Jason English
The Highest-Rated Debates in History
by Jason English - February 26, 2008 - 10:19 AM

obama-clinton.jpg

Big plans for Clinton-Obama III?

The two remaining Democratic candidates take the stage tonight for one final debate before the March 4th primaries. People everywhere are talking about this race – and by ‘everywhere,’ I mean my barbershop, selected friends’ Facebook profiles and on MSNBC. But where will tonight’s contest rank historically?

Last week’s Austin debate drew roughly 7.7 million viewers, while last month’s showdown in Hollywood was seen by 8.3 million. These numbers understandably pale in comparison to viewership for general election debates. According to Nielsen Media Research data provided to the Commission on Presidential Debates, the largest debate audience came in 1980, when 80.6 million people watched Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. Here’s the top ten:

reagan-carter.jpg

1. Reagan-Carter, October 28, 1980 (80.6 million)
2. Clinton-Bush-Perot, October 15, 1992 (69.9 million)
3. Carter-Ford, September 23, 1976 (69.7 million)
4. Reagan-Mondale, October 21, 1984 (67.3 million)
(tie) Bush-Dukakis, October 13, 1988 (67.3 million)

perot-clinton-bush.jpg

6. Clinton-Bush-Perot, October 19, 1992 (66.9 million)
7. Kennedy-Nixon, September 26, 1960 (66.4 million*)
8. Reagan-Mondale, October 7, 1984 (65.1 million)
(tie) Bush-Dukakis, September 25, 1988 (65.1 million**)
10. Carter-Ford, October 6, 1976 (63.9 million)

* The four Kennedy-Nixon debates were seen on a larger percentage of televisions in 1960 than other debates on this list. But there were far fewer televisions.

** It’s a little strange to me that the 1984 and 1988 debates had virtually identical ratings. A second source backs it up.

Previously on mental_floss…

• The Projectionist: Memorable Moments from Past Debates
• Take the quiz: The Debating Game

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Comments (6)

  1. You have to consider that all the record setting debates were interparty debates. At this point, intraparty debates are useless. Party members by now have made up their minds on who they want. Another debate is not going to sway them one way or the other. Don’t count the debate viewer ratings yet. Wait until AFTER the conventions when the winner from each party debates each other. You might see some new records set at that time. If not, something is sadly wrong with this country.

    posted by Steve S on 2-26-2008 at 12:35 pm

  2. Good point, Steve. Bush-Kerry I brought in 62.4 million viewers, just missing the top ten. I’d bet an Obama-McCain debate would make this list.

    posted by Jason on 2-26-2008 at 12:43 pm

  3. Well, I’m watching the one tonight for one reason: My roommate and I will be testing our newly created bingo slash drinking game! Sadly we didn’t get it up and running earlier so we could play it more.

    posted by sm on 2-26-2008 at 12:56 pm

  4. What immediately stood out in the pictures included in this post: the earlier debates had clean, empty backgrounds with a simple PRESIDENTIAL logo. The ones now are plastered nonstop with CNN (or FoxNews, or whatever). Seriously, how many ways do we need to be reminded that the debate is coming to us because of CNN…

    IMHO, it’s a reflection of the times…it’s a media game, entertainment, not serious politics. It comes out in some of the inane questions that get asked as well. It’s about the show now, not what’s good for the country.

    posted by Ben on 2-26-2008 at 1:29 pm

  5. Can’t wait to watch tonight’s debate. As Tim Russert noted last night, which Hillary is going to show up tonight? The friendly Hillary who appeared at the end of the last debate or Hillary attacking? How will Barack respond? Even if no new ground is broken, it should make for interesting TV that I imagine will draw a very large audience.

    posted by Jim on 2-26-2008 at 3:29 pm

  6. I found these stats fascinating…

    I find all politics and politicians to be lying, cheating, no goodniks…

    I’m always amazed at the amt of interest folks have in the race, and how much they whine and complain about any administration…

    posted by donner on 2-26-2008 at 10:11 pm

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