Debates and Viewers
Brian October 11th, 2004
As reported here, the second debate did not receive as many viewers as the first. However, a substantial number of people still tuned in.
1st Debate - 62.5 million viewers
2nd Debate - 46.7 million viewers
Actually, I do not think the less viewers is anything to worry about. Although the topics were different for each debate, it seemed like the key phrases were the same from both sides at both debates. The 15.8 Million viewers who watched the first, and not the second probably did not miss much.
For Comparison, the Vice-Presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio drew 43.6 million viewers. Additionally, the second debate in 2000, between Al Gore and Bush drew only 37.6 million viewers.
Thus, two conclusions can be drawn from this limited data. First, the higher numbers in 2004, compared to 2000, means more people are interested this year. Therefore, it would follow more interest will equal more voters. Second, the similarity between the amount of viewers who tuned in for the Vice-presidential and second Presidential debate lead me to believe both groups of viewers represent the hardliner political junkies (roughly 40 million). The first debate probably captured people’s interest that would not have normally tuned into a presidential debate. It will be very interesting to see how many viewers the third and final presidential debate draws on Wednesday. I am predicting 34 -42 million.
