Would 'Super President' make the best commander in chief? Check out the opening to his obscure cartoon from the 1960s, then vote in our superhero poll above.
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Which Superhero for President?
By Bryan Warner
Published: Aug. 28, 2009
RALEIGH - The nation faces some Herculean challenges these days, what with a still-struggling economy, two long-running wars and a smoldering health-care debate. No doubt President Barack Obama -- a self-described comic book fan -- wouldn’t mind having a few super powers to help him deal with the daunting task of serving as the current commander in chief.
That begs the question: which superhero would make the best president? Here’s a quick take on a few of the leading contenders.
Superman
Pro:
He’s one of the more well-adjusted superheroes (we’re looking at you, Batman).
Plus, he’s a strong environmental candidate, what with his eco-friendly flying (which could also save taxpayers millions of dollars by grounding Air Force One). And if he can change the rotation of the earth, no doubt he can solve the global-warming conundrum.
Con:
Given that Superman was not only born outside the U.S. but on the planet Krypton, so-called “Birthers” would have a field day calling into question the constitutionality of his presidency.
Also, like most superheroes, he’s living a double life -- but much more tenuously. Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and scores of others may have been fooled by the spectacles that provide a thin glass line between Superman and his alter ego, Clark Kent, but the opposition party’s investigative machine, tabloid papers and an army of pajama-clad bloggers are sure to catch on.
As the result of a fortuitous steam engine accident, President Grover Cleveland is to date our nation's only commander in chief to have had superhuman abilities. In this undated photograph, Cleveland departs from the White House.
Wonder Woman
Pro:
With the camera-ready looks of Sarah Palin and the steely resolve of Hillary Clinton, she would be a formidable candidate.
Plus, her lasso of truth would come in handy for congressional hearings.
Con:
Like Superman, she’s not a U.S. citizen by birth (and what’s worse, she’s an Amazon princess -- a point sure to cause problems with the anti-monarchical streak among Americans).
Also, her invisible jet smacks of gaudy wealth and environmental insensitivity.
Spider-Man
Pro:
He’s a natural-born citizen, unlike many of his superhero colleagues.
And he comes from blue-collar roots, giving him an everyman touch.
Con:
His abilities work wonders in urban areas with towering skyscrapers from which to swing, but how will web-slinging play in the rural heartland?
Also, polls show many voters are creeped-out by spiders.
Batman
Pro:
Like Spider-Man, Batman is a natural-born citizen.
Plus his immense wealth could help propel his candidacy, sort of like Mitt Romney in tights.
Con:
He’s a detached billionaire who spends much of his life in a cave and travels about the city in a series of outrageously expensive customized vehicles. What’s more elitist than that?
Super President
Pro:
He has already served a year in office, during the short-lived cartoon that ran from 1967-1968.
Con:
He calls himself “Super President” -- a bit presumptuous, don’t you think?
