It is the Barry syndrome. Narcissism.
what is worse are the ones that believe the lie
Narcissism, according to Freud, and in accordance with the Greek myth of Narcissus, describes self-involvement or self-satisfaction, a completely passive tendency. Freud gives the example of a tiger, or a beautiful lady, each of whom may attract the attention or devotion of others, but without any overt effort to do so. Recall John Belushi’s ladder scene in Animal House. Very instructive.
Now, in the case of Obama, yes, I think you could see it that way. “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” as Malvolio said, and Obama qualifies for the last of these, and his passive tendencies are evident.
However, contriving and perpetrating schemes to thrust oneself into the spotlight is not part of this syndrome, as I see it, and I’m firm on that point.