Every man wants to be 6' tall even if they are only 5'10". Even very honest men will exaggerate their height. Look at football players. Some of the shorties are often listed on the program at near 6' (5'11 1/2"), even when it is obvious they are only of average height.

Other body parts are also often exaggerated..that is why most women have poor judgement when it comes to measurements, especially in inches.

To get back to the subject mentioned, Bush is a banty rooster but he finally now stands taller than Reagan for the first time.