Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Could Justice League Members be President of the United States?

Recently, I've been watching some animated films from the DC Universe.

With the 2016 Presidential election going on and the debate over Ted Cruz's candidacy given his Canadian birth, a funny thought popped in my head.  What members of the Justice League could be President of the United States?  In either their superhero or alter ego forms.

In order to be President you must meet three conditions:
  • be 35 years of age
  • be a resident in the US for 14 years
  • be a natural born citizen
Obviously there are various continuities and origin stories as well as different people playing the roles in the below.  The below is imperfectly based on the various origin stories told through the animated DC Universe.  In addition, ages of characters and how long they've been living in the US are somewhat unknown.

Superman - Born on Krypton, definitely not a natural born citizen.  However, as Clark Kent, he probably qualifies.  He's been working for awhile, so we'll say he's old enough.

Batman - AFAICT Bruce Wayne qualifies, he's gotta be old enough after years of running Wayne Enterprises.

Wonder Woman/Princess Diana - Born in Themiscyra, definitely not a natural born citizen.

Flash - AFAICT Barry Allen would qualify, assuming he's old enough.  He's often portrayed as "younger" though.

Martian Manhunter - Born on Mars, definitely not a natural born citizen.  Alter ego of J'onn J'onzz probably couldn't prove he's been living in the US for 14 years though.

Aquaman - Born in Atlantis, definitely not a natural born citizen.

Shazam -  Billy Batson is 12 years old, so he's out.

Green Lantern - AFAICT qualifies regardless if it's John Stewart or Hal Jordan, and assuming both are old enough and they haven't wandered off planet for extended periods of time.

Hawkman or Hawkwoman - Ugh, different continuities.  I believe in the animated series Hawkpeople are born on Thanagar, so definitely not a natural born citizens.  Other continuities have them as Earth born, so they'd probably qualify in that case.

Cyborg - Unlike some of the above, Cyborg has always been portrayed as very young, running around with the Teen Titans for a long time and is a highschooler in Justice League: War.  I think he's out due to age.

Atom - Ray Palmer has always been portrayed as a Professor, he's gotta be old enough to qualify.

Black Canary - AFAICT qualifies, assuming she's old enough.

Green Arrow - Typically portrayed old, Oliver Queen should qualify.



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