First of all, thanks to Pizzapotamus for giving me a quick yes when i put forth this question as a bit more of a joke.
But, as she does display a lot of the characteristics, I thought it might be worth a bit of a look. The following are lists as the symptoms of Antisocial personality disorder.
Persistent lying or stealing - I think that's a yes.
Recurring difficulties with the law - Not that she knows of, but Alaska might disagree.
Tendency to violate the rights and boundaries of others - Oh, my, yes.
Substance abuse - Not known.
Aggressive, often violent behavior; prone to getting involved in fights
A persistent agitated or depressed feeling (dysphoria) - That describes her rallies.
Inability to tolerate boredom - Don't know.
Disregard for the safety of self or others - If that includes her party or running mate. Or Obama.
A childhood diagnosis of conduct disorders - this is not a symptom but "a history of" - I have no idea.
Lack of remorse, related to hurting others - It ewould appear.
Superficial charm - Very Superficial.
Impulsiveness - She can't figure out when to shut up.
A sense of extreme entitlement - Thinks she should be VP.
Inability to make or keep friends - We'll see where she stands on 11-5-08
Recklessness, impulsivity - Rousing a mob might be a sign of recklessness.
People with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder often experience difficulties with authority figures. - The Alaska legistlature, for starters.
On the symptoms list, I see 11 out of 14 as 'yes', with 3 unknowns and 0 confirmed 'no's. I think it is safe to conclude that she is symptomatic.
--As for the more difficult criteria for diagnosis:
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
- Tough call, but it wouldn't seem she's done anything arrestable that we know of.
Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;
- Her campaign in general is a strong nod for this.
Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead;
- I think she's harmed her career pretty badly because of impulsive nature.
Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
- She's not physically aggressive as far as I know.
Reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
- She put Obama as an elevated risk, and destroyed her running mate's chances of winning.
Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
- Troopergate . . . Alaska's reliance on federal funds . . .
Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
- I haven't seen it yet.
So, while I have no legitimate means by which to diagnose Gov. Palin, wikipedia says that only three or more of the above are needed. I feel she exceeds the minimum.
So, while Obama might know some former terrorists, Palin might actually be a sociopath. And there is no way most people would knowingly try to put a sociopath into the White House. Perhaps we need to get the word out.