The 100% canon series was drawn by Rick Leonardi and written by self-described conservative Bill Willingham and self-described liberal Judd Winick, with each ensuring that the arguments of each ‘side’ got the best possible airing.
With a villain targeting four potential candidates for president, the heroes playing bodyguard get sucked into endorsing candidates, revealing their political preferences. Here’s what we learned.
11
Oliver Queen’s Green Arrow – Democrat
Green Arrow is a famously liberal superhero and proud of it, and it’s actually the Emerald Archer who makes the first endorsement and drags the country’s other heroes into the debate. In the story, four different candidates are presented:
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Presidential Candidates in DC Universe: Decisions |
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Candidate |
Party |
Details |
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Katherine McClellan |
Republican Party |
A more moderate Republican seemingly patterned after Condoleezza Rice. |
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Bob Ridgeway |
Republican Party |
A more radical Republican focused on defense. |
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Davis Brewster |
Democratic Party |
A more radical Democrat focused on poverty reduction and healthcare. |
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Martin Suarez |
Democratic Party |
A more moderate Democrat seemingly patterned after Barack Obama. |
Green Arrow is talked into endorsing Democratic candidate Davis Brewster, but it doesn’t exactly take much to get the radical, loud-mouthed Ollie to step onto the stage.
10
Carter Hall’s Hawkman – Republican
In another non-surprise, Hawkman supports Republican Bob Ridgeway. Hawkman is a character who heavily values tradition, and is often depicted as the Justice League’s most right-wing voice, so Carter Hall voting Republican was always a given.
As could be expected from a guy who carries around a mace, he’s also interested in Ridgeway’s focus on national defense and the candidate’s military background.
9
Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern – Republican
Brash, headstrong Guy Gardner also supports Ridgeway. Guy is a highly interventionist hero always keen to put Green Lantern Corps boots on the ground, so this is another non-surprise.
It’s strongly implied that fellow Lantern Hal Jordan is a Republican voter too, which matches his classic characterization. He trades punches with Green Arrow over Ollie’s choice to back a candidate publicly, and later seems to admit that part of his anger was Ollie’s choice of candidate.
8
Garfield Logan’s Beast Boy – Democrat
The heart of the Teen Titans votes for Democrat Martin Suarez, but kind of disgraces himself by admitting he doesn’t know who else is running. Only in recent years has Beast Boy gained some measure of maturity as a hero, and the series definitely treats him as an uniformed voter.
Uber-powerful teen Blue Beetle also supports Suarez and appears to be a single-issue voter, stating he’ll be supporting the candidate who suggested “the universal health care plan.”
7
Ted Grant’s Wildcat – Republican
A former professional heavyweight boxer and longtime member of the Justice Society of America, Wildcat likes Ridgeway, saying, “He’s a tough S.O.B. We need tough S.O.B.’s”
Fellow JSAer Jay Garrick, aka the original Flash, is likewise Republican, but opts for the more moderate Katherine McClellan, stating, “I think she can get big government off our backs.”
Modern Flash Wally West doesn’t support a candidate, but does make a public joke about the villain who is targeting politicians, resulting in demands for a public apology. Perhaps the most realistic plot thread in the series.
6
Ronnie Raymond’s Firestorm – Democrat
Firestorm – described by Batman as potentially the Justice League’s most powerful member – endorses Suarez, and seems a lot more informed than Beast Boy. The Nuclear Man states that his vote is because “he’s got the experience in international matters the rest just don’t.”
5
Mari McCabe’s Vixen – Republican
Businesswoman, model and Justice Leaguer Vixen – who can summon the powers of any animal – supports McClellan, saying she sees her as a kindred spirit: “I see a lot of myself in her. She’s strong and doesn’t take any crap.” McClellan’s implied moderate social attitudes and pro-business stance make sense for self-made mogul Vixen.
Also voting for McClellan – but for less admirable reasons – is the Justice League’s resident joker Plastic Man, who states, “Time we get a chick in there! And a nice looking chick too. She works it!”
4
Kara Zor-L’s Power Girl – Republican
Superman’s cousin from another universe, Power Girl is known for her confident attitude and sometimes brash actions. She throws her support behind Bob Ridgeway, valuing his military experience and stating “He’ll keep us safe.” It makes sense that someone who lost her entire home planet would care about national defense.
3
Bruce Wayne’s Batman – Democrat
In one of the series’ biggest reveals, Batman backs Democratic moderate Martin Suarez… but not in costume. Thanks to his huge public profile as a millionaire, Bruce Wayne is able to influentially support a candidate in his civilian guise, and of course Batman picks the winner.
Though he had very few appearances, Martin Suarez became the Democratic candidate and eventual US president following DC Universe: Decisions, succeeded by Barack Obama.
Batman later says that he made the decision so he could get closer to Suare’s campaign and find the villain all the heroes are meant to be searching for, leading to some fans speculating that Batman wasn’t sincere in his choice. Reading the actual comic, that’s not what comes across – Bruce only publicly weighed in because of tactics, but his choice of candidate is depicted as sincere.
2
Diana of Themyscira’s Wonder Woman – Republican
Shocking many, Wonder Woman didn’t just back the Republican Party, she opted for the hawkish Bob Ridgeway. While Diana is generally obsessed with peace and diplomacy, she was going through a period as the hero who’d do what others wouldn’t (culminating with killing Maxwell Lord in Infinite Crisis), and wanted to see someone who understood combat in office.
Diana was impressed when Green Arrow backed a candidate but surprised by his choice, stating “But why him? He’s no warrior.” She was later contacted by Ridgeway’s team and appeared on stage with the candidate, though she stopped short of endorsing him.
That was mostly because Diana is an official ambassador for Themyscira, and isn’t even allowed to vote in the US.