Viewership drops for third debate

UPDATED: The third and final presidential debate failed to kick "you know what" in the ratings Wednesday night.

The testy clash in Long Island between Barack Obama and John McCain was seen by 56.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

That's 8% higher than the first debate held on a Friday (52.4 million) and 11% lower than the second bout, held on a Tuesday (63.2 million). And, of course, it's much lower than the vp debate, which stands as the second most watched of all time (70 million).

Viewership was likely affected by Fox airing a series-deciding Game 5 of the NLCS baseball championships, Los Angeles vs. Philadelphia last night. L.A. and Philly are the second- and fourth-largest television markets, respectively.

NBC: 11.3 million
ABC: 10.6 million
CBS: 9.2 million
Fox News: 9.1 million
CNN: 8.9 million
MSNBC: 3.7 million

This is Fox News' highest-rated debate of the year. By market, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis had the highest viewership, and New Orleans, Los Angeles and Sacramento had the lowest. The Nielsen measurement includes telecasts on  ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC America, CNBC, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and MUN2 and on tape delay on Telemundo.

Also, PBS estimates an audience of 3.2 million viewers (2.1/3 HH rating) -- its biggest yet for a top-of-the-ticket debate on the network this year. PBS is not part of the Nielsen sample, but if its audience is added to the mix, the debate was seen by 59.7 million.

Though the ratings were mixed compared with recent debates, reaction from pundits expressed near-universal agreement that viewers finally saw an intense and substantive debate between the  candidates, with moderator Bob Schieffer drawing raves.

Reactions:  Joe the Plumber won, says Times of London. Obama hasn't closed the sale, writes Karl Rove. "Like watching a split-screen double feature -- 'Grumpy Old Men' playing side by side with 'Cool Hand Luke,' " writes Arianna Huffington."An ice cube wouldn't have melted on his forehead," says Politico. "Obama looked like a prosecutor delivering a polished summation in a long civil case -- Joe the Plumber vs. George W. Bush," writes NY Times. "There seems little doubt that McCain scored many more points than Obama," writes the National Review. "He sneered out the words, 'health of the mother,' and actually framed them in air quotes," marvels Joan Walsh. "Third time turned out to be the liveliest," writes THR. Venue featured protests and indifference, notes Newsmax. "Schieffer rose to the occasion magnificently," writes Sky News. "Schieffer tiled strongly left," claims Newsbusters. Insta-polls say Obama won. Video clips. Dueling post-debate ads. RCP electoral map.

Updates to come. Refresh for latest.

>> Ratings for the first debate, vp debate, second presidential debate. Ratings for Wednesday night's entertainment programming.

>> Hollywood Reporter's election coverage homepage.

>> Fall TV series survival status report: An electoral map of the broadcast networks

Comments

[tom desrosier]

Interesting that this debate wouldnt be a blow out.

I thought this was the best of three debates; Bob Sheafer did a superb job of herding the cats.

Howsomeever, the same pattern emerged. The anachronistic noble statesman, with a record of accomplishment, is glibbly brushed aside by his oponent's sallies of oratory delight.

Ho hum.
I summarized the debate with this picture: http://www.dare2believe.com

Tom

[eddie]

Government taxation and spending never creates jobs.

If it jobs you are interested in, lower government spending and taxation and leave more investment capital in the private sector.

[Norman Corts]

Tom, What planet were you watching this debate from? Bob Sheafer cut McCain off 5 times, and then allowed Lord Obama (The most merciful) to speak ENDLESSLY!

[Kimley]

I am amazed that so many don't see through Obama. Lots of shady connections. He's up to his eyeballs in ACORN. People need to read and research. If you only listen to CNN or MSNBC you will not hear the truth. We had lots of red flags showing us Clinton's womanizing prior to his election but we ignored them. If we elect Obama we choose to ignore many red flags. BUYER BEWARE!

[Obama 08]

It's too bad the ratings were so low because this was Obama's biggest victory yet (according to my opinion and to the post debate polls.)

McCain came off as erratic, out of touch, and most importantly ANGRY.

