In 2008 tv debate, McCain looked tiny next to Obama. In 2016, candidates are allowed to have custom made podiums should they wish to adjust their height

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2008 debate, Obama and McCain

"Donna Brazile says the 2008 debates between Barack Obama and John McCain didn't change the direction of the campaign." getty image

9/29/2012, "Why debates don't always make a difference, McCain and Obama in Sept. 2008," CNN, Donna Brazile

 "Whether a debate alone can win or lose an election is itself open to debate. Every debate produces a gaffe and a few lines for the late-night comedians. Whether that's enough to change the momentum of a campaign isn't so clear."...

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9/24/16, "Step-stool podium reportedly on Hillary Clinton's short list," Boston Herald, Chris Cassidy

"Hillary Clinton was denied a step stool to close her height gap with Donald Trump for Monday’s debate, according to the Drudge Report. Clinton is about five-feet, six-inches, while Trump towers over her at six-feet, two-inches....

Instead, the commission is allowing the campaigns to construct custom podiums.

The dustup called to mind a similar podium row in the 1988 campaign between Michael Dukakis and then-Vice President George H.W. Bush, who was six inches taller than the Massachusetts governor.

“The campaigns have a tendency to get more paranoid about this than they need to,” said Alan Schroeder, a debate expert at Northeastern University.

“But certainly there are statistics that show taller candidates win at a higher percentage than shorter candidates,” said Schroeder.

“However, I think that’s probably more of a factor with two men or two women. The fact you have a man and a woman, it seems to me not that big of a deal.”"...



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