Would you agree Obama clearly had the advantage in the 2008 election? Considering he was better spoken but also taller and better looking?

Sure. Physical beauty matters a lot to some people. On the other hand, McCain was saying the economy was fine when it was actually falling apart. The voters noticed that. Remember, in 2012 Romney was a tall handsome guy, but Obama beat him. too.

George Bush was taller and more handsome than Obama.

Mr McCain had the disadvantage of Mrs. 

Palin.

Better looking?  He's purple and goofy looking.  But compared to McCain who was old and tortured...literally, yeah, I guess.

Height is an advantage.   Almost all presidents have been tall.

that and half of the country hated him just for being black, big advantage 

And more popular. And the majority of Americans are Democrats.