Final: Palin-Biden the most-watched vp debate ever

UPDATED: Thursday's highly anticipated face-off between Alaska governor Sarah Palin and Delaware senator Joe Biden was the most-watched vp debate of all time.

Last night's event was seen by more than 70 million viewers.

That's the most-viewed debate -- presidential or vp -- since Ronald Reagan went up against Jimmy Carter in 1980, which still holds the debate viewership record (80.6 million).

The Palin-Biden telecast was at least ...

-- 33% higher than Friday's top-of-the-ticket debate between John McCain and Barack Obama (52.4 million).

-- 61% higher than the 2004 vp debate between Dick Cheney and John Edwards (43.6 million).

-- 23% higher than the 1984 match up between George Bush and Geraldine Ferrarro (56.7 million), the former title-holder for the most-watched vp debate.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the event drew 69,989,000 viewers, which the measurement company rounded to an official tally of 69.9. In addition, PBS estimates about 3.5 million watched its coverage.

The Biden-Palin summit was expected to overthrow Friday's presidential debate in viewers due to questions about Palin's readiness and because the vp match was held on a Thursday -- television's most-watched night of the week. But this ratings blowout exceeds industry expectations. The audience response puts the election back onto the historic and record-breaking ratings territory that characterized the convention coverage.

The Nielsen measurement includes viewers watching the debate live on 11 networks -- NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS, CNN, Fox News, CSPAN, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, and Telefutura.

ABC drew the largest debate audience with 13.1 million viewers. Among broadcast networks, ABC was followed by NBC (12.8 million), CBS (11.1 million) and Fox (4.5 million).

On cable, Fox News led with 11.1 million -- the most-watched telecast in the network's 12-year history. CNN drew 10.7 million, the channel's third most-watched telecast ever. MSNBC had 4.4 million.

Debate reaction and analysis:

"The most compelling 90 minutes of TV on a Thursday night in quite some time," writes Paul Gough ..."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 ... "Attitude and image vs. facts and focus," says Baltimore Sun ... "Rivals shine, Palin a bit more brightly," says Boston Globe ... Joe Klein weighs in ... "Nothing will have a substantive effect on the presidential race," says US News and World Report ...  "Palin a bridge too far," says RCP ... Shales: Palin seemed like Tina Fey ... HuffPo's collection of reactions and live blog ... CBS poll results ... CNN poll and analysis ... CNN's video highlights.   

RELATED: The TV ratings election: Have the Nielsens ever been more politicized? What are the numbers really telling us?

RELATED: Saturday Night Live's Palin-Biden debate parody

>> Previous VP Debate Ratings:

2004: Cheney-Edwards: 28.1 HH / 43.6 million viewers
2000: Cheney-Lieberman: 21 HH / 29 million viewers
1996: Gore-Kemp: 19.7 HH / 26.6 million viewers
1992: Quayle-Gore-Stockdale: 35.9 HH / 51.2 million viewers
1988: Quayle-Bentsen: 33.6 HH / 46.9 million viewers
1984: Bush-Ferraro: 43.6 HH / 56.7 million viewers

>> Previous Presidential Debate Ratings Highlights:

2004: Bush-Kerry (first debate): 62.5 million viewers
2000: Bush-Gore (first): 46.6 million viewers
1996: Clinton-Dole (first): 36.1 million
1992: Clinton-Perot-Bush (second): 69.9 million
1988: Bush-Dukakis (second) 67.3 million
1984: Reagan-Mondale (second): 67.3 million
1980: Reagan-Carter: 80.6 million

Comments

[E. Hutchison]

Sarah was a bit cutesy, but she made her point well. We can't trust Obama as commander and chief as she rightfully pointed out that was something Joe Biden had said himself. Someone needs to go to Washington and hold those bozo's to the fire. Not cater to the likes of Barney.

[Carn]

For the first time REAL AMERICANS WHO FACE VERY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THEN THE WASHINGTON POLS...HAVE A VOICE. SARAH PALIN KNOWS MY SITUATION AND FINALLY WE HAVE A COMMON SENSE PERSON SPEAKING FOR US..MAY "SMART" FOLKS TALK A LOT BUT MOST DO NOT HAVE THE REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE THAT the rest of US DUMB AMERICANS DO! Without US..we the peoole ...they cannot turn on the lights flush the toilet

[jack]

Sarah was outstanding! How refreshing to have someone not from Washington that speaks to everyday people in ways they understand. Not being just another sleezy lawyer certainly helps too. Whether they win the election or not, Sarah will be a major force in the GOP and I believe our first female president. I love her and all that she represents. Now get her out there for the rest of the time before election day. Go sarah!

