More than 43 million tuned in to JD Vance-Tim Walz vice presidential debate
The lone vice presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle drew more than 43 million Americans across 15 networks, well down from four years ago, according to early Nielsen ratings released Wednesday.The initial measurement for the audience of the CBS News debate between Sen.JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Democratic Minnesota Gov.
Tim Walz was drawn from outlets including ABC, CBS, Fox News, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, NewsNation and PBS.The 43.2 million figure is down 25% from the 57.9 million who watched Vice President Mike Pence debate then-Sen.Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) in October 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.The highest-rated VP debate of the modern era remains the 2008 showdown between then-Sen.
Joe Biden (D-Del.) and Alaska Gov.Sarah Palin, which drew 69.9 million viewers.By comparison, former President Donald Trump’s first — and apparently last — debate against Harris, the current vice president and newly installed Democratic nominee, drew 61.7 million total viewers Sept.
10.Just 48 million flipped on the June 27 grudge match between Trump, 78, and President Biden, 81 — when the Democratic incumbent’s dreadful performance prompted a party revolt that reset the 2024 race.Pundits and party insiders noted the obvious differences between the vice presidential and presidential debates, with the former being described as a “cordial” and substantive exchange on the issues that matter most to voters before Nov.5.Walz issued a rare statement of approval at one point, saying Trump’s running mate was giving viewers “the conversation they want to hear” about the direction of the country.The one hour, 45 minute sparring match offered contrasting views on the economy, immigration, global conflicts, energy and abortion.One of the most striking moments came when Walz admitted for the first time to a national audience that his 17-year-old son Gus had witnessed a shooting at a community center.“I didn’t know that your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting.
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