Everyone expected solid, even record ratings for last night’s debate. No one, however, could have predicted just how big the number would end up being. It wasn’t just a blow-out, the first Republican primary debate of the 2016 season earned a 16.0. For context, the highest rating for a debate in 2015 was a 5.0.
According to TV By The Numbers, the GOP debate even scored a higher share than the phenom that was the Women’s World Cup Finals, which earned a 15.2.
This is fantastic news for both Fox news and the Republican field. As I wrote earlier, last night was a great night for everyone but Hillary Clinton.
Certainly the Trumpnado deserves some credit, but let’s also acknowledge the great work the Republican Party did in grabbing hold of and controlling these debates.
UPDATE: The Hill’s math says 10 million viewers, compared to just 3.2 million in 2012.
UPDATE: Whoa. Strike that. A WHOPPING 24 MILLION tuned in last night.
As more specific numbers come in, this post will be updated….
Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC
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