Layout Control in Table

Hi, I am trying to set up a post layout template for entering multiple posts with duplicate layout, I know most will suggest CSS or such but my needs a pretty basic at tis point (matching my skill set).

I put the theme together with artisteer and am playing with a table to help me design the template. https://worldimevents.com/590/ I am trying to get the items in the left hand cell to run tight but the template spacing seems to override it. The Column width is set and inserting the graphic in the post editor looks fine but on preview it drops down a much larger line space.

I tried editing the line spacing in the template css but only managed to squeeze the Paragraph line spacing down. Is there a simple low tech way to achieve my goal????