Does This Make Sense?

I guess I am back in my literary criticism mode. Hey, I don't have to upload any pictures for this and my uploading is excruciatingly slow.

I am reading Dan Brown's novel Deception Point. I came across this sentence and it makes no sense to me whatsoever:

"Despite having ascended to the most powerful political office in the world, President Zachary Herney was average in height, with a slender build and narrow shoulders."

Why would ascending to the most powerful political office affect either your height or your build?

Do you think Mr. Brown meant to say:

"Despite being of average height, with a slender build and narrow shoulders, President Zachary Herney was able to ascend to the most powerful political office in the world."

Of course why Mr. Brown thinks being of average height and having a slender build with narrow shoulders might prevent you from becoming President of the United States is another question altogether.

It is a beautiful day here in Puerto Vallarta. Sunny with a nice breeze blowing in from the ocean. The young Mexican women are frolicking topless on the beach, their brown breasts bouncing merrily about as they ply you with frozen margaritas in a variety of flavors.

Well, at least it really is sunny with a nice breeze.