Despite the fact that presidential debates in their current form have drawn a lot of criticism for a variety of reasons over the years, they remain a key component of any presidential race, ringing in the final lap of the drawn-out affair that presidential elections have become. They are also considered must-see TV by millions of Americans, with debates regularly reaching viewership figures eclipsed only by the Super Bowl.
The first, tumultuous debate between then-incumbent President Trump and his challenger and eventual successor Joe Biden in September 2020 attracted 73.1 million viewers, making it the third most-watched debate in history. The most watched debate in history also featured Donald Trump, when 84.4 million Americans tuned in to see him face off in the first of three debates versus Hillary Clinton in 2016.
With many Americans not exactly looking forward to this year's election, it remains to be seen whether today's debate will attract as many viewers as past editions. With doubts surrounding both candidates' fitness for office, people may still tune in, however, be it for some reassurance or to find out whether those reservations are justified.
