DNC wins higher ratings for second night, beating Republicans
The Democratic National Committee convention won higher ratings for its second night as Michelle and Barack Obama delivered barnburner speeches, outstripping Republicans by a hefty margin.
The DNC drew an 11.9 overnight rating, up from 11.4 on the first night. That number was 55% better than night two of the GOP convention, which saw a significant drop off from the opening night to the second night.
The numbers, which are calculated based on the nation’s 40 largest media markets, translate to more than 20 million viewers on the major broadcast and cable networks. Convention planners say millions more watch online and on streaming services.
The RNC, on the other hand, scored a 9.4 rating on the first night and a relatively anemic 7.7 on the second night, which had few big-name speakers.
Ironically, the Democratic showcase scored its highest ratings nationwide in West Palm Beach, where former President Trump lives at his Mar-a-Lago club.
Democrats also had big name stars luring plenty of eyeballs, with the Obamas and also performances from Patti LaBelle and rapper Lil’ Jon.
It remains to be seen if Democrats can sustain the ratings advantage heading into the final two nights, when the party’s new presidential nominee and vice presidential standard bearer Tim Walz deliver marquee speeches.
Singer John Legend was set to belt out a tribute to the late Prince on Wednesday and Pink was expected to perform Thursday ahead of Harris’ speech.
The healthy numbers for the DNC reflect the excitement that has exploded within the party since President Biden dropped out of the race a month ago and endorsed Kamala Harris.
Harris quickly consolidated the support of party leaders and engineered a burst of enthusiasm with the Democratic base, filling arenas for raucous rallies and scooping up rivers of campaign cash.
The Harris campaign says it raised a record $500 million in just a month since launching the campaign, grabbing a big lead over Trump and Republicans as the race heads into the crucial final two months leading up to Election Day.
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