Kamala Harris uses miniature podium in debate against Donald Trump, Internet finds reason 'hilarious'

During the first 2024 presidential debate against Donald Trump, Kamala Harris used a smaller podium, sparking ridicule across social media platforms
PUBLISHED SEP 11, 2024
Former US president Donald Trump debates US Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Getty Images)
Former US president Donald Trump debates US Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: The Democratic and Republican 2024 nominees, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump faced off in their first televised presidential debate in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 10.

Hosted by ABC News, while the debate had the voters interested in seeing Trump clash against his new challenger, netizens were caught up with the report of Harris being provided a shorter podium than him for the event.

The information was first shared by an insider source with Axios, and confirmed by ABC News video.



 

Why were podium sizes different for Trump and Harris?

According to Axios, the height difference between Harris and Trump is one of the largest among presidential nominees in US history.

Trump's doctors have listed him as 6 foot 3, while his New York driver's license states 6 foot 2. Harris shared earlier this year that she is just over 5 foot 4 and "with heels, which I always wear, I'm 5 foot 7 and a half, thank you very much."

As such, the Democratic nominee was wary of appearing small next to her GOP counterpart. The different podium sizes therefore allowed both candidates to appear closer to the same stature on a split television screen during the debate.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Biden's decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The issue is not unheard of, as former Massachusetts Gov Michael Dukakis, 5 foot 9, shared a similar worry appearing against then-Vice President George HW Bush, who was 6 foot 2. A structure similar to the pitcher's mound was reportedly built behind his podium for him to step on.



 

Republicans mock Kamala Harris

Conservatives on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) mocked Harris for debating Trump from a 'Playskool' podium. The following examples demonstrate the prevalent takes.

"Omg hahah this just keeps getting better and better. Kamala has to sit in the kids corner," wrote a user.



 

"She also requested a smaller chair backstage for her debate prep against Trump," jibed another, with a meme showing Harris sitting in a toddler's chair.



 

"They gave her a toy podium. How thoughtful!" quipped a third.



 

"That’s hilarious. Kids table at TG. Just wait till they hear her speak," chided a fourth.



 

"She will also receive a miniature amount of votes on November 5," mocked a fifth.



 

"I love how Joe Biden and Kamala have to use the Playskool version of everything 😂," expressed a sixth.



 

"So cute. It’s Fisher prices my first debate podium," added another user.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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