The Height Debate Among American Leaders

Dear Sir,

I read with interest Pat Wallace’s favourable recollection of ex-US president Jimmy Carter’s visit to the National Museum of Ireland, but I must clarify a minor detail. Mr Wallace referred to Mr Carter as a “tall man,” yet at 177cm (or 5ft 9½ inches), Carter holds the title of the second smallest US president following World War II.

Historically, the tallest seat holder has been Abraham Lincoln, who stood at an imposing 193cm (6ft 4in). Donald Trump’s reported height is 190cm (6ft 3in), putting him third overall, though there are controversies surrounding his real height implying it may a case of “fake news”.

It’s been a trend in US elections for the taller contender to claim victory, which unfortunately puts Kamala Harris (164cm, 5ft 4½ in) at a disadvantage. Despite accounting for the average male to female height difference of 1.07, she would still be shorter than Mr Trump, if we speak literally.

Thank you,
Kevin O’Sullivan,
Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

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