# Why the silence on McCain's height? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 8, 2008, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639 "2008-09-08T17:12:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![PaulParkhead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@PaulParkhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PaulParkhead)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/21 "2008-09-08T21:12:50Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > :rolleyes: > > The real reason McCain is short is that he comes from solid Navy stock. If he were 6’4", his father would have suspected his mother of adultery. Navy craft (sea & air) are not designed for tall men, but for men of average height. Tall fellows not only bump their heads below decks; they have a harder time staying upright on small boats than do squat solid men with McCain’s build. > > :p;) At the risk of being all serious and stuff, is there any sort of maximum height for pilots of the type of aircraft McCain flew? I did have a friend in high school who was told he was too tall to be a fighter pilot with the RAF, a career he was considering. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/22 "2008-09-08T21:24:49Z")
> [@F.U.Shakespeare](#): > > The similarity is indeed striking, to the point where I sometimes have trouble telling which one it is when I tune in to one of them talking on the radio. Makes sense: Texas and Arizona aren’t very far apart. I know! Austin and Phoenix are really close together. They are practically neighbors, like Boston and Atlanta. ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/23 "2008-09-08T21:57:05Z")
I feel like the Queens-born mafia don’s daughter in “The Freshman”, who said to Matthew Broderick, “So, I hear you’re from… Montana?” "Vermont, he corrected. But I do hear some similarity between southwestern accents and southern ones. Less than I do between Boston and Atlanta. Anyway, my original statement appears to be irrelevant: wiki says Navy brat McCain attended twenty different schools total. The family settled in northern Virgina when McCain was 15. So I don’t know what kind of accent you’d call his. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/24 "2008-09-08T22:01:34Z")
> [@Polerius](#): > > Short answer: McCain is a Republican, while Dukakis and Kucinich are Democrats, and Republicans are assholes when running campaigns and try to belittle any aspect of their opponent they can, even physical experience. > > It’s a tactic that works like a charm. And therefore, Democrats should use it. He’s Shrimpy McCain in my book now. ---
**Author:** ![Algorithm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/algorithm/32/12204_2.png) [@Algorithm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algorithm)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/25 "2008-09-08T22:10:49Z")
[Here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heights_of_United_States_Presidents_and_presidential_candidates) you’ll find a comparison of major party candidates’ heights. You’ll notice that no candidate has overcome a 7 inch height differential in at least over 120 years, possibly not since 1852 (and Winfield Scott was very tall). Also, the growing trend since the 20s seems to be that the taller candidate usually wins. ---
**Author:** ![Waenara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/50afbb/32.png) [@Waenara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waenara)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/26 "2008-09-08T22:59:05Z")
> [@PaulParkhead](#): > > At the risk of being all serious and stuff, is there any sort of maximum height for pilots of the type of aircraft McCain flew? I did have a friend in high school who was told he was too tall to be a fighter pilot with the RAF, a career he was considering. I found [this site](http://usmilitary.about.com/od/officerjo2/a/pilot.htm) that talks about qualification factors for naval aviators in the US. I don’t know how relevant this would be to Vietnam-era pilots. Currently, there are height limitations, as well as other body measurements. > [@](#): > > Height restrictions: 62" - 78" (male) 58" - 78" (female) (Note: \* applicants under 63" will not likely pass anthropometric measurements) > [@](#): > > In order to lower attrition rates and provide better quality applicants for Officer Candidate School and follow on training pipelines, CNRC is working closely with aviation community representatives in all areas. One particular area of concern is the anthropometrics measurements of pilots and naval flight officers. A strict process is used in Pensacola to measure applicants in order to determine which air frames they may qualify to fly. These measurements are based on several factors including height, weight, functional reach, buttocks knee length, and sitting height which are used to ensure the aviators safety on sitting in the cockpit as well as emergency ejections. These measurements include everything we have measured previously with the exception of buttock leg length. After studying the data the aviation community has come up with more accurate guidelines to apply for measurement ranges. The following are the accepted guidelines that should ensure compatibility with all pipelines. For applicants who may be close to limits I have access to the anthro website to enter data directly to check measurements. For qualified applicants who are possible selects who are close to limits we may also explore the option of sending them to Pensacola to check their measurements first hand. > > FOR MALE SNA: > > 1. Thumb-tip Reach FR: 29.5 inches or greater > 2. Buttock Knee Length: greater than 22 inches, but less than 26.5 inches > 3. Sitting Height: greater than 34 inches, but less than 38.8 inches > > FOR FEMALE SNA: > > 1. Thumb-tip Reach FR: 29.5 inches or greater > 2. Buttock Knee Length: greater than 22 inches, but less than 26.5 inches > 3. Sitting Height: greater than 33.5 inches, but less than 38.8 inches > > FOR SNFO (MALE OR FEMALE): > > 1. Thumb-tip Reach FR: 27.5 inches or greater > 2. Buttock Knee Length: 20.5 inches or greater > 3. Sitting Height: 32 inches or greater > > \*\*The following guidelines give directions as far as height concerns. Generally an applicant between 66" and 74" will be compatible for all pipelines. \*\* ---
