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

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."...

---------------------- 

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.”"...





.................