Clinton's Psyche

Psychologically speaking, President Clinton is something of a cross between Jimmy Carter and Lyndon Johnson at his best. And that, says an expert at analyzing presidents from afar, raises questions for the man and the country.

Like both former presidents, Clinton so far has been motivated more by achievement than by power goals. And like both, he entered office with ideals and visions. Will he similarly get mired in frustration and exit in defeat?

David Winter, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, is reasonably optimistic. Although that particular combination of motives tends to be deadly in politics, he sees Clinton's interest in power rising, reflecting a growing sense of comfort with the political process.

According to Winter, who espies motives through systematic analysis of imagery embedded in public speeches, a concern with power, impact, and prestige is key to success as a leader in American life. It's what enables a president to endure--even enjoy--the office through the negotiation and compromise that even the best programs, built on the best ideals and a concern for excellence, inevitably encounter on their way through Congress. Think of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John E Kennedy as exemplars of highly power-motivated presidents.

There's nothing wrong with achievement motivation. It's perfect in business. But unless balanced by an interest in power, the necessary wheeling and dealing "may bring about a small death each day" and overwhelm aspirations for significant change.

The "Slick Willie" label that follows Clinton in fact reflects a very positive trait of achievement-oriented types--they alter their positions based on feedback and new information. In politics, where alliances are carefully constructed on issues, that could be upsetting to some followers.

Imagery, Winter contends, reflects deep and relatively stable personality characteristics that exert an influence on future events, even though judging presidential character from afar is a little bit like reading astrological signs.

Winter remains on the lookout for signs that Clinton's power motive is ascending enough to balance his achievement motivation. He's analyzing whether Clinton is enjoying himself in office, counting how often he smiles, and praying that he maintains a sense of humor. The best sign of all is whether he can continue to laugh at himself.

PHOTO: Prime Minister Rabin and PLO Chairman Arafat shaking hands with President Clinton at their center.