A noted psychiatrist was a guest speaker at an academic function where a famous politician happened to appear. Politician took the opportunity to schmooze the good doctor a bit and asked

"Doctor, as a professional, how do you detect a mentally unstable person who needs help?"

The psychiatrist smiled politely and said, "That's a very good question, Senator. Well, one of our standard methods is to fill up a bathtub, then offer the person a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket, and ask them to empty the bathtub."

The politician chuckled and said, "Ah, I get it. The normal person would, of course, choose the bucket, right? Because it's the biggest!"

The psychiatrist stared at him for a moment, then said calmly, "No, a normal person would just pull the plug. Would you prefer your room with or without padded walls?"

The crowd erupted in laughter, but the politician, trying to save face, nodded wisely and replied, "Ah, yes, yes... of course! I was just... testing your answer. Strategic thinking, you see. I also keep the teacup for interviews and the spoon for stirring the economy."

The psychiatrist leaned in and whispered, "And what about the bucket?"

"Oh," the politician said proudly, "I gave that to my campaign manager. He’s great at carrying water."