Prescient "Batman" episode nails the Obama-McCain race

Thanks to YouTube, the below video of Batman's televised mayoral debate with the Penguin, from the "Dizzoner the Penguin" episode of Adam West's 1966  "Batman," is gaining new currency.

The clip, first uploaded in early 2007, has been picked up by several political commentators and compared to recent debates between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama. 

Besides being an amusing clip on its own -- the great Burgess Meredith turns in a virtuoso performance as  the Bilious Bird -- viewers have noted some chuckle-worthy parallels between this fictional debate and the real thing. 

In last week's face-off, moderator Bob Schieffer asked the candidates about the smears and personal attacks that have become a significant part of the discourse as the campaign winds up. 

"I think the tone of this campaign could've been very different," said McCain at the time. "And the fact is it's gotten pretty tough, and I regret some of the negative aspects of both campaigns."

Likewise, the Penguin starts out humbly enough: "Friends and fellow citizens, I want to give you my solemn word that there will be no mudslinging in this campaign. ... I intend to stick to the issues." 

But with that disclaimer out of the way, the Penguin wastes no time in getting to his point. "Now what are the issues? There's only one issue: Batman!"

"I suggest that behind that mask, Batman is, in reality, a dangerous criminal. Why else does he wear a mask? Why else does he conceal his past? Would you think about that a moment, my friends? Whenever you've seen Batman, who's he with? Criminals, that's who!"

McCain makes a similar pivot, this time to the controversial subjects of Obama's association with former radical Bill Ayers, a founder of Weather Underground who McCain called a "washed up terrorist."

"Senator Obama chose to associate with a guy who in 2001 said he wished he'd bombed more." McCain then draws links between Obama and the community organization ACORN, which, he says, is "maybe perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history in this country, maybe destroying the fabric of democracy."

It's probably a comment on the predictability of this presidential campaign that it was anticipated by a 40-year-old TV show populated by wacky caricatures. Same hack script, same hack channel.

Unfortunately, Penguin's brilliant plan hits a snag. Afraid that his lead in the polls is shrinking, he kidnaps the Board of Elections so the vote cannot be certified. This scheme backfires, and Batman turns up to rescue the hostages ("Pengy, you said we associated with criminals.  So ... here we are." BOOM! POW! WHAMM!). 

Batman is elected but resigns to allow the current mayor to keep his position. But not before one of the major parties calls to offer him the presidential candidacy for 1968 -- exactly 40 Novembers ago. 

Exclaims Robin: "Bulging ballot boxes, Batman, that was some offer!"   

-- David Sarno

Comments

[hottopics]

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/palins-medica-2.html

[warren]

No doubt that the Penguin character was running as a Republican.

[JImmy T]

I'd say maybe McCain got his inspiration from watching this when it aired, but even 40 years ago, he was still too old to watch Batman. Now that's an old dude.

[uh,,,,you know about the secret identity thing and all....sorry]

For Immediate Release

Batman for President opens Los Angeles Office

http://www.batmanforpresident.com/

Due to an unexpected interest in his candidacy Batman has opened a regional campaign office in Los Angeles California. However due to a pressing national campaign agenda in key swing vote states and the ongoing crime wave in Gotham City Batman is not expected to make an appearance at the regional office. Andy Chase, a Los Angeles based Media and Marketing consultant has agreed to be Los Angeles Chairman for the “Batman for President” effort and to co-ordinate state wide efforts on behalf of the campaign. The campaign effort in California is being underwritten by wealthy Industrialist Bruce Wayne a long time friend of Chase. Wayne has also dispatched staff aide and Household Butler Alfred to assist in keeping things tidy and preparing meals for the staffers.

“These are exciting times for the “Batman for President” effort in California.” Chase was quoted as saying. “The Batman platform of “No Taxes. No Welfare. No Mercy” has connected with voters like no other effort since Proposition 13”

“Unlike other candidates Batman has no ties to or funding from Special Interest groups, he has not accepted any Public Funding for his campaign and continues to be the only true Independent candidate with a consistent record of winning every single fight he has been engaged in” Chase continued. “Additionally Batman has a record of ongoing public service of great length that exceeds that of any other candidate”.

“We expect by Oct 31 that the groundswell support for Batman will be so great, people will begin to emulate the way Batman dresses and take to the streets in support as well as going door to door in support of this campaign. Awareness for Batman is at an all time high”

“However on the downside we do expect the opposing campaigns to file with the Federal Communications Commission for equal broadcast time due to the heavy exposure Batman currently receives on Television. While we are confident that these claims for equal exposure will be dismissed by the FCC we have retained the Gotham City law firm of Dewey, Cheatum and Howe to represent the “Batman for President” campaign in this effort. In addition to myself who will be serving as Media Consultant, Harvey Dent, on a leave of absence, will be assisting the legal team in Gotham City.” Chase concluded.

Volunteers and interested individuals can reach the Los Angeles office of “Batman for President” at: Batman4PresLA@aol.com. Barbara Gordon, Press Secretary, has relocated from Gotham City to Los Angeles to handle all inquiries.

###

[Joe]

If Obama is Batman, does it make Joe Biden Robin? And does Joe Biden do what Burt Ward (aka Robin) allegedly used to do, and tape down his genitals to make them less visible on TV? The public demands to know!

[JohnLenin]

This is what this race has come down to? That comment by the Penguin about Batman being around criminals is in no way the same as Mr. Obama's penchant for associating with individuals who's acts are questionable at best! Is the writer of this article intimating that Mr. Obama is attempting to bring these individuals to justice? I am not without a sense of humor and can understand that this is supposed to be taken with a grain of salt but I don't think this article would bother me as much if these types of logical fallacies weren't employed so heavily by most Obama supporters.

[Stevarino]

I see lots of parallels to ALL political campaigns and tactics used by all Republicans and Democrats. There is no such thing as intelligent debate anymore. Just a bunch of obnoxious bullies who don't listen to each other. Add this and the Apple spot post to the list of distracting blather.

[Mac G]

You are so connected David. This video has re emerged for over a week ago in the online world and now you are "breaking it down." Riveting stuff.

Oh, Thanks for the Hit job piece awhile back. I am sure it made you feel all bad and stuff. Since the traffic was so weak( I mean terrible), we just ignored your insignificant site. We still debate carving your post up and exposing everything to your boss but then again, we do not feel like generating any traffic your way, even though we both know that this site desperately needs some.

Good Luck tricking more people to cooperate with your gutter tactics. You are an embarrassment to Hawkeye nation.

[Gavin]

How is this a meme? One article?