Obama came off as Presidential. Calm & collected. Never close to being rattled by McCain's lies.

Obama ended any effectiveness of the ayers & acorn smears.

It was McCain's last real chance to change momentum and he blew it.

[Kathy]

Obama didn't look cool to me..he look smug and arrogant. McCain was passionate and sincere.

[andrea r]

Did you guys see John McCain's zombie impression at the debate? It was very realistic.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Republican-presidential-nominee-shaking-hands-Senator-Barack-Obama-presidential-debate/photo//081016/ids_photos_ts/r1772410910.jpg/;_ylt=AujAY6EXHmMQy5Zsha09SbsDW7oF

[andrea r]

Obama wins this election by a landslide. This one's a wrap people.

[Breck101]

Each time I read the stats on how many watched the debates on television stations such as CNN, ABC, CBS and FOX it is distorted in totals. BECAUSE, many many folks watched the debates on C-SPAN and those figures are never reported. The reason my family and friends watch C-SPAN is because they (the station) do not interupt the debate, and give biased interviews, comments and thoughts during, and after the debate.

Folks, if you would have only watched all the debates on C-SPAN, and then turned off the boob tube you may have voted much different and would not have been brain washed. Most will be voting based on either watching liberal stations, fair and balanced or unbaised C-SPAN.

[tom desrosier]

Norm, perhaps you're right. My vernacular was largely about the content of the debate, more than the procedures.

Interesting - I didnt notice the time management issues; I have a tendency to tune out Obama when he speaks.

What did you think of the debate picture? http://www.dare2believe.com

[ralpherus]

None of the moderators at the so-called debates asked about the most important topic of the USA: the cheap scum traitors who want, and keep tryting to, destroy the second amendment of the constitution- the one right that protects all the others. See folks: if you are not free to defend yourself, you are only free to be murdered. Murder is what the marxist pigs want for Americans. They ignored closing the border to drugs and guns and gangs, and now they want to disarm us. What the hell will it take to wake up you hypnotized fools who still support the democrat party?????

[Emily]

We have to look beyond stage performance and into the true beliefs and character of the opponents before we cast a ballot. People are taken away by Obama's ability to speak publicly and his magnificent stage presence. There is more to being President than being a clear, concise speaker.

[jack]

My prediction. On November 4th, the silent majority in this great country will show up by the thousands and send an unmistakable message to Obama and his media allies that we are sick of all of them. People in middle America and other parts of our wonderful country don't always debate, converse, state where they stand but only think to themselves. I will speak later, LOUD AND CLEAR with my vote. Then watch the Messiah of the misinformed, Chris Matthews tinkle down his leg joined by those other NEUTRAL JOURNALISTS such an Andrea Mitchell, etc.

[Scoops Callahan]

get ready for the Obama

[Iggy]

No matter what the mainstream media is trying to make everyone think, I believe that Obama is UNELECTABLE. Yes, there is an army of his cult followers, but that army is much smaller than they hope it is. The polls are completely meaningless as well.

Obama does in no way represent the mainstream America - the "average Joe the plumber". Most are repulsed by him, and when the time comes to vote most people will pull the lever for McCain.

The greatest downside and even tragedy of it all, is that the country is hopelessly divided. There is a bitter "civil cold war" going on between two camps, and things are bound to get much nastier and uglier than they are now.

[RussRamey6]

Obama can talk but he has never proven himself anywhere on the planet as a leader. Double standards are the only thing keeping this manchild alive in this electoral race. Speaking of race, if John McCain had David Dukes kick off his campaign would he be asked about being a neo-nazi?

[edeldoug]

http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.1445/pub_detail.asp

See if you can read this and remain unaffected!

Hey "Messiah"... don't count your chickens before they come home to roost!!

[Rick]

Why do people think calm and collected is somehow a measure of being presidential. With a bit of anti-anxiety medication we could all be Obama like. Why is a 5 minute endless ramble more powerful than a crisp concise answer. I want my president a bit pissed at big spending, obstructionist no-nothings in congress. I want my president pissed at the Osamas,Putins,Chavezs and Achmadinajads of this world. I want a doer with a record of accomplishment and not a never accomplished anything big talker.

