We are familiar with the stigma against individuals with ASD, introverts, and INFJs. This would likely diminish the chances of any of these individuals of being elected in elections. I address these issues and explain some of the benefits of ASD, introversion, and the INFJ personality style in politics.

1. The Value of ASD, Introversion, and INFJ in
Politics
Andrew Langford (BA, Political Science)
August 2, 2017
Introduction:
I decided to publicly announce to the readers of this piece I am an introvert with
an Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am also an INFJ. It should not matter except for
what it means for me. I announced my intentions to family, friends, and many
others to campaign for President of the United States in the future. I will be able
to meet all three constitutional requirements. Though legislation slightly changed
this requirement, the Constitution originally required one to be a natural born
citizen of the United States. I was born at the St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore,
Maryland and am a citizen, check. One must be at least 35 to be President of the
United States. I will turn 35 on January 20, 2025. I could technically campaign for
President in 2024. One must be a resident in the United States for at least
fourteen years. There is probably technical debate on the meaning of this. But, I
lived in the United States my whole life since I was born, 27 years, check. If I
plan to campaign for President in 2024 and/or 2028, it means I cannot move
outside of the United States for the next twenty years.
But, I anticipate three roadblocks in a Republican Primary campaign and a
General Election campaign for President. The first issue is all of the talk and
publicity around and stigma against the Autism Spectrum Disorder. The second
issue is the shunning of introversion in a society where extroversion is the
standard and ideal. The third related issue has to do with the INFJ personality
style. I plan to address these issues now and hope avoid having the ASD issue,
my introversion, and the fact I am an INFJ at the forefront of my Presidential
Campaign and being a potential distraction from my candidacy.
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities on
a spectrum. These disabilities range from mild to severe. Those with ASD have
slower development than the majority of the population and socially struggle.
They like to stick to a schedule and a routine. They have repetitive patterns.
Individuals with ASD have narrow interests and obsessively enjoy certain
subjects and topics.
Introversion:
Introverts are quiet and reserved. Being around people and among crowds drain
them. They gain their energy from being alone and having time for solitude. They
prefer one-on-one communication with others to talking in a classroom or

2. meeting setting among groups. Introverts prefer deep, meaningful conversations
to small talk. They think before they talk and need time to think and prepare
before a conversation. They are surprisingly good at public speaking, believe it or
not.
INFJ Personality Style:
The INFJs are the smallest group of the Myers-Briggs Personality Types. They
consist of less than 1% of the population. If any readers are unfamiliar with the
acronym, INFJ, I will share what each letter of the acronym stands for. The I is
Introvert. The N, or iN, is Intuitive. The F is Feeling. The J is Judging or Judicial,
or as some would call it, judgmental. INFJs are also called Counselors or
Advocates. They are probably the most idealistic of all of the Myers-Briggs
Types. They are highly conscientious and have fairly high standards of morality
and ethics. They desire to improve the world according to their ideals. INFJs are
highly philosophical and highly value deep conversations over small talk as with
all introverts. They have few dear friends. They value long-term relationships and
connections. INFJs are vulnerable to isolation, loneliness, and depression and
have a tendency to burn out. They are the most likely to be stepped all over and
abused by others.
Hatred and Prejudice:
Individuals with ASD, introverts, and INFJs understand and have first-hand
experience with hatred and prejudice. Individuals with ASD tend to be labeled
and written off as “disabled,” “special-ed,” “retarded,” “mentally ill,” “angry,”
“emotional,” “irrational,” and so on. People have the attitude of putting those
individuals on medications and having the government take care of them and
provide for them. President Obama claimed in the 2012 Presidential Election
autistic Americans would have been left to fend for themselves if Mitt Romney
was ever to be President of the United States. Donald Trump claimed in a
Republican Presidential Debate on September 16, 2015 at the Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, “Autism is an epidemic,” in
reference to the possible link between vaccinations and Autism.
Introverts and INFJs get labeled and dismissed as “quiet,” “withdrawn,” and
“shy.” They are perceived as “anti-social” because they do not like to talk much
and like to be alone. They get laughed at and pressured to stay and socialize,
essentially being called “party poopers,” when they want to leave a party or a
social gathering early. People act all surprised when Introverts and INFJs speak
up. If they speak out and advocate for themselves, they get dismissed out of
hand as rebellious, defiant, pesky, emotional, and irrational.

3. Ability to Focus:
The focus and knowledge of individuals with ASD on one or two subjects could
be to their benefit and to our benefit. Their focus on one or two subjects makes
them extensively knowledgeable. It makes it possible for them to focus on what’s
important at the moment. This could be they would not get distracted and bogged
down with what’s less important. Their narrow focus on certain areas could be to
our benefit. They would be able to keep their campaigns and agenda focused
and have credibility.
Preparation and Clarity:
Many politicians and candidates do not think before they say or post something.
They usually hire a speechwriter to write their speeches and leave the website
creation and social media to others. They usually read off of a teleprompter when
they speak. These politicians seem unprepared for speeches, interviews, and
debates and find themselves committing campaign gaffes they typically regret
saying later in the campaign.
Introverts and INFJs are less likely to commit gaffes because of their ability to
think through before they speak. They prepare for speeches, interviews, and
debates. Writing is a natural strength for introverts and especially INFJs. It could
be expected they would put their own campaign websites together and write their
own speeches and press releases. Their tact, skill, and preparation could help
them to avoid gaffes so many politicians are prone to and not have to worry too
much about offending others.
Clarity of Vision and Purpose:
Most politicians and candidates do not really have any idea as to why they are
campaigning for elected office or reelection. Their platform is a laundry list of his
or her party principles and positions, devoid of principle. INFJs have a clear
vision of policy, principle, and agenda. They understand their purpose when they
campaign for elected office and reelection. They do not seek prestige, personal
gain, and power for their own advancement. INFJs are concerned with the needs
and desires of others. They do not seek to take the next step on the political
ladder to advance their political career. They only seek to be true public servants
and advance and advocate for what’s in the best interest of the whole nation.
Conclusion:
I rest my case, with all due respect, individuals with ASD, introverts, and INFJs
are beneficial to our national politics. They do not seek pity and sympathy from
others. They do not wish to be victims who feel they are entitled. We seek to be
self-governing and autonomous as others seek. We seek to seek the same level
of respect, value, and dignity you would give to those people who you claim to be

4. “normal.” Do not make ASD, introversion, and my INFJ personality type your only
evaluation for deciding to vote or not vote for me, or anybody similar to me. Make
it an evaluation of our politics, platform, personal beliefs, character, and
reputation instead.