Mo

The nationally televised debate between John McCain and Barack Obama on Friday drew 52.4 million viewers -- over 10 million less viewers than the George W. Bush and John Kerry debate four years ago.

Nielsen reports the Bush-Kerry debate four years ago drew 62.5 million viewers for the first face-off, while the other two drew 46.7 million and 62.5 million.

Various media sources are reporting that the ratings for the opening debate are a disappointment because "wasn't the kind of blockbuster number you could expect."

However, what they fail to realise is that the debate was held on a Friday. The only debate to fall on a Friday four years ago, as this one did, was also the one with the lowest audience of 46.7 million. So while the number is less than the audience four years ago, it's not truly indicative of the interest in the race.

We're betting that you'll see a number closer to 60 million for round two. And just incase you're wondering, the highest rated presidential debate on record was between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan in 1980 -- which was seen by 80.6 million viewers.

__________________