Candidates' Favorite Super Hero: Superman Chosen by Four

Nine-year-old Ari Garnick, the son of Emmy-nominated documentary producer and journalist Darren Garnick, scored a big scoop on the presidential campaign trail in New Hampshire. He was able to ask several candidates to choose their favorite super hero, and a video of the interviews has been posted on the Internet, The Hill reported, citing a story in The Washington Post.

The most popular choice was Superman, who was tabbed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and retired businessman Herman Cain, who has since retired from the campaign as well, The Hill reported.

After citing Superman, Gingrich asked Ari to reveal his own favorite super hero. The youngster cited Martian Manhunter, an obscure extraterrestrial member of the Justice League of America.

Gingrich’s response: “You got me on that one. I don’t think I ever encountered the Martian Manhunter.” That probably gives him something in common with most everyone older than 12.

Romney said he chose Superman because he "grew up with" him. “It’s the leaping of tall buildings in a single bound and faster than a locomotive. See ya.”

Perry was impressed that Superman "came to save the United States."

Cain, interviewed before he suspended his campaign, offered up Superman "because we have a super mess in this country, and we need Superman to bail us out," The Hill reported. He spent the most time of any candidate engaging Ari, asking him who his choice would be and why.

Ari’s answer showed he’s ready for politics. The nine-year-old chose Batman, flip-flopping from the response he gave Gingrich. When Cain asked him why, Ari answered, “I like all his gadgets.” Cain’s response: “Oh you’re a gadget guy. I’m kind of into kryptonite.”

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum opted for the father figure on "The Incredibles" by Disney/Pixar, The Hill said. "He was a good dad, cared about his family, cared about his community, and tried to do what the right thing was," Santorum said.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman went for Spider-Man, saying he used to watch him on TV, and listed Batman as his No. 2. Why Spidey? “Because of the idea that you can swing from building to building in any town and save people in need,” Huntsman said. “That would be an awesome thing.”

Texas Rep. Ron Paul was the only candidate to blow Ari off (he didn’t cross paths with Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann). As Ari described it, “Ron Paul didn’t know who his superhero was, and he just walked away. I think he should have said something.”