Preliminary Ratings Estimate Shows McCain Got More Viewers Than Obama (UPDATE)
September 5th, 2008 at 12:45pm Matt Margolis
Recent reports indicated that Sarah Palin drew more viewers for her convention speech than Obama did for his.
Well, now preliminary estimates show that John McCain last may have had more viewers than Barack Obama last week.
Presidential candidate John McCain’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention drew more television viewers than his rival Barack Obama attracted at the Democratic party’s event last week, according to preliminary ratings from Nielsen Media Research.
Across all broadcast networks Thursday, Sen. McCain’s speech ended the night with a 4.8 rating/7 share, compared to Sen. Obama’s 4.3/7 average, according to overnight numbers from metered households in 55 U.S. markets measured by Nielsen. These ratings are preliminary, however, and are subject to change.
This is huge news if it in fact turns out to be true. For one thing, Obama, given his celebrity status and his gushing praise from the left-wing media, got a lot of credit for attracting a historic number of viewers for his speech. Sarah Palin, we know now, topped him, and she’s at the bottom of the GOP ticket. John McCain, who has arguable suffered from an enthusiasm gap this campaign season until recently, was not even expected to match Palin or Obama. If he tops that, that is huge. And when you consider the fact that unlike Obama’s speech, McCain talked specifics, he appealed to the center and not just the base.
It all comes down to a great kickoff for the general election season, and I’m confident McCain/Palin are on the road to victory.
UPDATE: It’s official… McCain defeated Obama in the ratings war.
John McCain has won the ratings race.
The Republican nominee beat Democratic challenger Barack Obama’s record-setting convention speech viewership by 500,000.
McCain’s address at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night was seen by about 38.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. Obama received 38.4 million.
That means McCain’s speech is now the most-watched in convention history — 41% higher than President Bush’s acceptance speech four years ago, and 1% higher than Obama’s address last week.
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, RNC08
22 Comments
1. Obama08 | September 5th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
And the unemployment is now at a five year high.
What exactly are McSame’s economic policies again?
More tax cuts for Exxon?
Enron Retirement plan?
Maybe we could sell off “Pit Bull” Palin’s lipstick collection to pay down the debt.
“It’s Over,” –Peggy Noonan
2. BARRASSO | September 5th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
In only eight short years of republican rule the US debt is the greatest human history, but don’t worry tax cuts will fix everything. McCain says so it’s magic.
3. hermie | September 5th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Yet Obama has already promised he will spend billions without being able to pay for it.
And he never mentions his intentions to give billions to the UN to administer they way they want.
4. Mark Noonan | September 5th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Well, we’ve got the better plans than you do - nothing like a bit of Carter II to turn an economic slump into a full blown 10% unemployment, 10% interest rates and 10% inflation recession…
The job situation is bad - some very close friends have been hit by it, my own position is at risk, my house is worth about $200,000 less than I paid for it…but I’m voting for McCain/Palin because the only way we’ll have an economy to re-employ my friends, ensure my job and restore my home value is under a Republican Administration pledged to tax cuts, spending cuts and genuine government reform.
5. Obama08 | September 5th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
How are tax cuts going to secure your position and restore your home value?
Tax cuts to whom?
Listen, the banks are “borrowing” almost $20 billion everyday.
And that’s been going on for better than two weeks now.
What is the GOP plan to resolve this crisis?
Accusations that the mainstream media is “sexist” and angry partisan speeches about the moral bankruptcy of liberalism just are not going to fly this time.
By the way, how would a tax cut of say $300 or so resolve your current crisis?
The last handout (loan from Uncle Sam) of $600 certainly did mot resolve anything.
Better to let a RESPONSIBLE government have your $300 buck s and launch a Manhattan style project to bring alternative energy to America.
Maybe even then you could get a more secure position.
6. yekepyt | September 5th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
The job situation is bad - some very close friends have been hit by it, my own position is at risk, my house is worth about $200,000 less than I paid for it…but I’m voting for McCain/Palin
Unbe-bleeping-lievable.
