WHAT IS A COLD, CALCULATING PSYCHOPATH?

A working definition of a psychopath is a human being without a conscience. From the Wikipedia:

Lack of a conscience in conjunction with a weak ability to defer gratification in criminal, sexual and aggressive desires, leads to the psychopath to constantly engage in antisocial behaviors. Psychopathy (in its extreme form) does not necessarily lead itself to criminal and violent behavior (although such tendencies are likely). Instead, psychopaths high in social cognition may be able to redirect their antisocial desires in a more positive manner.

And here are some items on the diagnostic checklist:

Factor1: Aggressive narcissism

1. Glibness / superficial charm
2. Grandiose sense of self-worth
3. Pathological lying
4. Cunning / manipulative
5. Lack of remorse or guilt
6. Shallow
7. Callous / lack of empathy
8. Failure to accept responsibility for own actions
9. Promiscuous sexual behavior

Psychopaths are often described as cold, aloof, and calculating.

How about this description:

He developed a self-discipline so complete, friends and aides say, that he has established dominion over not only what he does but also how he feels. He does not easily exult, despair or anger: to do so would be an indulgence, a distraction from his goals. Instead, they say, he separates himself from the moment and assesses. [Emphasis added.]

That's from a New Duranty Times puff piece on Barack Obama. (Hat tip: the inestimable Tim Blair.)

Here's more from the same profile:

If there is one quality that those closest to Mr. Obama marvel at, it is his emotional control. This is partly a matter of temperament, they say, partly an effort by Mr. Obama to step away from his own feelings so he can make dispassionate judgments. “He doesn’t allow himself the luxury of any distraction,” said Valerie Jarrett, a close advisor. “He is able to use his disciplined mind to not get caught up in the emotional swirl.”

And still more testimony to his narcissistic self-absorption:

Mr. Obama watches and assesses no one more avidly than himself. During the primary season, supporters who complimented him on debate appearances found that he often disagreed. “I wasn’t great nor was I wonderful,” Mr. Obama responded last spring at a fund-raiser in Seattle. Then came his usual refrain: “I have to get better, and I will do better,” he said, according to Michael Parham, a donor.

The Astute Bloggers has commented on Obama's psychopathic traits before, here, here, here, and here.