Interest in GOP debates drops as Trump support remains high, but non-Trump candidates fail to captivate viewers
The second Republican primary debate, held on Wednesday, saw the lowest TV viewership for any GOP presidential debate since Donald Trump entered the race. The Nielsen ratings revealed that about 9.3 million people tuned in, a significant decrease from the 12.8 million viewers who watched the first debate without Trump. This marks a noticeable decline in audience interest compared to previous years, signaling a shift in the party’s debate dynamics.
The lower viewership comes as polling shows Trump leading with nearly 60% support among Republican primary voters, many of whom have already made up their minds. With Trump once again absent from the debate stage, the focus shifted to his non-Trump rivals, but the lack of significant viewer engagement indicated a diminished interest in hearing from these candidates.
While the TV and streaming landscape has evolved over the years, the sharp decline in viewership is striking. The debate highlighted the challenges that the remaining GOP candidates face in captivating the Republican base in the absence of their dominant frontrunner. Trump’s continued absence may have also contributed to the lack of excitement among voters.
Despite this, the debate was still an important moment for candidates seeking to build momentum and distinguish themselves within the crowded field. However, the figures underscore the degree to which Trump’s presence — or absence — continues to shape the GOP race.