The Democratic National Convention in Chicago garnered impressive viewership numbers, with an estimated 26.2 million people tuning in to watch Vice President Kamala Harris become the first Black and Asian American woman to accept the presidential nomination for a major political party. The convention, which featured several big-name speakers including Hollywood stars and notable Democratic leaders, closed out with Harris’ keynote address, drawing an average of 28.9 million viewers. These ratings outshone the Republican National Convention held in July, which attracted just over 19 million viewers on average across its four days of programming. Harris also slightly outdid former President Donald Trump in viewership during their acceptance speeches.
Former Trump White House aide Alyssa Farah Griffin described the high TV ratings of the DNC as “a big deal,” noting that the success of the convention speaks to the desire for new faces and ideas in politics. Griffin praised the DNC for its well-orchestrated convention that focused on a mixture of policies, national security, and speakers from various parts of the country. While acknowledging the impact of the DNC, Griffin also emphasized that with 75 days remaining until Election Day, President Trump has the ability to regain the spotlight and draw attention back to him as he did after Harris’ speech.
The DNC brought a wave of momentum to the Democratic Party, particularly with Harris’ historic acceptance of the nomination as vice president. Polling conducted before President Joe Biden stepped aside as the Democratic nominee showed that a majority of Americans were tired of seeing the same candidates in presidential elections and were looking for someone new. Harris’ entry into the 2024 race has energized the party and brought attention to issues such as immigration policies, where Trump criticized her for not taking action during her time in office. Trump reacted to Harris’ speech on social media and in an interview with Fox News, calling out her border policies and suggesting that she could address the issues immediately.
The success of the DNC in terms of viewership and reception from viewers highlights the growing interest in new political figures and policies, as well as the historic moment represented by Harris’ nomination as vice president. The convention showcased a diverse range of speakers and topics, appealing to a wide audience across the country. As the election season continues, both parties will need to continue to engage their supporters and attract undecided voters, with Trump’s ability to reclaim the spotlight and draw attention back to him as a key factor in the upcoming months leading to Election Day.
