Comments on: The Highest-Rated Debates in History

By: donner

donner — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:11:52 +0000

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…

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:29:22 +0000

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.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:29:18 +0000

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.

By: sm

sm — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:56:20 +0000

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.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:43:48 +0000

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.

By: Steve S

Steve S — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:35:44 +0000

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.