56.5 million viewed third debate

Posted: Thursday, October 16, 2008 7:15 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Viewership of the third debate was down slightly from the second debate (though remember there was baseball on TV), but still 56.5 million people tuned in, according to Nielsen ratings.

The first debate had 52.4 million; the second 63.2 million; and the VP debate drew the highest ratings -- 69.9 million.

Re-watch the entire debate here complete with the dial testing lines from an MSNBC focus group in Missouri. See how Republicans, Independents and Democrats in the group saw the debate.

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Comments

Shame, this was the best one.

Go Sox!

Catholic Democrat, Concord NH (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 7:40 PM)

The VP debate was mostly reality show addicts tuning in to see the latest "couric" moment by Palin. Her inability to speak full sentences with all the parts of speech are entertaining...

I've heard them called Palin drones -- because they make as much sense backwards as they do forwards.

You betcha.

MissouriMom (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:02 PM)

DON'T GET HOODWINKED INDEPENDENTS!

Joe the plumber is not "one of you". He owns several businesses and is a relative of Charles Keating, one of McNasty's old cronies and his family has given over 30K to the Repugs

kathy, charlotte (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:06 PM)

why should the voters vote for obama when all of his supporters are always calling voters that won't vote for obama racist that's what murtha call his own pennsylvian resident.and what happen to the media
when they didn't even mention rep.mahoney affair with another women if it was a republican msnbc would be reporting it every day and night.just because obama is black dose not make him a great person.shame on msnbc.

RAPHAEL RUIZ HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:15 PM)

I've heard reports that "Joe the Plumber" does not make more than 250,000 a year but makes about 40,000. If that's the case he will pay less in taxes under Barack Obama's plan.

Go to barackobama.com for a tax calculator which shows the benefit you will get from either candidates plan. I tried all types of different scenerios & it is accurate.

Tax Attorney, Independent (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:42 PM)

PS: Most small business owners that I know do not clear 250,000 a year.

Tax Attorney, Independent (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:43 PM)

how many watch the debate on msnbc your numbers are down 21 percent and thats from being in last place last year i try to tell everyone i speak to that you guys were the best. but thats all change when you went after hillary. and called her a pimp and chris matthew went after hillary and then had to appologies. that serves you well.i rather now watch fox.

brianne bronx ny (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:00 PM)

The majority of people have already decided who they
are going to vote for and probably did not want to hear more of Mccains lies and distortions.
Hey, no comments have been posted for over five
hours.
Do you not want them??

katiec Pekin , IL (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:14 PM)

I've watched all these debates through streaming webcasts. Is there any consideration for only online users? I don't even have cable.

Jordan, Wilmington NC (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:15 PM)

Whoops, seven hours.

katiec Pekin , IL (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:17 PM)

There are no comments, because you aren't posting them? Lay Offs? Work Shortages? Why even have a blog if you don't post them?

Lyn, KCMO (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:11 PM)

All 3 presidential debate were so boring I'm surprised that many watched any of them. The VP debate was, for lack of a better word, ok.

Roge, Seaside CA (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:49 PM)

I was shocked at McCains claim that he was a victim in the Obama rallies... Old man please, your campaign has crossed sooooo many lines that is has become very scary. The robo calls, the fake food stamps, planning to meet with the man who wanted his workers to tell everyone that Sen Obama has been working with terrorist. Can you tell us when enough is enough. Sen McCain will forever be link to this kind of racist. And if God forbid anything should happen to Sen. Obama or Sen Biden it will be on yours and Palins hands. Stop playing with fire!!!!!!

Dorothy Rodriguez Granton, WI (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:53 PM)

I REALLY THINK THIS RACE IS OVER FOR MC CAIN AT THIS POINT, IS OK IF OBAMA WANTS TO CONTINUE THE CAMPAIGN, BUT I DO BELIEVE HE WON ALREADY!!

NIKKY , ARIZONA (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:54 PM)

.
OBAMA'S LEAD IN THE MEDIA POLLS HAS BEEN A FAIRYTALE !!!

GALLUP's 'traditional' likely voter model shows Obama with a two-point advantage over McCain on Thursday, 49% to 47%, this is within poll's margin of error... Developing...

THE ONLY WAY OBAMA CAN WIN IS IF THE MEDIA DISCOURAGES MCCAIN SUPPORTERS FROM VOTING.

GET OUT THE VOTE =-== VOTE MCCAIN & PALIN. DON'T LET THE MEDIA ELECT OBAMA!
-

OBAMA'S LEAD IN POLLS HAS BEEN A MEDIA FAIRYTALE ! . (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 11:01 PM)

How many watched the MN Senate Debate. My guess is not many. Here's a recap.

