Early Ratings Reports: VP Debate 33% higher than Presidential Debate

[whottt]

http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/10/vp-debate-ratin.html

October 03, 2008
Early Palin-Biden debate ratings suggest strong viewership
In the very preliminary ratings returns, Thursday's debate between Alaska governor Sarah Palin and Delaware senator Joe Biden is looking like strong performer.


The four broadcast networks airing last night's debate totaled a 28.1 overnight meter-market household rating.

That's 33% higher than last week's morning-after returns for Friday's presidential debate, which scored a collective 21.4 rating among the major networks.

These are early numbers and subject to change. Due to a Nielsen processing delay, they do not include six major markets, including Los Angeles (which was low for Friday's debate and could drag down the average), as well as Miami, Houston, San Diego, Denver and Las Vegas. Making a firm judgment at this point about the debate's popularity is a bit like calling the presidency on election night with Florida and Ohio still unreported. Still, things look positive, with cable network sources reporting that their early numbers show gains from Friday too. In a few hours we'll have more clarity as Nielsen will announce an official household rating that includes broadcast and cable networks for the 56 major markets. Later, we'll have total viewers and demos.

Thursday's match has been expected to potentially overthrow Friday's presidential debate in viewers due to questions about Palin's readiness and because the vp match was held on the most-watched night of the week.

The 2004 debate between Cheney and John Edwards also scored a 28.1 average rating, but that included the cable networks (which have not yet been added to last night's figure). So Palin-Biden is looking probable to score higher than Cheney-Edwards once all the numbers are in. But probably it won't top most-watched veep debate, which just so happened to be the last time a man and woman faced off for the vice presidency -- George Bush and Geraldine Ferrarro in '84.

Debate reaction: "So how surprising was it, really, that neither candidate devolved into a Jerry Springer screaming fit or fell into a state of catatonia?" asked LA Times. Debate quotes from the AP. "Palin changed her image overnight," says Weekly Standard. "Palin scored points but didn't win," says Newsweek and Salon. "At ude and image vs. facts and focus," says Baltimore Sun. "Rivals shine, Palin a bit more brightly," says Boston Globe. HuffPo's collection of reactions and live blog. CBS poll. CNN analysis. CNN's video highlights.


Updates to come, refresh for latest...

[whottt]

Gee I wonder why...must be the hair plugs, the botoxed forhead and the capped teeth.

[clambake]

you can't let the little kid drive the school bus. mccain ed up.