First night of CNN Democratic debate draws 8.7M viewers

CNN's broadcast of the Democratic debates on Tuesday night attracted 8.7 million viewers, according to final ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research.

Another 2.8 million people watched via the CNN Digital live stream, according to CNN.

The first of two debates from Detroit was watched by approximately 7 million fewer people than the June 26 debate broadcast by NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo, which attracted 15.3 million viewers for the broadcast from Miami.

The cable news network faced formidable competition from ABC's "The Bachelorette," which aired its finale on Tuesday night. NBC also offered up a new episode of "America's Got Talent," which has rated well over the years since its start in 2006.

ADVERTISEMENT

CNN will likely see an uptick in viewership on Wednesday night, which was the case with NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo last month for its second of two debates.

Wednesday night's event from the Fox Theatre in the Motor City will feature 2020 Democratic front-runner Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump and Biden's plans would both add to the debt, analysis finds Trump says he will back specific relief measures hours after halting talks Chance the Rapper, Demi Lovato to play digital concert to encourage voting MORE in an anticipated rematch with Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala HarrisOvernight Defense: Top military officers quarantine after positive COVID case | Distracted pilot, tech issues led to F-35 crash It matters: Kamala Harris and the VP debate CDC director says it's safe for Pence to take part in debate MORE (D-Calif.), who hammered Biden in Miami one month ago, winning praise from critics as the winner of the night.

But Biden still holds a commanding lead in the RealClearPolitics index of polls with 32.2 percent support.

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersCongress fiddles while the US burns, floods, and ails Fauci gets his own action figure Supreme Court opens new term in divisive era MORE (I-Vt.) is second with 16.2 percent, followed by Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenCongress fiddles while the US burns, floods, and ails Trump targets Biden on Roe v. Wade comments Top House lawmakers launch investigation into Pentagon redirecting COVID-19 funds MORE (D-Mass.) with 14.3 percent. Harris is fourth with 11 percent support.

--This report was updated at 2:20 p.m.