[366]

Temperament
Jackson had a reputation for being short-tempered and violent,[367] which terrified his opponents.[368] He was able to use his temper strategically to accomplish what he wanted.[369] He could keep it in check when necessary: his behavior was friendly and urbane when he went to Washington as senator during the campaign leading up to the 1824 election. According to Van Buren, he remained calm in times of difficulty and made his decisions deliberatively.[370]
He had the tendency to take things personally. If someone crossed him, he would often become obsessed with crushing them.[371] For example, on the last day of his presidency, Jackson declared he had only two regrets: that he had not hanged Henry Clay or shot John C. Calhoun.[372] He also had a strong sense of loyalty. He considered threats to his friends as threats to himself, but he demanded unquestioning loyalty in return.[373]
Jackson was self-confident,[374] without projecting a sense of self-importance.[375] This self-confidence gave him the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.[376] Once he decided on a plan of action, he would adhere to it.