“Say my name, bitch!”

One of the interesting side matters about Barack Obama is that so many of the anecdotes about his sense of self come from people close to him, who view them not as horrifying indictments of his character, but as testaments to his awesomeness.

For example, Valerie Jarrett, who contributed lots to the large American Narcissus clip file now has a charming story for the NYT from Obama’s first term:

Valerie Jarrett, White House senior adviser (2009-present): We’re sitting in the Oval Office, and the president asked [the legislative director] Phil Schiliro — who always could figure out what’s that third way — “Phil, what’s the third way?” Phil said, “Mr. President, unless you’re feeling lucky, I don’t know what the third way is.” And so the president gets up from his chair and he walks over and he looks out the window, and he says, “Phil, where are you?” Phil says, “I’m in the Oval Office.” He goes, “What’s my name?” Phil says, “President Obama.” He goes, “Of course I’m feeling lucky.”

Sub out “Obama” for “George W. Bush,” obviously, and this goes into the pantheon of presidential arrogance.