Political Insider
Political Insider

Monday's debate was the most watched in U.S. history

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton shake hands after the first presidential debate. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Credit: Tamar Hallerman

Credit: Tamar Hallerman

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton shake hands after the first presidential debate. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
By
Sept 27, 2016

Monday's debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump captured at least 84 million viewers, making it the most-watched presidential debate in U.S. history and putting it in the stratosphere of the Super Bowl.

The Nielsen company said the viewership toppled a 36-year-old record set in 1980 when Jimmy Carter faced Ronald Reagan in the contest's sole presidential debate. That event attracted 80.6 million viewers. By comparison, the first debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in 2012 averaged 67 million viewers.

ExploreHere's more from the AP:

More coverage:

ExploreTrump, Clinton get more personal day after first debate
ExploreHow Hillary Clinton rattled Donald Trump at the first debate

Trump and Clinton finally get their showdown

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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