First Dem debate brings in 15.3 million viewers, NBC says

[brooklynite]

Politico

The first Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign raked in 15.3 million viewers Wednesday, roughly the same number of people who tuned in to watch the party’s first debate during the 2016 election cycle.

Wednesday’s ratings, which NBC announced Thursday, came despite the absence of Democratic front-runners Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, who have led the primary pack in nearly all polling. Other top-tier candidates are also scheduled for the second night of Democratic debates on Thursday, including California Sen. Kamala Harris and Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Ind.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was the only candidate who regularly ranks in Democratic voters’ top five who appeared on stage Wednesday night.

It is unclear what Wednesday’s viewership numbers mean for Thursday night’s debate. Viewers could feel that two nights of Democratic debates are too many and tune out, or they could watch for the spectacle of Biden and Sanders facing off for the first time in the 2020 campaign.

[saidsimplesimon]

1. Roman forum? Thumbs up or down?

These debates, for someone who follows the races, are proforma.

[sandensea]

2. Something tells me tonight's will be even higher

[Wounded Bear]

4. And maybe not a lot of the same people...

[sandensea]

5. Could be.

I expect more Rapepublican trolls attacking tonight's debate than last night's.

It's too bad Mike Gravel won't be there. He certainly brings a lot of experience to the table.

[dawg day]

3. I'm wondering if it will end up being a plus for Warren to be on the first night.

I hope there's no drop off in viewership for the second.

[Blue_true]

6. When I first saw the schedule for the first debate,

I concluded that Warren came out ahead. She delivered last night. Let's see what happens tonight. Regardless, I expect Warren to get a bump up in her polling numbers and may emerge as THE alternative to Biden.