Many historians believe that John Adams suffered from bi-polar disorder. Franklin Pierce had a lifelong struggle with alcoholism. There are strong indications in his own writings that Abraham Lincoln suffered from clinical depression. Nixon most likely suffered from paranoid personality disorder. It is impossible to know for sure what inner demons and/or mental defects were present in the hearts and minds of these deceased US presidents. But perhaps they, and some of their modern day counterparts, demonstrate the need for a formal look at the mental fitness of those who want the job.

Continued...

I have yet to write here about the ongoing John Edwards scandal. So much has already been written it seems unnecessary for me to repeat the salacious details and I won't do it now. But I will offer it as a cautionary tale. Someone who came so close to national power, twice as a legitimate Presidential contender and once as the Vice Presidential candidate for a major party, took actions in his personal and professional lives that could arguably be called insane. And were it not for a few diligent reporters, from the National Enquirer no less, Mr. Edwards’ deceptions, financial misdeeds and frighteningly erratic behavior may never have come to light. Though he didn't win his party's presidential nomination in 2008, he was on the short list (and lobbying hard) for an important position in President Obama's Cabinet when the story broke.

Speaking of Mr. Obama, his behavior has been described as narcissistic. That term is often erroneously used as a synonym for self-centered or egotistical but, in reality, Narcissistic Personality Disorder is much more serious and much more dangerous especially in a president. According to the renowned Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this disorder may include:

• Believing that you're better than others
  
  
• Fantasizing about power, success and attractiveness
  
  
• Exaggerating your achievements or talents
  
  
• Expecting constant praise and admiration
  
  
• Believing that you're special and acting accordingly
  
  
• Failing to recognize other people's emotions and feelings
  
  
• Expecting others to go along with your ideas and plans
  
  
• Taking advantage of others
  
  
• Expressing disdain for those you feel are inferior
  
  
• Being jealous of others
  
  
• Believing that others are jealous of you
  
  
• Trouble keeping healthy relationships
  
  
• Setting unrealistic goals
  
  
• Being easily hurt and rejected
  
  
• Having a fragile self-esteem
  
  
• Appearing as tough-minded or unemotional
  
  

Sound familiar? While I am not stating as fact that either Mr. Edwards or Mr. Obama have a mental health issue, I am suggesting that the American people have the right to know if their president (and those officially running for the office) do.

Presidential candidates often make their medical records public during their campaigns and presidents usually issue public reports about any medical issues including regular check-ups they have while in office. Providing the same kind of information on their psychological well being that most already provide on their physical well being will allow voters to make a more informed decision. Perhaps it's time to ask for the same psychological testing of our would-be and current presidents that is asked of members of the military, police officers and millions of private sector employees.