Why we think Barack Obama is a Type 3

• The Competitor in Chief. According to the NY Times article, “Whether shooting pool, reading to children or working to raise his bowling scores, President Obama cannot contain his competitive nature.” When reading a Dr. Seuss story to children, Obama said that he would do “the best rendition ever of Green Eggs and Ham.” 

• Drive to be the best, even in golf. He played golf 104 times since becoming president, according to Mark Knoller of CBS News, who monitors his outings, and he asks superior players for tips that have helped lower his scores (NY Times).  

• Ambition in academic and professional arenas. His ambition is reflected in his academic achievements at Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he became the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review. His political career similarly reflects his drive, as he rose from being a community organizer to serving as an Illinois State Senator, a U.S. Senator, and ultimately the 44th President of the United States. He was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 and was named Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2008 and 2012.  

• Focus on hope and ability to read the room. Obama's famous "Yes We Can" slogan and the “Hope” poster from his 2008 presidential campaign demonstrated his ability to inspire and motivate people. His speeches, such as the 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address, showcased his adeptness for reading the audience and being able to get a particular reaction from them by articulating a specific vision that he knew would resonate with them.

• Hiding the truth to maintain an image. In "A Promised Land," Obama admits to being a regular smoker in his earlier years and how he would secretly smoke cigarettes during his time in the White House. He would chew nicotine gum and take care to avoid Michelle Obama smelling the smoke.

• Hiding and adapting views to get approval. As the president of the Harvard Law Review, he maintained neutrality so that no one knew his actual stance on things. He was able to gain popularity by his refusal to aggravate either side. 

• Posture and demeanor. Obama presents as confident, composed, and approachable. He is known for his upright posture and steady gaze, which convey a sense of self-assuredness and authority. 

• Image-consciousness. As a public figure, Obama has been careful to maintain a polished, professional image. He is known for his eloquent speeches, well-tailored suits, and composed demeanor, all of which contribute to his image as a confident and competent leader.

• Work ethic. Obama's 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate was marked by his hard work and determination. He began as an underdog, with little chance of securing the Democratic nomination, but relentlessly pursued it, meeting with voters throughout Illinois, fundraising, and gathering endorsements. Despite an initial uphill battle, he ended up winning the primary and ultimately the general election by a significant margin.

• Celebrity connections. Throughout his presidency, Obama cultivated relationships with numerous celebrities, such as hosting events at the White House featuring artists like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Stevie Wonder. He did this to achieve multiple objectives at the same time, which is something that Type 3s like to do. These celebrity connections allowed him to boost public engagement, fundraise, increase public support for his causes, and allowed him to project a relatable image that humanized the position of the Presidency.

• Post-presidency activities. After leaving office, Obama continued to maintain a public presence through various projects, such as his production company, Higher Ground Productions, which has a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce content. Additionally, he has appeared on various talk shows, podcasts, and public events, indicating his ongoing engagement with the public and maintaining a level of visibility.