PD's in politics

[Prototypian]

I am sure we have all identified narcissistic traits in politicians large and small.   To a certain extent, embarking on a political career today requires either a slightly masochistic or narcissistic thought because who would subject themselves otherwise! (The previous sentence said in jest and is not to be taken literally).

I live with an undiagnosed OCPD and she has been involved in local politics as a crusade since the day we met.   Her world is the side of fairness and representation of the "little person" which is a good thing outwardly.   But I don't use the term crusade lightly in this context.   We are in her sixth election on an every three year cycle.   The position is local, non partisan and unpaid and provides the occasional benefit of catered box dinners if meetings run longer than six hours.   

But the fear, anger, violent emotions, full court press and the way her supporters focus on this is one lengthy heart attack.   It's as though if she loses the municipal represented district will implode, the sun will convert into a lump is coal and the dark forces of hell will have won.   We spend tens of thousands of dollars on this and it appears that the primary reason is just to protect the world from bad things happening.   

I so much prefer things that are objective.   Like "run that way 100 meters and whoever gets to the other end fastest is the winner".   Or "run your business and if customers choose to buy the stuff you're selling then you earn money".   This need to make policy and be adored by voters is horrible and it is all encompassing in our home.

Does anyone else deal with an elected PD family member, spouse or close friend and do you see similar behaviors?

[doglady]

Yes, I have an uncle who has been involved in local politics and he ticks all those boxes you mention He is also quite falsely avuncular and happy to meet and kiss babies but woe betide you if you don't agree with him on anything. A very different side is shown. 
He also holds court wherever he is and just expects others to defer to him, and his family all pay court to him as well so he's got it just the way he wants it. It's all quite sickening to watch. He seems to fool a lot of people though.

I often think politics is just another form of showbiz, so the narcissistic personality fits well in both arenas.

[Boat Babe]

Well, yes and no. I think if we go down the "all politicians are crooks / narcissists" road,  we become disengaged from the democratic process, which leaves the door open for authoritarian/totalitarian people/ groups/ regimes to flourish. I personally know some excellent people involved in grassroots politics and campaigning.

We need more good people in the political arena, especially woman and minorities, to balance the current paradigm. A system that weeds out the mentally ill would certainly be a good thing.

[Dandelion]

I must say my NM is shrewd but fairly apolitical, and quite cynical about politics (and religion).  The way I look at it is that she would never get involved in politics because that would be akin to wearing your heart on your sleeve and caring about something other than herself.    But I cannot speak for those PDs who seem to get involved in politics and related stuff. Its an interesting question.

[Cat of the Canals]

My uBPD/NPD mother is a bit of a "social justice warrior" herself. She did run and hold an elected position that sounds a lot like your wife's when I was still living at home. There was much vehemence and demonizing of the "other side." On one occasion she angrily told me that she would send me to private school if a certain proposal passed... I was 10 and she was threatening me as if I had some sort of control of the situation.  She chose to go to one of her meetings instead of seeing me perform in my Senior choir concert.

Once I was an adult, she tried to bribe me to vote a certain way. When I refused, she told my brother she thought I had been brainwashed. And we don't even disagree on the actual politics. There is absolutely no room for differing opinions in her mind. The "other side" is always EVIL.