Thaindian News

Washington, Oct 19 (IANS) The preference for taller, physically stronger politicians may have evolved out of the ancient belief that they could protect their subjects from enemies and dangers.

The study, conducted by Gregg R. Murray and J. David Schmitz, from Texas Tech University, focuses on universal human behaviour, which has evolved to solve problems in ancient history.

The authors’ interest in the subject flows from the popular observation that taller candidates have won 58 percent of US presidential elections between 1789 and 2008 — a trend known as the “presidential height index” by political pundits.

“Some traits and instincts that may have been acquired through evolution continue to manifest themselves in modern life, seemingly irrationally,” said Murray, according to a Texas Tech statement.

“A near universal fear of snakes and a preference for unhealthy fatty foods likely evolved from (times) when snakes were a common threat and caloric intake was uncertain. We believe similar traits exist in politics,” adds Murray.

To test this theory, Murray and Schmitz first reviewed existing literature to establish concepts of the ‘big man’ in tribal leadership of ancient societies, as well as the impact of physical strength on rank and status in the animal kingdoms.

The authors then carried out two studies, analyzing 467 students from both public and private US universities.

“Our research and the literature demonstrate that there is a preference for physically formidable leaders that likely reflects an evolved psychological trait, independent of any cultural conditioning,” concluded Murray.”

So while at 6′1″, Barack Obama towered over the 5′8″ John McCain in 2008, perhaps he’ll meet his physical equal in one of the ‘big man’ governors in the 6′1″ Rick Perry or the 6′2″ Mitt Romney in November 2012.”