[judy]

JOE BIDEN IS INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY OLD WASHINGTON. SAME OLE DOG AND PONY SHOW. SARAH PALIN IS FRESH, YOUNG, AND SMART AS A WHIP. SHE HAS MY FAMILY'S VOTE HANDS DOWN!!

[jack]

Sarah was outstanding! How refreshing to have someone not from Washington that speaks to everyday people in ways they understand. Not being just another sleezy lawyer certainly helps too. Whether they win the election or not, Sarah will be a major force in the GOP and I believe our first female president. I love her and all that she represents. Now get her out there for the rest of the time before election day. Go sarah!

[soundmiami]

Looking back, it makes Courics interview seem like a hack job…not good when you're dead last in the TV ratings.

[Chris Farrington]

Did you really quote Salon.com as a reaction? That is like quoting Rush Limbaugh's reaction! I may like what he says or what salon.com says, but really? Are they worthy of a post election debate quote? Biden would have had to run over and slap her with a profanity laced tirade for salon.com to even consider calling it a draw.

I am glad American tuned in....we need to care about politics.
Chris Farrington

[Moronpolitics]

Sarah did a good job. Nobody has been more critical than McCain than me. This may be the only good decision he has made. Since he has basically withdrawn from the campaign -- what diff does this do? eh? He has given up. The Republicans need to appoint a new candidate.

[Solomon S.]

Go Sarah P! It is interesting how people long for Washington to change, and then when someone who isn't like everyone else in Washington comes along that candidate gets mocked.

She did an outstanding job. She clearly won.

[Paladin]

The moderator was at fault for letting them do a surrogate debate for their primaries instead of a real debate between the VP's. I already KNOW what Obama or McCain would do, I want to know what Biden or Palin would do on their own - not just a reflection of what their presidential candidates would do or say. They knew that the only way to keep Palin 'under control' was to prevent a real debate between the two of them. She would outshine Biden on good old common sense.

[Hojo]

I guess now I have to vote Repulican...when Sarah runs for president!

Obama and McCain are the same person, I am not voting for either one of those liberals.

[Bob]

The fact that she exceeded expectations is good for her. The problem is that the bar was set really low. All she did last night was avoid being a complete embarrassment to the ticket.

I would say most Americans fear the thought of her being one heartbeat from the presidency. She is in over her head plain and simple.

Take a look at the electoral map folks. John McCain is going to lose.

[Jim Mueller]

Sarah stood toe to toe with Biden. He said McCain voted against funding a bill for our troops in Iraq which had aprovision to pull our troops out of Iraq in 16 months. That is true but that same bill passed without the wirhdrawl provision on it. Obama vited against that bill.

Artical 2 is the article that spicifies what the job of the VP is not article 1 as Biden said. You have to remember Joe has only been there in the senate for 35 years.

Who would you rather spend a day with fishing, Joe or Sarah? Biden is a little too snobby for me.

[Dave]

You right-wing hacks are all idiots. We elected a "regular" person in 2000, someone who "wasn't from Washington" and "spoke to the average person". Look where it got us. Are you all too stupid to see that, or are you just posting republican talking points? I hate what you people have turned our country into, I hate your hijacking of democracy, the pure corruption and cronyism of both parties (though the right is worse than the left, but not by much), and you sheep. Anyone who was swayed by Palin's arguments last night is a sheep being led to the slaughter, and our country deserves what it gets in this election. Go ahead and elect someone base don their religious beliefs, or what your preacher tells you to do, and then let's see what another 4 years of these policies gets us. I love this country, and am far more patriotic than any of you, because I care about the issues and care about the future of the country. I don't vote because I hate gay people or have a certain view on abortion based on a several thousand year-old book written in a dead language that's been translated at least 3 times before I ever read it. You're all sheep.

[eddie]

Biden is entitled to his own opinions, but not to his own facts. His most foolish moment was when he, a man with a law degree, told America that Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution governed the executive branch of the federal government. It governs the legislative branch of which he has been a member for 36 years. That was only one clear mistatement of the facts. So, it is pretty bizarre to read media outlets touting his command of the facts. Another one of his whoppers, the U.S. spends more in three weeks than it has spent in its entire time in Afghanistan.

