The Key To The Debate - People Actually Seeing The Debate

[taquinas101]

It is pretty obvious to anyone who watched the debate that Kerry won. Most polls generally agree that Kerry despite CNN and other like-minded news organizations calling the debate a draw. However, it is hard to get some many people to disbelieve their own eyes, thus Kerry is still regarded as the winner:

"NEW YORK – With an estimated 62.5 million viewers, the first Bush-Kerry debate was a television hit and provided evidence of the intense interest in the presidential campaign.

The viewership was up 34 percent from the 46.6 million people who watched the first debate betweenGeorge W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000, according to Nielsen Media Research."

The challenge going forward is getting people to watch the debate. We all know that Bush can stutter, stare blankly, make pissy little comments, smirk, and still have the debate called a draw regardless the degree to which Kerry dismantles Bush.

There are three debates remaining. The concern I have is that people will begin to lose interest, and will instead rely on the conservative media to tell them who won the debate, what to think, and who to vote for.

Therefore, the only solution is to get everyone you know to actually watch the darned debates. Its nice that some folks will vote, but it would be even nicer if they made an informed decision.

Edit: Changed four to three. Thanks for the catch.

[Erika]

1. Why Do You think people will lose interest....

in watching the debates. Everyone I've talked to is looking forward to the next one.

[graywarrior]

3. Non=political friends of mine watched the debate and

they cannot wait til the next one. The first one was riviting, a slow train wreck for Bush. The next ones will be a blood bath. Bush is going down. Kerry is just getting started.

[cheshire]

2. More people watching was important and it shows. I count only 3 more

debates, how do you see 4.

[ogradda]

6. that's what i wondered!

the vice-presidential debate and two more presidential debates,right? what am i missing? aacckk...

[taquinas101]

9. Oops . . . included the first debate.

[juajen]

4. I think our guys are so gorgeous, smart and articulate that viewership

will continue to be very good. I can't wait to see the Edwards/Cheney debate, and there are millions just like me. Grassroots efforts all over this country have invigorated the electorate. I can't ever remember in my lifetime more people talking about this race and the issues being debated. It's phenomenal.

[oasis]

5. Correction:3 debates remaining. One of them is Cheney/Edwards. First

impressions have already undone the Chimperor. He is beyond redemption.

[grace0418]

7. I think it's very telling

that so many people watched the debate. I think it lends creedence to what we have been saying all along- the polls are bullshit and there are millions of Americans ready and eager to take Dumbya down.

[tedoll78]

8. And remmber this about viewing audience:

The next Kerry-Bush debate will be on a Friday. Lower viewership. Hmm..

[LiberalFighter]

10. It might be lower but...

It is different from 4 years ago.

TIVO
and interested parties can view it on C-Span website or see it repeated later I believe

So if you know someone that didn't see the debate direct them to C-Span to watch it.

[shaz]

12. I think the viewer mix will have an effect

This is the way I see it

Fewer Bush* supporters watching because they can't stand to watch another trouncing.

More Kerry supporters watching, hoping for another trouncing.

When they poll the debate watchers, Kerry's numbers will be higher.

I hate to be cynical, but I am so, there are a group of Americans who won't watch 'cuz they "have other priorities", but will let the poll numbers tell them who won.


Just a thought

[DaveinMD]

11. people seeing this one debate

may be enough. People have decided that Kerry is qualified to be Commander in Chief. That was the big hurdle and Kerry passed it. Bush's lead is gone. Now its all about turnout. We will win.

[taquinas101]

14. The problem is that if they don't watch . . .

The major networks will lead them to believe that Bush did better than he actually will do in the upcoming debates. Mondale "won" the first debate against Reagan. Never underestimate the Republican spin machine. Get as many people to watch the debate as you can. Sure, we all have agenda, but just tell folks to watch it, and make up their minds for themselves.

[lunarboy13]

13. Bush, the Titanic

With the first offical post-debate poll results, it appears as though Kerry has at least drawn even again --Newsweek's poll has Kerry ahead 47-45, which is within the margin of error. But more importantly, I think people are beginning to understand the consequences involved with another four years of Bush. I really believe that this election will begin to tilt slowly for Kerry and then dramatically for Kerry at the end -- like the sinking of the Titanic.

Once everyone realizes there aren't enough lifeboats, Bush is toast!!