Is Kucinich Really Batman?

ROCHESTER - Anyone who talks politics with me knows that I think Dennis Kucinich is the greatest politician since Ted Kennedy. What most people don't know, is that I also believe Batman is pretty cool, too. I have heard that you can get at some one's core by looking at their heroes, so have fun with all that. Of course I need to make sure that for this comparison to work, you must consider Batman a super hero, a separate person from Bruce Wayne. Is Ted Kennedy really Bruce Wayne? Probably, but Kucinich surely is not.

Batman is not really a 'super hero' in the sense that he has no 'super' power. He started with nothing but his body and his drive to make a difference. Instead of being given an advantage, through hard work, he gave himself one. Batman's intelligent detective work is what allows him to fight crime without super strength or mutant powers. This is similar to Kucinich. He grew up in poverty, and through hard work, gave himself an education and a chance. Many politicians start with an advantage, like money, or famous relatives. Those people, like super heroes, are blessed, and they should give back. Superman saved the world? He should because he can. If he was using his powers to win bar bets everyone would hate him. Batman and Kucinich had to work hard just to even the playing field, and they work hard to prove they belong.

Batman often fights long odds, usually related to numbers, but is never intimidated. Sometimes it is necessary to put yourself in harms way to serve the greater good. Whether it is the brawny goons of a mobster or the dangerous scheme of evil genius the Dark Knight does not back down. Kucinich knows this, too, albeit in a political context. He knew standing up to the Chamber of Commerce in their municipal utility fight would likely cost him a re-election. He also knew municipal utilities are in the best interest of the citizens. He lost, but in time, he was proved right.

Although they came from different roads, they ended up at the same place. Batman could easily have lived off of the Wayne fortune and not bothered to make Gotham City any better. Or, he could attend some tuxedo charity event, cut a check and feel smug for 'doing his part.' In a similar vein, Kucinich could have used his rise from poverty to turn his back on those held back. 'I got out of poverty through my own hard work, and so can they,' the former newsroom copy boy, caddy, Barons ticket scalper, hospital worker, etc. from Cleveland could reason. They both decided that to make the biggest difference, you must be involved. You don't need to police an entire city in a costume or even be an elected official to be involved either. Just joining a neighborhood watch (maybe in a costume) or helping pick up trash on your street is enough to get the ball rolling. In the meantime, if you see Kucinich leave an event early or skip out on a debate, look for the Bat signal, it is no coincidence.