Profiling George W. Bush and
                          Saddam Hussein
          An Analysis Based on Non-Verbal and Expressive
                              Behavior
    (The first in a series: Profiling Political Leaders: PPX¢)
            Copyright © 2002 Christopher S. Hyatt, Ph.D.*
                            Introduction
The character and personalities of George W. Bush and
Saddam Hussein have been analyzed using the
psychological characteristics of non-verbal body language,
facial expression and body structure. The assertions made
are solely those of the author and have a basis in
psychological theory and experimental research. The author
has attempted, as an American, to keep his personal bias
out of the core analysis.
President George W. Bush
If I were a betting man and George Bush and Saddam
Hussein entered the ring, I would give you 4-1 odds that
George would beat the pants off Saddam.
The president is a well-packaged bundle and, although
Saddam seems bigger, his vulnerability lies in his stomach
area and his fragile leg/feet area. This should be the area
that George concentrate on in mounting what could be an
effective campaign against Saddam in launching a
psychological war.
Saddam over indulges himself in most areas of his life. This
includes food, emotion, moods and peacocking. On the
other hand, George is more restrained, tending toward
moderation in many things. At times this restraint is
overdone. George is often a perfectionist and this, rather
than a "lack of intelligence," inhibits him from seeing the
bigger picture. George frequently sets unrealistic standards
for those close to him and, from time to time, people might
see him as domineering.
George's restraint is apparent in his bold and stiff walking
style. He is anxious concerning approval from those he
regards as authorities.
George was easily shamed as a youth and this explains
what newscasters call his hesitant and sometimes confusing
use of language as well as his sometimes embarrassing
facial expressions. Don't let this deceive you, however, as
George knows what he wants and knows what he is doing.
Notice how much more relaxed and direct he is on his ranch.
He should spend more time at the ranch and deliver some
"talks" to the Nation from that location.
George doesn't like holding back how he really feels, but he
has been well trained as a politician. Because of this
conflict, he appears to some less intelligent than he really is.
Unlike Clinton, it would be more obvious if George boldly
lied about his personal life on National television. He has a
more difficult time controlling his involuntary facial
expressions than most public figures.
In our society, verbal skills are regarded as a sign of
intelligence when, in fact, many people can be very
expressive and glib without having insight, structure or
factually-based arguments. In fact, George was at a
handicap relative to presidential candidate Al Gore, but
George is more credible than Al, regardless of Gore's
superior ability with language and rhetoric.
George does have a real sense of integrity. He can't help
this&emdash;it is part of his true nature. He prefers straight
talk even if he disagrees with you. He can be very aloof at
times, but this doesn't mean he hasn't heard what you said;
it simply means he is thinking about it. He cares for people
more than he would like to admit and, when he appears
teary, he really is. It is hard for him to be an actor when it
comes to his true feelings. It is much easier to get to know
Saddam than George.
George is moderately suspicious of others, although he can
be very friendly and trusting when relaxed. He is dependent
on the emotional support of his wife and regards her highly.
To get along well with George it is important to let him know
that you have no desire to embarrass him. He responds well
to direct and honest communication; however, as a
politician, he has become used to deception. He no longer
takes seriously the negative press he receives. However, if
he values you and you do betray him, he is deeply wounded
and could easily become vengeful.
George's early drinking and use of alcohol was an attempt to
reduce his fear of embarrassment and anxiety over his
personal self-worth.
George's seeking of perfection has often made him highly
critical of himself and, at times, he has felt almost
"paralyzed" by this character trait.
Saddam is acutely aware of this and will play on George's
fear of making either a real or imaginary mistake. Saddam is
very aware of how public opinion and not facts rules the
action of America.
What Saddam doesn't realize is that George has become
used to being made fun of. In fact, all of the ugly press about
George's lack of good grammar and syntax as well as his
clumsy personal appearance has made George a lot
stronger than most people think. In other words, George's
anxiety and fear of shame and perceived weakness have
made him a formidable opponent.
On "President" Saddam Hussein
Saddam is very moody and unpredictable and, like many of
his dictatorial brethren, he is either "at your throat or at your
feet." He is the true archetype of the "bully."
He suffers from a pathological distrust and is continually
scanning his environment to find enemies and plots. He
distrusts the motives of everyone and often complains about
his advisors. He is very hostile and stubborn, and is easily
defeated by setbacks. In other words, it takes him a longer
time than George to recover from a blow to his softer
underbelly. Unlike George, who has learned to accept his
more tender feelings, Saddam has all but murdered his.