On Thursday night, a whopping 26.2 million viewers tuned in to witness the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, a significant spike noted by former Trump aide Alyssa Farah Griffin, who called the viewership “a big deal.”
The convention showcased a vibrant mix of supporters and delegates, culminating in a groundbreaking keynote address by Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris made history as the first Black and Asian American woman to accept a presidential nomination from a major political party. The event featured stars like Mindy Kaling and influential Democrats including Barack and Michelle Obama.
Nielsen reported that the average viewership across the four days reached 21.8 million, with Harris’ acceptance speech drawing around 28.9 million viewers at its peak.
In comparison, the Republican National Convention in July attracted around 19 million viewers on average. Notably, Trump’s acceptance speech peaked at approximately 28.4 million viewers.
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Griffin remarked on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, “I know Donald Trump was not happy about that.” She continued, “It indicates that six in ten Americans don’t want a Biden-Trump rematch. Now, you’ve got someone fresh and energizing.”
Harris’ candidacy for the 2024 race has sparked renewed enthusiasm within the Democratic Party, which previously lagged behind Trump. Polls indicated that many Americans were ready for new faces in politics; an earlier Reuters survey showed that 67% believed it was time for different candidates in presidential elections.
Griffin praised the DNC for being well orchestrated, blending various policies and featuring diverse speakers that kept viewers engaged. However, she cautioned that with 75 days until the election, Trump is adept at seizing attention and could easily recapture the spotlight.
In response to Harris’ speech, Trump utilized his Truth Social account to criticize her stance on border policies, questioning her past actions when she had the chance to make changes.
He also called Fox News immediately after, stating, “She could have done it 3 1/2 years ago. She could do it tonight by leaving the auditorium and going to Washington, D.C., and closing the border.”