How tall is Kamala Harris? Comparing her height difference with Donald Trump.

Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY

September 10, 2024 at 10:03 p.m.·2 min read

Though a presidential debate is an unparalleled arena for dueling candidates to present their qualifications and policy proposals, it's also a performance where visuals can, at times, overtake even the smoothest of lines.

Before Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took to the stage Tuesday evening for their first debate, Trump took to social media to talk about Harris' height, saying no accommodations should be made during the debate.

Harris was seen walking to the podium in flat shoes.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands as they attend a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024

Presidential debate live updates: Trump, Harris meet for the first time on the debate stage

“No boxes or artificial lifts will be allowed to stand on during my upcoming debate with Comrade Kamala Harris,” Trump said in the post, calling such accommodations “a form of cheating.”

Harris is 5' 4 1/4", and Trump is 6'3", giving the two candidates a significant height difference. However, there has been back-and-forth over Harris' height, with Trump mocking her relatively modest stature, though she is two inches taller than the average American woman.

Harris confirmed her height in an interview with "Today" host Katie Couric earlier this year.

"I am 5’4" and a quarter — sometimes 5’4" and a half," Harris told Couric. "And with heels — which I always wear — I’m 5’7’ and a half, thank you very much."

More: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shake hands at the presidential debate, their first meeting

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024

It's not the first time the Republican candidate has issued criticisms of Harris' appearance or personality, often seen as subtle sexist attacks, which he has a history of directing toward women opponents.

Harris has not commented on whether she has made a request for any sort of lift, according to the New York Times.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC with Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024.

At 9 p.m. EDT, USA TODAY Network will stream the ABC News Presidential Debate Simulcast on the USA TODAY channel, available on most smart televisions and devices.

Kathryn Palmer is an elections fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr.

At 9 p.m. EDT, USA TODAY Network will stream the ABC News Presidential Debate Simulcast on the USA TODAY channel, available on most smart televisions and devices.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How tall is Kamala Harris? Comparing her height with Donald Trump.

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