- The Washington Times - Tuesday, December 15, 2015

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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