[Eggbert]

You're right smooth talking does not mean a better candidate.

But Obama has repeatedly shown that he's quick on his feet and that his clear communication skills reflect clear and sharp thinking.

Whereas McCain presents a different candidate at every debate, and his muddled speaking seems to reflect a muddled and overly emotional mind

[Professor Yaphank]

Schiefer did a lousy job of moderating this debate. He constantly cut McCain off and let Obama bloviate at will. And Barry, the condescending facial expressions are neither endearing nor presidential. It is so obvious that all four debate moderators were in the tank for Obama/Biden. I truly believe that there is a bombshell issue out there being readied to blow Obama out of the water sometime very soon. Stay tuned, America!

[Jeff]

Obama is a socialist and will destroy our economy. Check out this video about Obama's refusal to release his birth certificate.

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/a_video_that_could_change_the_election/

[Daniel]

You'd think if Obama's followers were so loyal to him, the biggest debate nights would be the ones where "The One" decided to grace us with his presence. Instead, the big debate night is the one where Sarah Palin shows up. Don't try to tell me people tuned in for Biden. Who gives a rat's behind about Biden?

So, television viewership seems to go way up with Sarah Palin and goes down with "The One" in front of the camera. Shouldn't viewership reflect the biased polls by Zogby and all those other "in the tank for Obama" pollsters from the networks and elsewhere?

[Porkchop]

In just one year. Remember the election in 2006? Thought you might like to read the following:

A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) The unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006 we have seen:
1) Consumer confidence plummet;
2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $3.50 a gallon;
3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);
4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate (stock and mutual fund lo sses);
5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars;
6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.

America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!
Remember, it's Congress that makes law not the President.
He has to work with what's handed to him.

Quote of the Day........'My friends, we live in the greatest nation
in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try
to change it.' -- Barack Obama

[mike]

To the person who says there is more to being president than being a clear, concise speaker, my response is no there isn't. If your president cannot express clear thoughts he cannot provide clear leadership, directions, orders, etc. Speech communicates your thoughts. As the top political leader, this ability is paramount. Sorry, you should have picked Mitt Romney if you wanted to match Barack Obama.

[rto]

Today I read – “Why I Can't Vote For Obama”, by Huntley Brown.

This is also the reason I personally, could never be a Democrat.

Mr. Brown is a well-known Christian concert pianist. The following – a small portion - taken from his letter:

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness. I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.

I can't vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first, black second.

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100% rating.

There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.

There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.

There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.

There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.

There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.

There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion.

There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion.

The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:

A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)

B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.

C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.

D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.

E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.

God help him.

There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.

A Christian perspective......we all will be judged someday...

[carl]

+1 for Porkchop

[Mike Medeiros]

I think jonny mac has a man crush on joe the plumber and wants to kick palin off the ticket and run with joe for the next 2 and a half weeks.

[Terrence]

Both candidates are out for one thing -- to get elected. Both will say what sounds good to boost their standings in the polls. Neither one of them are likely to actually be able to do what they say the can and will do once in office.

I would look beyond the top of the ticket and also consider who you want in office in the event anything unfortunate happens to either candidate. Do you want Biden or Palin ascending to the top position?

When you think about it, both tickets are pretty well balanced in that you've got the experience and strength of Biden to boost Obama but the inexperience and overshadowing power of Palin dragging down McCain.

[Deeply saddened]

With great sadness I realize it's very possible Obama could win. I feel that America is going down because so many of its citizens seem to want socialism and bigger government, and down because of preferring abortion to life. It has nothing to do with race.

[Marc Jeric]

Abu Hussein will lose some 40 to 44 states, in spite of all the MSM partisanship for him - according to all those socialists and marxists that already have inaugurated him. In the Middle East the "Arab street" is already getting ready for dancing like it did after 9/11. But - Americans ar too smart to be taken in by that scum.
Marc Jeric, Las Vegas

[Jeff in Dallas]

@ Kimley, who wrote:
"If you only listen to CNN or MSNBC you will not hear the truth. We had lots of red flags showing us Clinton's womanizing prior to his election but we ignored them. If we elect Obama we choose to ignore many red flags. BUYER BEWARE!"

