Sarah Palin proves a big draw on Fox

The Sarah Palin phenomenon and the lift it gave the Republican presidential ticket may have cooled somewhat, in part because it was bound to and in part because the nation's financial crisis seems to have refocused the attention of many voters.

Still, Palin is made for TV -- as well as trained in it. Combine those attributes with an appearance on a network whose viewers include many in sync with her politics -- Fox News Channel -- and you've got a match made in Nielsen ratings heaven.

Wednesday night's Hannity & Colmes program featuring the first of two interview segments with Palin gave the show its second-highest total viewership for 2008 (and its third highest for the oh-so-important 25-to-54-year-old demographic).

An estimated 4.921 million folks tuned in on Wednesday to hear Palin reveal to Sean Hannity that she had watched -- but with the sound turned off -- Tina Fey's much-anticipated inaugural impersonation of her on "Saturday Night Live." (The Republican vice presidential nominee also discussed an array of other topics.)

The only higher viewership this year for Hannity & Colmes -- 4.948 million -- was on Sept. 3. And what was happening that night? The nation was awaiting Palin's speech to the Republican National Convention.

(In another sign of the interest in the presidential campaign, the conventions for both parties attracted almost two-thirds of all U.S. households, as detailed by our friend Mark Silva at the Swamp.)

Courtesy of a very proud Fox PR department, here's how the competition among the three main cable news networks played out in the 9-10 p.m. EDT time slot Wednesday:

FNC’s Hannity & Colmes: 4,921,000 viewers (1,391,000 in the 25-54 demo).

MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow: 1,716,000 viewers (635,000 in the 25-54).

CNN’s Larry King: 1,646,000 viewers (630,000 in the 25-54).

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: EPA

Comments

[RHead]

FOX News? A Republican?Is'nt that a Republican News Channel?Is'nt that where Dick Cheney explains the world problems (and solutions) to the adoring FOX news talking Heads who have only one motion .up and down for yes!yes!
Between FOX news,Country clubs ,Christian colleges and military bases the Republicans certainly spread the news.
How about a real interview with real reporters with real Questions rather then a script prepared by the Karl Rove -Steve Schmidt handlers.

[Alec]

Yes-
The nation's interest has turned to the financial crisis and the fact that Obama's two top financial advisors, Franklin Raines and Chritopher Dodd were up to their eyeballs in pocketing millions from Fannie and Freddie and cooked the books. )Obama was also the number 2 senator on a list of recipients from Freddie and Fannie- $126,000.Pretty good for only 3 years in the Senate!)

Raines and Dodd were in the Clinton White House where this housing crisis was hatched.

[Barb Schulz]

Why don't the news people bring out the fact that The Congress and Senate have been lead by Democrates the last few years and they are responsible for a lot of the dumb decisions made concerning the country. President Bush has had his hands full dealing with them!

Tell it like it is!!

[steve rodriguez]

I love Sarah Palin1 She doesn't play the race card!

[Tim Kelley]

I like Sarah!!!!

[Ess Crawford]

She is refreshing. She has finally stopped with all the polished "talk around" most politicians use to speak to the public. Most politician take 5 sentences to say what could be said in one. Somehow, I think they think the more words they use, the smarter they sound. Go Palin/McCain. Cutting out the BS and telling it like it is. Obama has skimmed the service of a concrete answer since he has been speaking. I guess it is hard to go one way or the other when you have to weigh the American people on one hand and the financial contributors on the other AND then answer to satisfy them both. No wonder he seems to stay on the fence.

[joan badalian]

I love Sara but got a real painful lesson from John McCain's church when calling them. I saw Sara's and Sean's conversation last night and I phoned them because I wanted them to call John McCain's office and tell them to ask Sara to please say she believes in Creation as all christians do. They called me a creap and deragned and this is Phoenix First Baptist church in north phoenix of which as I live in Arizona I have attended. This church Pastor Dan Yurri gave a sermon on how he admired the Camakezi's for killing our sailors in the WWII in Hawii. He said that they are to be admired. This is John McCain's church and Dan gave the Beadicten at the convention.

I believe she didn't think this answer out and I was only trying to help. John would not have lost the election and should have been presiden instead of Bush in 2001 John McCain would have taken care of Iraq's borders first and formost. I was not against McCain. His church is awful and not christian and John needs to get out allowing then to have his name all over their inter-net. They will destroy him here in Arizona. I wish him luck.

[T. Scott]

Sarah Palin is a qualified canidate. She is conservative and has displayed all of the qualities that most average American's could hope for in a Vice President. It is about common sense, and she has it. The Liberal Left has shownso much nasty venom towards someone who has displayed the very element of what they have been fighting for. She originates from a middle class family. She is a woman who has overcome barriers. She has fought the system. She hasexercised her freedom of "choice" by choosing to raise a special needs child. I cannot see anything different in her journey of life compared to any other woman of America. The Liberal Left are shooting themselves in the foot and cannot even see it. It doesn't take a genious to recognize hypocracy.

[John Christoffersen]

I dont intend to compare Sara Palin to some of the Female icons of the past like Thatcher and Indera but she seems to be a real boost for the woeman of America. Un like some of the underwear burning woemen of the past she seems to have some brains in her head and cares about her country and her family. I do not see why some of the media keep looking for weakness and dont try and find her strengths. I will vote for someone because of their potential strength not because they only believe in the way I think. MSNBC has trashed this woman so bad I dont blame her if she never warms up to them, their loss. instead of just disregarding the 80% approval rating why not question the thoughts of the 20 % disaproval and see how partisan they are, or would that be mean spirited??

