The presidential debate held last night drew in 47.9 million viewers across all networks, representing a significant decrease compared to previous years. In 2016, a record 84 million people watched the debate between Trump and Clinton. Despite CNN hosting the event, Fox News had the most viewers, with ABC News and MSNBC also attracting substantial audiences.
A total of 22 networks streamed the debate, with CNN and YouTube receiving over 30 million views. However, the relatively lower viewership numbers have been linked to a general lack of interest in politics among Americans. Some experts believe that this disengagement could lead to lower voter turnout in the upcoming elections, as many people are fatigued with the political landscape.
Reactions to Biden’s performance during the debate were mixed, and some see the lower viewership numbers as a positive outcome given the criticisms. The drop in viewership does highlight a shift in American attitudes towards politics and the upcoming elections, with many experts concerned about potential consequences on voter turnout.