Texas Tech Professors Determine That We Prefer Tall Presidential Candidates

Not all of our presidential candidates believe in evolution, but evolution may have an impact on the 2012 election either way.

A study by Texas Tech professors found that we're more likely to vote for taller presidential candidates because we have a biological urge to vote tall.

According to the study, it's because of, quote, "an evolved psychological trait that associates physical strength with survival."

In other words, the biggest guy was the most likely one to provide food for the tribe and defeat opponents in battle.

In presidential elections, the taller candidate has won 58% of the time. The researchers also conducted an experiment, asking people to draw stick figures of citizens and leaders. The leader figure was taller 64% of the time.

They also gave a survey and found that taller people were more likely to think of themselves as potential leaders and consider running for office.

So while Barack Obama hasn't had to battle Vladimir Putin in hand-to-hand combat. He's 6'1", making him our fifth tallest president ever.

Of the potential challengers to Obama, Mitt Romney is the tallest at 6'2". Michele Bachmann is shortest at 5'2".

(USA Today)