The Democratic convention got a Kamala Harris bump on its third night, with 22.8 million viewers tuning in to major TV networks to watch the vice-presidential nominee deliver her acceptance speech.
The audience was the largest so far, exceeding the 19.7 million viewers who watched on Monday, according to data from 10 networks released by the TV-measurement firm Nielsen. The convention concludes Thursday night with an acceptance speech by presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Harris, who is Black and Indian-American, is the first non-White woman to receive the nomination of a major party. She gave an address that some reviewers said started slow but ultimately delivered with a strong line about female empowerment that also touched on concerns about her role as a prosecutor.
“I know a predator when I see one,” Harris said.
Although the numbers rose, the convention overall is attracting fewer TV viewers than four years ago, when 24.4 million people tuned in for the third night, according to Nielsen data.
Traditional networks have seen a decline in viewers as Americans shift to more online options. This year’s convention has also had to cope with coronavirus restrictions. It’s being held online, without excited delegates cheering from the floor of a big arena. That limits the enthusiasm surrounding the event.
Read more: Harris takes historic role as Biden’s No. 2 with call for change
Wednesday night’s program also featured speeches by former President Barack Obama and the 2016 Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. Obama delivered a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump.
“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t,” Obama said. “The consequences of that failure are severe.”
Comcast Corp.’s MSNBC once again led all networks, with just under 6.5 million viewers for the coverage that began at 10 p.m. New York time. AT&T Inc.’s CNN came in second with 5.8 million, though it led among viewers ages 25-54.
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