Donald Trump, Populism, and the Age of Extremes: Comparing the Personality Traits and Campaigning Styles of Trump and Other Leaders Worldwide. Issue 3 (22nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nai, Alessandro; Martínez i Coma, Ferran; Maier, Jürgen
• Is Part Of: Presidential studies quarterly. Volume 49:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 609
• Page End: 643
• Publication Date: 2019-01-22
• Subjects: Trump -- populism -- personality -- Big Five -- Dark Triad -- negative campaigning -- emotional campaigning; Executive power -- United States -- Periodicals; Presidents -- United States -- Periodicals; 320.473
• DOI: 10.1111/psq.12511
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-4918

Abstract

Abstract : A common narrative portrays Donald Trump as impetuous and quick to anger, thin skinned, constantly lying, brazen, vulgar, and boasting a grandiose sense of self and his accomplishments. Little systematic evidence exists that this is the case, however. With a novel data set based on expert ratings, we (1) provide systematic empirical evidence about Trump's personality profile, (2) contrast his profile with 21 other populist leaders and 82 mainstream candidates having competed in recent elections worldwide, and (3) discuss the implications of such an extreme profile in terms of campaigning style and the use of negative and emotional campaigns. Our results illustrate Trump's off‐the‐charts personality and campaigning style and suggest that even when compared with other abrasive, narcissistic, and confrontational political figures, he stands out as an outlier among the outliers. We conclude by discussing the implications and potential outcomes of such an extreme personality profile for Trump's policy style and achievements while in office.