Bush-Kerry Debate Draws 62.5 Million Viewers

Reuters:

At least 62.5 million Americans tuned in to President Bush's debate with challenger John Kerry on Thursday, surpassing the number who watched Bush's debates four years ago with Al Gore.

The 62.5 million did not approach the record of 80.6 million who watched in 1980, when President Jimmy Carter debated Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, according to figures released on Friday by Nielsen Media Research.

Thursday's TV audience easily eclipsed both televised debates in 1996 between then President Bill Clinton and Robert Dole of just over 36 million each.

It also squeaked past the viewer tally posted for the first of three debates in 1992 between Bush's father, Clinton and independent candidate Ross Perot (62.4 million).