Well, maybe there’s something to be said for all the sprawling sets, whirling graphics and attractive, aggressive moderators. Americans are actually paying attention to the presidential debates, which have indeed proved a ratings boon to the hosting networks - and a crowd pleaser.
“The presidential debates clearly have been a hit with the public. Nearly seven-in-ten (69 percent) say they have watched at least some of the televised debates between the candidates. In December 2007 — the most recent election in which there were contested nominations in both parties — just 43 percent reported watching any of the debates,” notes a Pew Research Center report.
Over half of the respondents said the on-camera clashes are “fun to watch.” Hopefully, that translates into voter engagement and possibly a more informed electorate, lest the 2016 election be plagued by “low information voters,” the bane of Rush Limbaugh, among other close observers.
• 67 percent of Americans say the 2016 presidential campaign has been “interesting” so far; 79 percent of Republicans, 65 percent of independents and 65 percent of Democrats agree.
• 56 percent overall say the presidential debates help them learn about the candidates; 69 percent of Republicans, 62 percent of independents and 65 percent of Democrats agree.
• 54 percent overall say the campaigns have been “too negative”; 41 percent of Republicans, 54 percent of independents and 65 percent of Democrats agree.
• 51 percent overall say the debates have been “fun to watch”; 56 percent of Republicans, 48 percent of independents and 50 percent of Democrats agree.
• 50 percent overall say the campaigns go on “too long”; 42 percent of Republicans, 53 percent of independents and 55 percent of Democrats agree.
Source: A Pew Research Center poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted Dec. 8-13.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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