Size does matter in Bush-Kerry debate
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-28 15:01

When it comes to presidential debates, it seems size does matter.

John Kerry, a 6-foot-4-inch Democrat, poked fun on Monday at George W. Bush, the 5-foot-11-inch Republican president for reportedly insisting that podiums be set far apart to offset his opponent's five-inch height advantage.

The Massachusetts senator told a town hall meeting in Spring Green -- where he is rehearsing -- that voters should not be afraid of changing commanders in chief in the midst of war with Iraq and the battle against terror.

"You know when your horse is headed down toward the waterfalls or when your horse is drowning, it's a good time to change horses in midstream," Kerry said.

After a pause, he added: "May I also suggest that we need a
taller horse? We could get through deeper waters that way."

Bush and Kerry face each other for the first time on Thursday in Coral Gables, Florida, where they will debate foreign policy and homeland security. Two more will be held next month before Americans vote on Nov. 2.

The two camps have negotiated an elaborate 32-page set of rules, including whether they sit or stand, how much they can move around, and precisely how long they have to answer questions.