Why?  First off, he commented when asked at a debate that he is very disorganized.  That is most often identified with low conformity people.  That would also mean that Barack would be considered big picture oriented, and flexible in his thinking.  Sounds right, doesn't it?  Why high extroversion?  People with high extroversion get their energy by connecting with people, and are very, very good when they feel that they are liked.  They are also usually very good at articulating a vision.  I think that fits as well.  But where is his dominance trait?  And is he patient or impatient?  I have my opinion, but I'd be very interested in getting yours.  Accordingly, if you are so inclined, send me an e-mail (bob@opusproductivity.com) and tell me what you think about the four cornerstone trait measurements for Barack, Hillary, John McCain, and, for that matter, President Bush.  Speaking of our President,  where do you think his dominance trait is?  How about Mr. Cheney?  And what impact has that one trait measurement had on their strategic choices?

Why do we have the curiosity about this?  Because if you know the personality style of the individual you can then predict their behavior - you will know how they will respond to life's circumstances.  And don't we want to feel more comfortable with that in our "hiring choice" for our President?

While you're thinking along these lines, please consider this.  Think of all the exposure all of us have gotten to all of these candidates.  Debate after debate, speeches, interviews on Meet the Press, etc, etc, and yet we are still "guessing" at their personality profile.  And wouldn't it be great to know?  Wouldn't you like to know if we are going to follow one "high dominance" regime with another?  But we don't know with certainty unless we have actual profile output. 

So if we don't know for certain with all the exposure we have gotten to these people, how can we know for certain with candidates that we interview for 1 or 2 hours?  We can't.  We may suspect, but we will not have any definitive data that we can use to determine how our work styles will work together, how we will need to provide guidance and leadership to maximize results, and how we will have to coach that person to adapt certain aspects of their behavior to excel in their job.

Think any of the candidates would be willing to do their profiles?  They should.  It would be the most positive thing they would get to read about themselves - ever.