Presidential Debates Drawing Small but Steady TV Audience

There are approximately 1.6 million political junkies in the United States, or at least that’s how many Americans consistently tune in for debates featuring candidates seeking the presidential nomination. Monday’s debate, the Republicans’ sixth and the third including front-runner George W. Bush, averaged about the same number of television viewers as previous forums.

And, as usual, other prime-time programs attracted significantly more viewers than the debate, which MSNBC broadcast live from Iowa.

According to Nielsen Media Research, CBS’ “Everybody Loves Raymond” led Monday night’s ratings with 18 million viewers. Fox’s “Ally McBeal” was second with more than 14 million, followed by the NBC’s “Suddenly Susan,” which drew more than 6 million viewers.

The Democratic candidates, Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, will debate Friday in New Hampshire for the second time. ABC’s “Nightline” will air the 90-minute debate at 11:35 p.m. PST.