Trump-Clinton presidential debate breaks TV record

Trump-Clinton presidential debate breaks TV record

The presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was watched by 84 million people on US TV, breaking a previous record set 36 years ago.

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Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan's debate in 1980 drew 80.6 million viewers.

The viewing figures only count those who watched the debate on the 13 US TV channels that carried it live, meaning the true figure may be much higher.

Millions were also thought to have watched worldwide through online live streams or in bars and at parties.

The data provider Nielsen said viewers stayed tuned through the 98-minute debate.

Mr Trump told supporters last Tuesday that he knew the debate would have "one of the largest audiences in the history of television" but he "took a deep breath" and "pretended I was talking to my family".

There are two more presidential debates to come between the candidates - on October 9 and October  19 - before the election on November 8.

On October 9, Mrs Clinton and Mr Trump will have competition for the attention of the US; NFL teams, the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants, who will be playing at the same time as the second debate.

Overnight polls with small samples were split on who won the first televised debate last Monday, but more rigorous surveys were due in the coming days.

Last Tuesday, Mrs Clinton said "His demeanour, his temperament, his behaviour on the stage could be seen by everybody and people could draw their own conclusions."

Asked how he felt about the debate on the television news programme Fox and Friends last Tuesday, Mr Trump said it had gone well, but complained that the moderator Lester Holt had not pressed Mrs Clinton on her "scandals".

 

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