You are voting against your own interests (and mine!)
By the way, according to Bush/McCain, the fundamentals of the American economy are strong. Bend over and get ready for more of the same if they’re elected.
7. JS | September 5th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
the silent majority is still the majority…we are conservatives..
8. BARRASSO | September 5th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Deleted - obscenity.
9. JS | September 5th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
look at the basic truth…
the DNC represented they would end the war in thier 2006 campain…they didnt
the DNC represented they would deal with the price of energy in thier 2006 campain…they didnt
the DNC represented they would prosecute Bush and Co in thier 2006 campain…they couldnt
the DNC controlls congress…congress regulates the banking industry, not the Executive Branch…so the DNC is letting every bank borrow from the Federal Reserve…not the President
The DNC took control of congress in 2006, since them, the housing crisis has spiralled out of control, the banking industry is colapsing, fuel prices and skyrocketing, and congress has effectively dont nothing to stop any of it…unless vacation counts…
no…we dont need the DNC anymore…its time for a real change….
10. New Conservative | September 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Wow the Obama supporters are in full panic mode. I don’t blame them I would be too if the old war veteran just out drew my celebrity candidate.
looks like the American people are finally seeing through Obama-mania.
McCain-Palin 08
http://thenewconservatives.blogspot.com/
11. JS | September 5th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
2. BARRASSO “In only eight short years of republican rule the US debt is the greatest human history”
congress, and only congress, establishes and approves all spending in the US Government…not the Executive Branch…the President can introduce a budget, but only the Congress can approve it…
its a straw man that argues the cause to be the presidents…and an empty suit…
we need to end the business as usual in DC…to include the BS finger pointers that do nothing but push pork for thier lobbiest interests and line the pockets of the good ole boys that play ball with them…thats why we need McCain…and not obama….obama is along for the ride…nothing proved that more than his choice for a running mate…a classical icon in the good ole boys club…
in the end…the key points expose the real true intent of the DNC…they have been promising health care for over 60 years, almost to the tune of every presidential election….they never did it…they wont get it done now…they lied…they promise reform…just to create more loop holes so they dont have to reform…they lied…they cant be trusted…
this election will spell the end of the DNC…
12. FmrMarine | September 5th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
JS
your post is 100% on the money.
>>>the President can introduce a budget, but only the Congress can approve it…>>>
adding to this,
the discretionary portion that the President PROPOSES, represents only 20% of the total budget.
The dimocRATS cant conceive this.
13. David B. Schmidt | September 5th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Well JS,
From what I have seen and heard — Biden told one group of folks in Deerfield, Fl. That they (Obama/Biden) were going to still prosecute Bush/Cheney for war crimes and then denied it some 4 hours later. Oops..nasty video tape. Another day ~ Another lie from the Dems.
Worst in 5 years ~ yet still better than it has been for some time–it’s called full employment. Taxing business will only increase the problem.
Mark, I hate to disagree with you but mortgages under Carter rose to 19%– Mine is currently fixed at 6%. Can’t image the credit card rates and I was employed at a gas station at the time and remember the lines and the jump in cost of fuel.
I guess I can make my millions selling T-Shirts that have the Slogan “Bring back the misery index ~ Obama/Biden 08″ People (probably libs) bought the pet rock–didn’t they? They would by anything with Obama/Biden on it as they are educated under the public school system. The one that we waste millions of $$$ on every year.
14. Pal2Pal | September 5th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
And according to a Fox Report just now, preliminary figures are in and McCain beat Obama with 38.9 million viewers. Sarah’cuda still leads the pack with 40 million.
15. Timestar | September 5th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
And according to a Fox Report just now14. Pal2Pal | September 5th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
This wouldn’t be media bias, would it?
16. FactCheck | September 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Unbe-bleeping-lievable.
You are voting against your own interests (and mine!)
Well, what do you expect him to do? Make a sober assessment of the facts? Come to the realization that he supports a failed economic policy? Be honest?