The media sound like they are about is in tune with reality as is Biden.

[Allen Ridge]

Sarah is truely one of We The People.

I don't hate Biden or Obama but how can two people, especially Obama, who has ZERO accomplishments possibly make a difference once he becomes POTUS?

I usually vote based on "performance" and a solid track record of getting things done. Obama doesn't have a record of doing any of that.

We The People have an opportunity to shake up Washington DC with someone that represents and knows us and is one of us.................Sarah.

That's why voting McCain / Palin on November 4th.

[michael]

that woman was a vapid clown.

reading these responses, it is shocking to see that americans seems to respect actual information and understanding a whole lot less than some idiot who reads overtly planned lines, has no insight, hides from most questions cause she has no idea how to answer them and tosses in ridiculously blatant "folk-speak" on cue.

sarah palin would be a great person to have "rootin" for your team from the sidelines of a sports game, but as a possible PRESIDENT? ARE YOU CRAZY!?!

I DON'T WANT A PERSON LIKE THE "AVERAGE JOE 6-PACK" RUNNING THE MOST POWERFUL OFFICE IN THE WORLD. I WANT SMARTER, MORE INSIGHTFUL, INTELLIGENT... AND COHERENT.

if the mccain ticket wins, we will have proven once and for all that our extended lack of basic education has dumbed us down so much that we are most certainly a land of fools.

[Walt]

What a stellar showing by Sarah Pailin while under the microscope of the American people.
Her preformance shows why she will be a wonderful vice president and leaves no doubt that if faced with the presedency she would be more than qualified to serve the american people verry well.
Govenor Pailen is far more qualified than Barry Obama by a longshot and does not have the contraversal past as Obama as well.
I look forward to seeing her clean house in Washington.

[Vince Hugh]

Wow, I was impressed with Palin. After all the reviews and comments I had seen on the networks I thought she was going to be a big blunder. Maybe its true that the media is in the tank for Obama.

[Florida Voter]

Joe Biden Said Last Night: I have not changed in 30 years.

Joe is running on the Change ticket.

Joe, how can you promise Change when you admit you have not Changed in 30 years?

[MASSWHOLE]

What promises -- given the events of the week, the bailout plan, all of this, what promises have you and your campaigns made to the American people that you're not going to be able to keep?

BIDEN: Well, the one thing we might have to slow down is a commitment we made to double foreign assistance. We'll probably have to slow that down.

WELL JOE...THAT'S NOT FAIR. I'M SURE WE CAN IGNORE THOSE FOLKS IN NEW ORLEANS A BIT LONGER.....LET'S CONTINUE OUR DOUBLING OF FOREIGN AID.

YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR THIS WEAK-LINK?

SPENT 20 YEARS LISTENING TO rEVEREND wRIGHT AND THIS GUY WILL STILL SAY'S HE WILL BE OBAMA'S VP. SORRY JOE, POOR JUDGEMENT.

[Matt]

Are you people kidding me?? She's not qualified to teach a 4 year old how to finger paint no less be the 2IC of the USA. It is absolutely insane that any of you believe she understands 'your problems'. She has none of 'your problems'...how many governors do you know that do?

You're all a bunch of idiots.

[Mike]

Dave and Michael - you are hacks and true idiots who deserve to get a pres like Obama, but you won't because the American people will rise to elect the mavericks. Palin won easily.

[Daniel]

Matt.. do you really want to get in a "qualified" war seeing as how your number 1 is less qualified than she is?? Let's be real about one thing. Obama is Eloquent and can speak his points.. Palin can do the same. Main difference is she has actually had the responsbility that he has only talked about!..

Sounds to me like you are the idiot!

[Shane Mathews]

I am a Hillary supporter (or was?). Gov. Palin was outstanding coming through as one of us.
If McCain can win Ohio and Florida, he will win the election.
In talking with workmates today here in Orlando, most feel that they will vote for McCain now and that he will win Florida handily.
People just do not trust Obama and that will do him in.

[PattyP]

I channel surfed after the debate. Happened to see Chris (tingle up my leg) Matthews on MSMBC telling others with him, "lets all talk like Sarah Palin". Sounds like a 9 year old. Now I see what people talk about when MSNBC is mentioned. How does he keep his job? Palin did a good job and I am impressed. I guess I would rather have a vice president in training than a president TO train.