MN Senate Debate: Franken vs. Coleman vs. Barkley [Live Analysis]
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=109&ArticleName=MN+Senate+Debate%3a+Live+Analysis

Vote (Sent Thursday, October 16, 2008 11:03 PM)

Has anyone heard about the group "Chaffey Community Republican Women Federated" in San Bernadino, CA, giving out to 200 members, a fake "food stamp" with Obama on the cover, surrounded by watermelon, chicken and other ridiculous things??? If not, you should. The president Diane Fedele is under fire right now for this racist antic. Go ahead and google the group and you will see what I'm talking about. The American people should write a letter to this group showing their dismay of there lack of humility. They can be contacted by phone 909.981.0493 or fax 909.982.6880. You can even write to P.O. Box 974, Upland, CA 91785. MSNBC YOU BETTER POST THIS COMMENT. They just had a meeting at Magic Lamp Inn, Rancho Cucamongo and guess who there special guest was?????? None other than KARL ROVE!!! Surprising?? Not in the least. The same person giving JOHN MCSHAME talking points during his campaign. You want to talk about affiliations. GIVE ME A BREAK. These people are despicable!

Kae, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 12:17 AM)

Why do pundits insist on thinking that a debater must get animated to win a debate? The winner of a debate is the guy who makes his points distinctly so that he/she convinces viewers that his side is correct.

62 white female for Obama (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 12:23 AM)

I really hope that we aren't surprised when we are taken over by the Muslims. We are as blind as can be during this election. Its like everyone has blinders on. Its almost freaky. Having a president with the name Barack Obama, I will no longer fell like I am in America but in the middle East if he wins. ON top of the fact he wont acknowledge our flag? I mean come on??????? Amazing and just wow I can't believe this. We are going to elect a president who wont acknowledge our flag??? How obvious is this?

According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides," Obama said. "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it."

sharon Yamill Oregon (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 1:22 AM)

THIS IS FOR THE McCAIN CAMP----THE TOP OF YOUR TICKET ASKED OBAMA THE BIG QUESTION--- BILL AYERS AND AMERICA GOT TO HEAR HIS RESPONSE. NOW WHAT?
LISTEN UP----QUIT IT AND STOP THE BLEEDING!!!!!

SHINE,TUCSON,ARIZONA (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 1:28 AM)

MSNBC gets it wrong - on purpose??
Obama will RAISE TAXES on incomes over $200K - NOT $250.
The $250K is for families!

No - we don't expect Obamabots or Obamedia to correct this lie.

Frank (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 4:57 AM)

Big duh. It's not just the baseball game. I bet most didn't bother to watch due that they already made up their mind who they will vote. Only a small percentage of the overall voter population has yet to make up their minds.

GWP (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 6:48 AM)

It is great to see our democracy in action. All elections are important and this one is even more so. For real change to economically help 95% of our citizens get back on their feet is crucial. For steady foreign policy that will stress diplomacy before war is vital. The obvious choice in this election is Obama-Biden.

Rock, Janesville, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 6:59 AM)

Why does the press not cover the Palin's associations with the Alaska Independence Party? Or her and McCain's ethic violations? Or Palin's ties to a witchcraft "exorcist" minister from Kenya? Why do they only cover the Aeyer's association of Obama?

Brad Cantor, Portland,OR (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 7:23 AM)

...and 56 million were left to ponder, "Is that old guy always so angry?"

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 8:18 AM)

Once again McCain wins the debate and the media says "It's a draw or Joe the Plumber won". The mediawill not give McCain an inch. McCain will make a Great President. Obama on the other hand is a puppet like GW Bush. He stands for no set positions yet people are going to vote for him because he is good looking, likeable and someone that they would like to hang around with. Doesn't that sound familiar? Does the name GW Bush ring a bell? The comparisons are so close that makes it so unbeleiveable to hear people saying that they are in effect going to re-elect the puppet Bush thru Obama.
Wake Up America! Obama has no substance. He is just like Bush.

Life Long Democrat...No More... (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 8:47 AM)

And Saturday Night Live lives on making fun of these debates. Darryl Hammond is a genius!!

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 9:14 AM)

You know, it funny, I have watched all the debates. Dems say Obama won, rebs say McCain won. In my opinion, neither won ! both had good points and bad points. If I could ...I would take some of both canidates and make a new canidate !

Undecided, but leaning McCain (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 9:40 AM)

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