Narcissism in America

The Daily Show had a piece about how George W. Bush really doesn't understand (a clip from of an excellent full episode) what people are upset with him about. 

A few years ago, a movie called The Corporation discussed that while companies have been given human rights in the past 200 years, they don't act very human (in fact they seem mentally ill).  Similarly, a list of traits listed for Narcissistic personality disorder seemed weirdly American lately or maybe just how to envision a sort of taking all the worst parts of hawkish conservative beliefs in America.

1. has a grandiose sense of self-importance
   
2. is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love (the endless needs of capitolism)
   
3. believes that he or she is "special" and unique (for example being chosen by God)
   
4. requires excessive admiration
5. has a sense of entitlement
6. is interpersonally exploitative
7. lacks empathy
8. is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her
9. shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes

Recasting belief systems as mental dissorders is familiar political ground.  Someone else has commented on this issue as well, coming to some of the same conclusions.  On the other side politically, conservative radio comentator Michael Savage has written a book saying that liberalism is a disorder.  No one involved so far is a qualified psychologist or political scientist who can really speak to this.

Please note that there are a number of obvious problems with this analysis being applied directly to W.  He's obviously a somewhat empathetic person and he's admitted that there have been at the very least dissapointments -- something that a NPD would never do.  Further, he clearly doesn't require excessive admiration or his popularity rating would be more of a concern.