In a display of his surging political influence and popularity, President Donald Trump’s Wednesday evening town hall on Fox News significantly outperformed CNN’s debate featuring GOP rivals Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. The simultaneously televised events, both held in Des Moines, Iowa, came just days before the state’s crucial caucuses, where Trump continues to lead the pack by a wide margin according to RealClearPolling’s current average.
With 4.3 million viewers tuning in to watch Trump, the event eclipsed CNN’s debate, which garnered 2.6 million viewers. This disparity highlights not only the enduring appeal of Trump but also the current state of the Republican primary race, where he leads with 53.6% according to RealClearPolling, a commanding 36.4 points ahead of his closest competitors, Haley at 17.2% and DeSantis at 15.2%.
Trump town hall gets more views than Haley and DeSantis CNN debate | Just The News https://t.co/b3q9LYLIHQ
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) January 12, 2024
The viewership figures from Nielsen reveal a clear preference among the audience, mirroring Trump’s dominance in polling figures. Fox News, known for its more conservative programming, drew a larger crowd than CNN. This can be attributed to Trump’s magnetic personality and unique approach to politics, which continues to resonate with a significant portion of the Republican base.
Trump’s town hall, co-moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, was not just a win in numbers. It also demonstrated his influence in the media landscape. The event was scheduled to go head-to-head with CNN’s debate, a strategic move by the Trump campaign. This decision, coupled with the high viewership, underscores Trump’s confidence and his ability to command attention in the political arena.
The former president’s decision to skip the traditional debates and opt for a solo town hall is a testament to his unconventional approach to campaigning. It’s a strategy that is paying off, as indicated by the latest polling data and viewership figures. His remark during the town hall, hinting at a decision on his vice-presidential pick, further fueled interest and speculation, showcasing his knack for keeping the audience engaged and the media focused on his narrative.
In contrast, the lower viewership for the Haley-DeSantis debate on CNN points to a fragmented field struggling to keep up with Trump’s momentum. While Haley and DeSantis are significant figures within the GOP, their combined appeal was not enough to surpass Trump’s solo appearance.
The week’s events, including the individual town halls of Haley and DeSantis on Fox News, collectively drew nearly nine million viewers, demonstrating the high interest in the Republican primary race. However, Trump’s solo performance stood out in viewership and the impact on the political discussion as the primary season readies for the kickoff.
As Monday’s Iowa caucuses approach, these developments provide a strong indication of the dynamics of the Republican primary.