort of hidden progressive? It just leads to the liberal and progressive illusion that Obama can be pushed to the left. Obama serves the system and he serves it much better than Bush ever did.

[Os Cangaceiros]

I think that Obama probably understands the left better than most presidents in the past. There's probably some residual knowledge rattling around in his head from back in the days when he was doing blow and reading Fanon.

[MarxArchist]

They do what they do, Bush included, to keep capitalism going and they see it as necessary to keep the "progression" of the human race going. Right now, after the fall of "communism" (lol) capitalists see non state backed "extremists" (of all stripes) as the no1 threat to the "civilized" world while at the same time, economically, control of middle eastern markets/resources is key to capitalism's survival. Not necessarily possession of resources but control. From a marketing/profit standpoint pushing for cultural change in the middle east is also necessary not only for global stability but to maintain expanding global profits (which is necessary for capitalism to function). Think of all the Muslims who will but products western civilization has to offer.

As far as Obama goes he isn't a communist and liberals are no better than conservatives. A lesson hopefully he will teach many younger people. The only solution is communism, not reform, not liberal charity, nothing other than the complete restructuring of the economic base.

[Captain Ahab]

I don't see Obama as being that conscious about advancing the interests of Capital. I believe that his actions are guided more by the principle the US a great force for good in the world and that whatever action benefits this "great force for good" will help it to do even more good in the future. Although since I can't read his mind this is only a guess.

[enlightened_ape2112]

I've wondered about that a lot too. It is odd that someone with his background would become a shill for capitalism and war. Although I'm not a doctor I think Obama could be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I think that is why he became a community organizer, just to inflate his own ego. So I think anything that seems progressive in his past was just to make himself look good and stroke his ego.

[MEGAMANTROTSKY]

what's the point of trying to analyze Obama's thinking and try to paint him as some sort of hidden progressive? It just leads to the liberal and progressive illusion that Obama can be pushed to the left. Obama serves the system and he serves it much better than Bush ever did.
There's nothing inherently "liberal" about trying to understand how your enemy thinks.

[Prof. Oblivion]

He is a sociopath driven entirely by personal political ambition. What's there to understand?