by Mark Silva
The Ohio debate last night between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama drew 7.8 million viewers, MSNBC reports -- a record for the network.
The cable news network's coverage of the debate ran "second only'' to American Idol in its time slot. Not since the start of the Iraq war -- a subject which played a role in the debate -- have so many tuned in to MSNBC.
The debate was the most watched broadcast in the 11-year history of the network, according to Nielsen Media Research. It was the third most-watched debate of the season and the second most-watched on cable TV.
"Voters are incredibly engaged and passionate about the presidential election; it's one of the most exciting in history. I'm proud that millions of viewers were able to experience the most anticipated debate of the season on MSNBC," said Phil Griffin, senior viice president for NBC News and executive in charge of MSNBC, in a statement released by the network.
The debate was the No. 4 program of the night, broadcast or cable, in total viewers and ranked second only to "American Idol" in its time period. The debate was also the No. 1 cable program of the night among total viewers and adults 25-54.
The audience for the debate averaged 3.24 million adults 25-54, also a record for the network -- the previous high for the network came on March 19, 2003, the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq which Obama opposed and which Clinton voted to authorize.
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Comments
I never thought anyone could outdraw Keith Overbite
Posted by: Terry | February 27, 2008 5:15 PM
"DEMOCRATS RECREATE SHOCK AN AWE"
AMERICA EXPERIENCED SHOCK AN AWE, AS TWO PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULLS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS THAT RELATE TO THE "ECONOMY" "IRAQ" THE AMERICAN VOTE AND THE AMERICAN VOTERS AS A PEOPLE.
THIS IS HOW IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE. WE WATCH, LISTEN AND THEN VOTE.
HRC AND BHO SHOT STRAIGHT.
I DON'T OWE HIM AN APOLOGY, I DIDN'T HAVE HIM OR HELP BRING HIM IN THIS WORLD, NOR DID I NAME HIM! BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!
NOW CAN MSNBC OR CNN ASK
JOHN MCCAIN OR RON PAUL, OR MIKE HUCKLEBEE THE SAME QUESTIONS.
OHIO, MICHIGAN, AND ANYONE THAT HAS LOST A JOB OR AN ENTIRE INDUSTRY WANT TO ASK THE REPUBLICAN PARTY THE SAME QUESTIONS.
IT WAS A GREAT DEBATE, IT HAD SUBSTANCE AND REALITIES THAT WE ALL CAN EVALUATE AND VOTE UPON OR AGAINST.
SO WHERE IS THE REPUBLICAN DEBATE OTHER THAN IN THE HALLS OF THE "JUSTICE DEPARTMENT" OR SOME FORMER AT&T NOW HEAD OF FANNIE MAE OFFICE.
HECK JOHN D OR DOUG Z CAN HOST THE DEBATE!
Posted by: Roger Morris | February 27, 2008 5:47 PM
I never thought anyone could outdraw Keith Overbite
Posted by: Terry | February 27, 2008 5:15 PM
That's funny...almost.
The Ohio debate last night between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama drew 7.8 million viewers, MSNBC reports -- a record for the network.
I think it's great to see voters this engaged. What I'm amazed at is how people can come away with such different veiws in terms of the outcome. I thought it was fairly even with Obama perhaps getting the better of Mrs Clinton. I think once again she showed some weakness by complaining, though her command of foreign policy was impressive as always.
Obama 2008
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 27, 2008 6:22 PM
I am just getting to know this magazine and could wish to comment later. dcv
Posted by: David Vigen | February 27, 2008 6:48 PM
I never thought anyone could outdraw Keith Overbite
____________________________
As usual, the worst mankind has to offer offers the worst possible bile. Sure, nobody thinks the republitards are relevant anymore. Americans are trying to choose between two candidates that offer something besides the failed policies and "ideas" of the last seven years. The current resident and his minions have destroyed all that makes this country great. We have a chance to make our lives better, to restore the luster America had after 9/11 when everyone in the world held our collective hand and wept with us. Now that the mis-administration has squandered every last penny of value in being from the USA, it will take someone besides the bridge to nowhere, wide stanced, xenophobic, religion perverting, mud slinging republitards to fix everything the republicrites have broken during their reign of terror.
The apologistas here want to blame the USA and its people for embracing anything but the neo-connie credo and its driving them nuts that people are truly interestedin what someone, anyone besides republitools have to say.
Looking forward to November.
Posted by: rncbs | February 27, 2008 8:24 PM
We don't have cable television, so we tried watching the debate on MSNBC's website. It was awful. The video was slower than the sound, and the sound cut out at some key points. Ugh.
Posted by: Heron | February 27, 2008 10:15 PM
"DON'T RUN DON'T' HIDE"
It's okay, to have a mutual conversation in America. It's okay to be a pundint in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, cubicle on the job; wherever you may sit and think aloud!
It's okay, to have an opinion that you can express in a moments past!
It's okay to enjoy the "Glory of America" and the leadership we've become being "Mandated No Free Will."
It's okay to exercise and recognize free speech. It's okay, if you do not.
It's also okay to have mutual conversations that effect us daily. It's okay to have mutual "adult" conversations about political idealogy without being immoral, unethical or unprofessional to the freedoms of speech, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the COUNTRY IN WHICH YOU SERVE, RESPECT AND ENDOW THE VERY FABRIC OF FREEDOM YOU HAVE!
SO BE KIND AND REWIND!
Posted by: roger morris | February 27, 2008 10:47 PM
LP,
It was probably the best sitcom on last night.
Posted by: Terry | February 27, 2008 11:04 PM
Was it necessary to mention at the end of your story " the previous high for the network came on March 19, 2003, the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq which Obama opposed and which Clinton voted to authorize.
Typical anti Clinton crap. How about mentioning how a handful of congress voted against the war.
Posted by: dras | February 29, 2008 11:37 AM