[Patricia]

Florida,
Georgia here,

Wow .. I was waiting to see anyone Bring that up..
He also said he wasn't going to CHANGE..

[funnyjo]

"Say it ain't so Joe." I can't wait to see the new poll numbers later in the week.

[Dennis Zukowski]

The moderator for this debate proved to be a person with class - unlike some of the network hacks who can't keep personal bias out of their reporting. Palin and Biden turned out to me more interesting and presidential than either Obama or McCain.

[mark]

The liberals sound scared in here. Sarah's got them rattled. I love it!

[rick]

Washington, D.C. is sick.. and full of experience. well if this is what experience is all about, horrible
approval ratings, Palin is looking really good right now....

[Vince Hugh]

Sarah Palin was impressive. She adds support to the fact that Obama has one thing going for him...the guy has charisma. This is fine, but it only works on those who are not fully informed on issues and are impressed by the rock star image. No wonder he is big with the very young, just out of high school or first year in college.
Obama is a light weight, an empty suit and is why he always loses in one-on-one debate. He needs a teleprompter and a strutting platform to impress the impressionable.

[masswhole]

Jim Mueller

My Pastor never said God damn America. You are the blind one here. At least the republican clowns are up front with their beliefs. Obama can't even tell the truth to what he believes. As long as Bush.Cheney are gone we'll be fine. You vote for the Racist jerk and I will vote for the lesser of two evils!!! Do some research you sheep.

[Brooksher]

The Sarracuda nailed it last night.

Because of who John McCain picked to be his running mate, what was meant to be a VP debate turned into a flaming hula hoop for Sarah Palin to jump through and I think she successfully did that and surpassed a lot of people's expectations of her.

[Tom]

Joe was Biden his time while Palin in comparison to Sarah. She outshone him both on economic and foreign policy issues. She won the debate not only on style but also on substance. Biden presented more "facts" but many of those "facts" were untrue. Palin looked to us, spoke to us, relates to us. Biden's whole argument was that "McCain = Bush," but Palin was a breath of fresh air and clearly showed that she and McCain are on a path for the future. Which Presidential candidate showed more wisdom and insight in choosing a VP candidate? Which one selected one looking to the future, not the past? The answer is obvious--McCain.

[Tom]

Joe was Biden his time while Palin in comparison to Sarah. She outshone him both on economic and foreign policy issues. She won the debate not only on style but also on substance. Biden presented more "facts" but many of those "facts" were untrue. Palin looked to us, spoke to us, relates to us. Biden's whole argument was that "McCain = Bush," but Palin was a breath of fresh air and clearly showed that she and McCain are on a path for the future. Which Presidential candidate showed more wisdom and insight in choosing a VP candidate? Which one selected one looking to the future, not the past? The answer is obvious--McCain.

[Tom Desrosier]

Sarah delivered an old-fassioned Caribou Whoopass on ole' Joe.

Here's a great picture:
http://dare2believe.com/?p=387

Tom Desrosier

[michael]

it is also comedy that anybody could talk about obama as the one without understanding (compared to palin) when he is one we have yet sen that can actually finish a sentence.

i am not scared of palin. i am scared that america is as full of dimwitted and uneducated people as i have suspected who would vote for her. you are all the same idiots who likely voted for bush...twice!

this moronic gloating over her performance is almost comedic. get real, the woman couldn't answer a straight question about anything. she was shifty, repeated the same tag lines over and over. there was nothing there!

her experience is almost laughable. she has barely been the governor of the most empty state in the union. the mayor of most large american cities has 50x the experience that she does.

this is all so empty, vapid and moronic!

[The Buzzer]

I concur with those wanting the most intelligent in office. Nobel Prize recipient Jimmy Carter now, in retrospect, was such a great President; just ahead of his time. And to think he was replaced by that idiotic Reagan! It's the elites like Obama and Biden and not the Joe six-packs who should be running this country.

[Andy]

Go Sarah! Go! You're driving the left more bonkers than they were already! They are really scared of you and I love it! I just hope you can help McCain pull this out.

And as for Dave, that 3000 year old book was the reason this country was founded and our general adherence to it is why this country has been so blessed. Get over it or move out!

P.S. It is NOT Racist to vote against Obama because he has a more liberal voting record that self-avowed Socialist Bernie Sanders!