Actually I get my news from many, many sources. I watched the debate on FOX News but recorded the CNN broadcast, then watched it. Also viewed commentary on MSNBC, CNN, FoxNews and PBS. I listed every day to Glenn Beck and Bill Oreilly in the morning, and a local (Dallas) conservative radio host in the afternoon. I get podcasts of activist-left Democracy Now! radio show in addition to searching the web for all other sources of information about the candidates and election news. I read a book last weekend about Bill Ayers and the Weatherman, in addition to watching a documentary "Weather Underground" on Netflix. I check Drudge report and Real Clear Politics multiple times daily. What source of news do you think I'm missing? Maybe in fact it is YOU that has limited the diversity of information sources.

And maybe you forgot that during the Clinton eight years we had unprecendented peace and prosperity that culminated in record budget surpluses. Long way we've fallen since then.

[TXGal1945]

I think it is pathetic that the Democratic party has fallen to the level of calling voters "racist" if they don't vote for Obama. Talk about using the race card! I for one, saw nothing last night that would convinced me that he is the better MAN - and color had nothing to do with it. There isn't enough guilt - of any color - in me to vote for him.

[Porkchop]

Most of you People are complete Morons! This is what has happened the last 2 Years!

In just one year. Remember the election in 2006? Thought you might like to read the following:

A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) The unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006 we have seen:
1) Consumer confidence plummet;
2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $3.50 a gallon;
3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);
4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate (stock and mutual fund lo sses);
5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars;
6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.

America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!
Remember, it's Congress that makes law not the President.
He has to work with what's handed to him.

Quote of the Day........'My friends, we live in the greatest nation
in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try
to change it.' -- Barack Obama

[eddie]

The Newsbusters link that claims Scheiffer "tilted left" was a preview for last night's debate and a review of his 2004 performance as moderator. Not a review of his work last night.

[Eric S.]

McCain did a mostly good job but on the abortion question he failed to point out just how RADICALLY EXTREME Obama's pro-abortion views are. If he had pointed out the truth Obama would have lost 5 points in the polls overnight! The truth is Obama wants taxpayer-funded abortion, with absolutely no restrictions at any point in the pregnancy. He has promised that "the first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." This proposed legislation would create a federally guaranteed "fundamental right" to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. It would abolish virtually every existing state and federal limitation on abortion, including parental consent and notification laws for minors, state and federal funding restrictions on abortion, and conscience protections for pro-life citizens working in the health-care industry. NOW has claimed this act would "sweep away hundreds of anti-abortion laws [and] policies." CHECK MY LINK for the fully sourced article including this info!

[JoeThePlumber]

Are you catching all of the 'Joe' news so far this morning?

He's a registered Republican.
He was already committed.
He doesn't actually have a plumber's license.
His county is suing him for unpaid taxes.
The company he wants to buy only has two employees, including the owner, yet it somehow makes over $250,000 profit!
And is a relative to.... wait for it... wait for it... Charles Keating!!!! AUGH!!!!
Boy, now there's a poster child!

[Kathy]

Maybe viewership dropped because alot of us know that no matter was was said during the debate, the press would spin it into an Obama win....which by the way seems to have happened.

[Pete]

Jeff, you said "And maybe you forgot that during the Clinton eight years we had unprecendented peace and prosperity that culminated in record budget surpluses. Long way we've fallen since then."

I'm afraid you shouldn't show your ignorance. The economy only reflects the decisions made by the previous President of who should be appointed to the Fed.

[Henry]

Hey what happened to all the conservatives, are they still crying because Johnny boy is not conservative enough and they are upset and will not vote. Okay do that and sit it out and see who is going to be the president that will make you cry for real. Stop the madness and vote for the old man with the good looking chick.

[Thomas]

Obama won. McCain lost, looking old and angry.

Most frustrating thing: All the decent, god-fearing, Patriotic Americans on sites like these who rally behind McCain when actually his policies are going to screw them on health-care and taxes.