No, the same policy that got us into this mess will somehow get us out of it. That’s his (nonsensical) position, and no amount of common sense will shake him from it
17. CanadianObserver | September 5th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Worst in 5 years ~ yet still better than it has been for some time–it’s called full employment
13. David B. Schmidt | September 5th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
_________________________
Canada, U.S. unemployment rates on par
Eric Beauchesne , Canwest News Service
Published: Friday, September 05, 2008
OTTAWA - Canada has wiped out the unemployment rate gap with the United States for the first time in more than a quarter century after our economy pumped out a modest but still greater-than-anticipated 15,200 jobs last month while the U.S. lost a massive and more than expected 84,000.
As a result, the August unemployment rate here held steady at 6.1 per cent, while the U.S. rate jumped to 6.1 per cent.
———————————-
Wow!! According to the renowned economist, David B. Schmidt, Canada, like our southern neighbors, now has full employment.
Boy, will Harper be pleased!
18. Danish Artist | September 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Liberals still think that the answer is MORE government. “Give your money to a responsible government….” - THAT’S LAUGHABLE!!! Fine let those who want to give government more money do so! But the Obama/Binden plan will not accept money voluntarily.
It was Republicans acting like liberals that got us into this mess to begin with. Inceases in spending and growing government caused many of the problems we’ve seen today. The mortgage disaster is directly related to liberal “fairness” of requiring lenders to lend money to those who more than likely could not repay the loans. It’s a fact, been proven - get over it.
We need people in office that will not act like liberals. We need those who will limit growth of government and at the same time reduce taxes to the point where revenues are not affected. Revenues have increased with lower taxes - fact, get over it.
We do not need more taxes and more big government. 08ama, lemming obamaton, how is raising taxes going to improve the value of homes, employ Americans, lower fuel prices, etc. etc. etc. You believe that government is the answer to everything. You are a fool that has been proven wrong time and again.
But when you are looking for handouts……….
19. FactCheck | September 5th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Revenues have increased with lower taxes - fact, get over it.
Tax cuts do not create enough revenue to offset their costs. They do not even pay for themselves, much less Fact. Get over it.
(Disclaimer: I’m well aware that facts have no bearing on your opinions. I just enjoy proving you wrong anyway.)
20. Steamroller | September 5th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Liberals still think that the answer is MORE government.18. Danish Artist | September 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
What are you talking about? The size of government declined under Clinton. Republicans caused it to balloon again as every Repug special interest from pharmaceuticals, war profiteers, to big oil were at Senator Santorum and Steven’s K street corporate welfare feeding trough. Be honest with yourself at least once. This myth is but another Con lie used to whip up the base and has no basis in fact.
21. Danish Artist | September 6th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Factcheck,
Your source was full of “maybes”, “unclears”, “not-sures” and the like.
nice spin though. Economists in the articles stated short-term revenue losses and long-term revenue growths and were not sure that the tax cuts could be attributable to them.
Wow, with “proof” like that……. facts have bearing but when you cherry-pick your facts and spin a nice little story….. but keep trying. Maybe you should become a short-story writer. That may prove profitable. You certainly can spin a good yarn, perhaps you can write in the fantasy and alternative history genres.
Ill take history of the Kennedy tax cuts and the Reagan tax cuts as my guide. You can site the Bush tax cuts (plus the negative impacts of 9/11 and the liberal encouraged mortgage failures) as yours.
Steamroller….still trying to use the “government got smaller under Clinton” talking point? Gingrich and the Republicans had nothing to do with that. Clinton went along with some of their proposals kicking and screaming in order to get re-elected. Period. He had nothing to do with it.
The ballooning in Bush’s term was result of the Republicans acting like liberals and Bush’s unwise “reaching across the aisle” mentality. It was a mistake for him to do that, but you want Obama who will give you more of the same.
22. FactCheck | September 6th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
the Reagan tax cuts as my guide
You mean the ones that created the largest deficit in history until the Bush tax cuts created an even bigger one?
Right.
Bush’s unwise “reaching across the aisle” mentality.
Keep up with your talking points–the latest is that “reaching across the aisle” is what makes McCain more qualified than Obama.