Hillary's Absence From Debate Podium? Bathroom Break

So why was Hillary Clinton late getting back to her podium after one of the long commercial breaks during Saturday's Democratic presidential debate?

Just as many suspected: It was a bathroom break.

Clinton joked about a similar problem in the previous debate where she barely made it back on stage before the end of a break.

"It does take me a little longer. That's all I can say," Clinton said during the October debate on CNN.

As a result, many guessed that Saturday's late return to the stage was for a similar reason.

The New York Times confirmed that, noting that in addition to it taking women longer, the women's room was significantly farther from the stage than the men's room.

Clinton's campaign vice chairwoman Huma Abedin timed the distance to walk from the stage to the women's room beforehand and expressed her concerns to the event organizers, but since the debate was being held in a gymnasium, it was impossible to make a change.

With Clinton still offstage, moderator David Muir proceeded with a question to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Mid-question, Clinton walked onstage.

"Sorry," she said as she reached the podium.

Related Stories:

• Trump Blasts Hillary on ISIS Claim: 'She Lies Like Crazy'
• Report: Hillary Paying Off DNC for Help in Southern States