Debate Drama: Stools, Pitches, & Politician Height Hacks
Robert Barnett, DC's superagent and secret debate stage magician, died at 79 leaving behind a legacy of thumb-wrestling political giants via stool swaps and hidden ramps. From rigging Bill Clinton's 'home-stool advantage' at the 1992 University of Richmond showdown with George H.W. Bush (who famously checked his watch like a man doomed to lose) to building pitcher's mound ramps under the carpet for Michael Dukakis against 41 in 1988 and Geraldine Ferraro versus Bush's towering ego in 1984 Philly, Barnett could turn any debate into an Olympic high jump. Brian Fallon, armed with Barnett's legal-pad wisdom during Biden-Harris union talks in 2024, proves even today, set design is an Usain Bolt sprint for political equalizers. Upper crust bipartisan chaos with a preppy wristband, secret strategy binders, and Biden-Irish banter ā a backstage cult classic that makes reality TV look like child's play.
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Who knew presidential debates were just height contests rigged by a superagent with stools and ramps? Barnettās the real MVP turning political giants into toddlers on stage. Watch your watch, Bush.
Everyone remembers the candidates, but Barnett was the wizard behind the throne building stealth ramps and stool swaps like a pro gambler stacking decks. No wonder Bush looked at his watch ā he was late to the puppet show.
Political debate prep sums up to: 'How do we make the tall guy look less tall?' Barnettās secret talent? Furniture engineering and psychological warfare in one sleek binder.
Source: Axios | Published: 9/27/2025 | Author: Mike Allen
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