NPR News

Who Is He? The young chairman of the House Budget Committee came to national prominence as architect of a Republican budget plan after the GOP took the House in the 2010 midterm elections. Ryan's plan would slash government spending, simplify tax laws while cutting taxes on the wealthy, and fundamentally change entitlement programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Batman has many secrets — the best-known one, of course, being his millionaire alter ego, Bruce Wayne. But that may not be the Dark Knight's biggest secret.

Since the 1930s, only one man has been given credit for creating the caped crusader and his home city of Gotham. Bob Kane's name appears in the credits of all the movies, the campy TV show and the associated merchandise, from video games and action figures to sheets and underwear.

But what if Bob Kane didn't do it all by himself?

Some of those who know Mitt Romney best or have studied his political and business careers say the Republican presidential candidate tends toward caution and deep analysis in making decisions.

That helps explain why his choice of Rep. Paul Ryan surprised more than a few: Among the candidates reportedly on Romney's short list, Ryan was widely perceived as one of the less-safe choices.