**Author:** ![Jenaroph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/27 "2008-09-08T23:01:03Z")
> [@PaulParkhead](#): > > At the risk of being all serious and stuff, is there any sort of maximum height for pilots of the type of aircraft McCain flew? I did have a friend in high school who was told he was too tall to be a fighter pilot with the RAF, a career he was considering. Not an expert here by any means, but as I understand, shorter people (this means women as well) are less likely to pass out at the G-forces withstood while performing maneuvers in fighter planes. Something about the length of the blood vessels between the heart and the brain - an extra centimeter or two there makes a big difference in blood pressure while performing the Valsalva maneuver to maintain consciousness. The maximum height comes in, when your qualified fighter pilots are all under 5’7" you don’t build your cockpits to fit the guy who’s 6’4". So even if he could manage to qualify by being able to stay conscious under the required conditions, he wouldn’t fit inside the planes anyway. \ I see \*\* Waenara\*\* covered the actual height and other body size requirements, if that’s more what you were asking. I just figured I could provide info as to why they exist. ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/28 "2008-09-08T23:23:34Z")
> [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > And therefore, Democrats should use it. He’s Shrimpy McCain in my book now. You didn’t go far enough: Shrimpy McSame Or maybe “Papa Smurph” would be better since it highlights the fact that he is both short _and_ old. If only there was a nickname that would highlight all three: short, old, _and_ the same as Bush. 😃 Democrats need a Rush Limbaugh type on their side. I’m sure he would come up with something funny/sarcastic/denigrating that hit the spot. ---
**Author:** ![the\_PC\_apeman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ac8455/32.png) [@the\_PC\_apeman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_PC_apeman)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/29 "2008-09-08T23:45:52Z")
The most interesting thing about King Charles I is that he was 5’6" tall at the start of his reign, but only 4’8" tall at the end of it. -Monty P. ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/30 "2008-09-09T00:01:44Z")
> [@Polerius](#): > > Short answer: McCain is a Republican, while Dukakis and Kucinich are Democrats, and Republicans are assholes when running campaigns and try to belittle any aspect of their opponent they can, even physical experience. > > It’s a tactic that works like a charm. As opposed to Democrats who fly around with their little angel wings while they campaign… :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/31 "2008-09-09T00:03:01Z")
> [@Polerius](#): > > You didn’t go far enough: Shrimpy McSame > > Or maybe “Papa Smurph” would be better since it highlights the fact that he is both short _and_ old. > > If only there was a nickname that would highlight all three: short, old, _and_ the same as Bush. > > 😃 > > Democrats need a Rush Limbaugh type on their side. I’m sure he would come up with something funny/sarcastic/denigrating that hit the spot. They have Keith Olberman… ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/32 "2008-09-09T00:15:17Z")
> [@ManiacMan](#): > > They have Keith Olberman… I don’t think he’s as good at what he does as Rush is (or was; not sure how influential Rush is any more) ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/33 "2008-09-09T00:16:56Z")
> [@ManiacMan](#): > > As opposed to Democrats who fly around with their little angel wings You noticed them too? I thought I was the only one who could see them. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f07891/32.png) [@Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Plastic_Ninja)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/34 "2008-09-09T01:53:55Z")
Every time you shop with a reusable bag, a Democrat gets his wings. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/35 "2008-09-09T01:54:20Z")
It’s not something you point out. It’s something you let people observe and draw their own opinions about. If you point out that McCain is so short claim that this reduces his suitability to be present, people–even if they are inclined to agree–will then actually think about it, and if they think about it they are likely to decide that that assertion is stupid. Letting it go unremarked is the better strategy. You guys seriously need to sign up for my Evilitude Seminar. ---
**Author:** ![Auntbeast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Auntbeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Auntbeast)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/36 "2008-09-09T03:04:56Z")
It’s the great secret. John McCain can only possibly tower over Tom Cruise. I never thought about it, but pilots typically aren’t tall people. I’m rather excited at seeing the two candidates together. They are exactly the same height difference between each other as my husband and I are from each other and well, it is a big difference. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/37 "2008-09-09T03:08:35Z")
> [@Auntbeast](#): > > It’s the great secret. John McCain can only possibly tower over Tom Cruise. I never thought about it, but pilots typically aren’t tall people. > > I’m rather excited at seeing the two candidates together. They are exactly the same height difference between each other as my husband and I are from each other and well, it is a big difference. Apropos of nothing: **Auntbeast** , I am pleased that you have returned to us. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/38 "2008-09-09T03:43:28Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > It’s not something you point out. It’s something you let people observe and draw their own opinions about. If you point out that McCain is so short claim that this reduces his suitability to be present, people–even if they are inclined to agree–will then actually think about it, and if they think about it they are likely to decide that that assertion is stupid. Letting it go unremarked is the better strategy. > > You guys seriously need to sign up for my Evilitude Seminar. Yeah, nobody say anything. At the debate, Obama should just pat him on the head. Or lean on him. Seriously, I think seeing the two of them stand next to each other will accentuate McCain’s age in a very striking way. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/39 "2008-09-09T04:48:01Z")
So McCain’s too short. Sheesh, I knew Obama had a bad week but you guys must really think he’s in trouble to resort to this. ---
**Author:** ![Auntbeast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Auntbeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Auntbeast)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639/40 "2008-09-09T05:00:59Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > So McCain’s too short. > > Sheesh, I knew Obama had a bad week but you guys must really think he’s in trouble to resort to this. I don’t recall anyone saying he is too short. I’m certain his feet touch the ground. It is remarkable that he is so tiny and so little has been made of it. Hell, look at the flack that Tom Cruise gets and it isn’t like he is running for president. Although, he also was known as Maverick. I’m just sayin’ in my perspective, having a President that is shorter than me is kinda, well…odd. And thanks Skald, it is good to be back with a voice. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-silence-on-mccains-height/462639.md?page=3)