[Almost Angeleno]

Just reading some of the comments from the McCain/Palin supporters tells me a lot about how we managed to put the current idiot into the White House. It's hard to believe this is America in the 21st century...and not 1690.

Whoever had the idea of pandering to America's "religious" sect for political purposes was a nefarious genius.

And I laughed over that photo of GOP shill Hannity trying to do his best Edward R. Murrow impersonation.

[Sol]

Sara Palin Tatcher and Indira??? This is an insult for these women.

Only dumb woman support Sara Palin because they can't think and analyse. Dumb woman think with their emotions and educated woman with their brains.

Every Time Sara opens her mounth she does only beat around the bush and she doesn't answer question but she does dance around them. And if she say something it's lies or stupidity.

"I can see Russia from my house" , good example. Just admit folks this lady don't know a thing. What she can do good is scream and yell , she's just a cheerleader, but knowledgde, substance? She don't have. She only has a big mounth. Everything she did has a tale behind it, because she don't think before she act, Just like the way she became a VP! Responsible People does think, analysed things first before they take decisions.

In the view of the world Sara Palin is a shame for the American nation. " I can see Russia from my house" ... So dumb!

[Kimberly]

She is refreshing. She has finally stopped with all the polished "talk around" most politicians use to speak to the public. Most politician take 5 sentences to say what could be said in one. Somehow, I think they think the more words they use, the smarter they sound. Go Palin/McCain. Cutting out the BS and telling it like it is. Posted by: Ess Crawford | September 19, 2008 at 11:39 AM

Your kidding right. McCain/Palin have lied and distorted the truth so many times I have lost count. Latest lie "Troopergate" investigation where she said she welcomed it "Bring it on" "I have nothing to hide" she said and now her top aides, her husband, and her refuse to cooperate with the investigation saying it is politically motivated. Well if there is nothing to find what does it matter? Oh wait that is because so far there is something to find. Like the paperwork that proves the commissioners travel was approved. Another lie by Palin, yeah she is refreshing and a straight talker. Totally get that.

Sarah Palin is a qualified canidate. She is conservative and has displayed all of the qualities that most average American's could hope for in a Vice President. It is about common sense, and she has it. I cannot see anything different in her journey of life compared to any other woman of America. The Liberal Left are shooting themselves in the foot and cannot even see it. It doesn't take a genious to recognize hypocracy.

Posted by: T. Scott | September 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM

Sarah Palin is a qualified canidate and displays what every American should want in a VP. What that she can lie more then anyone else on Capital Hill? That she can ignore court orders and hide truths till after the election. People say she is not Washington, no your right about that, she is worse. Even when her lies and distorted truths have been debunked she continues to stick by them and repeat them. As far as her journey being like other American women... Srry don't think so, I don't use strong arm tactics, lies, and a family to get farther in my career.
It doesn't take a genious to recognize hypocracy.
Ok wait she says she will stop corruption and change Washington, but yet it has proven she lies, she is under investigation for misuse of power and her excuse for firing the commissioner can't even hold water now due to paperwork that proved her reason a LIE once again. So who is being hypocritical? Not only her but McCain has continually flip flopped on his stance or issues when it suits him and he think it will make him look better. Yes I am a female, yes I am a PTA mom, Yes I am a mother of a disabled child, Yes I am an American, NO I am NOT gullible or stupid!

[TOC]

I come from the same western, rural, white, conservative, Republican, religious background as Palin, but was raised with family values that taught fiscal responsibility, working for the public good, respect for all, don't tell lies, and to think for ourselves. I'm the female demographic McCain is hoping to persuade. Until McCain picked Palin, I was leaning towards him. But this is far worse than Dan Quayle!

I was very disappointed with Hennity's kid glove treatment. He gleefully beats up on others. By not doing so in this case it made me realize he knows Palin is a weak candidate for the presidency (which she really is being judged about) and carefully glossed over it. I really wanted her to confront Hennity's usual bombasity to show what she was made of. Instead it reminded me of all the guys who slobberingly do the pretty girl's bidding because they think it will get them into her sphere. Pretty girls have had this figured out since second grade, fellas.

Palin might be smart and tough, but she didn’t get to prove it with Hennity. He just let her babble. I very much want a female candidate at the top. But Hennity made it clear Palin's not this one.

[john]

so since you are worried mrs palin could become commander in chief with her level of experience, does that mean you hope barack get assassinated immediately after being sworn in since he has even less experience?

[stephen feldmeier]

If your a Democratic and are voting party lines, I would appreciate that you guys keep your hatred to yourselves. Its not Sarah Palin fault that Barrack Obama is the best your party could come up with. If she were a running as a Democratic, your party would be plastering her all over the news and bragging her up and down like a mother with a new born child.
If you really look into her back ground, her voting record and how she runs the state of Alaska is neither left or right, but right in the middle. She governs for what,s best for the people and puts the people first. She has no self personal agenda nor is she out to make a name for herself.
She is a TRUE politician in this matter. She will due more for the Democrats then Barrack will ever due because of how she governs.
Also she is pro-life, but if you heard an statement she made during a debate, she said since the issue on abortion is a very passionate subject and widely debated throughout the nation that it should be put on a ballot for the people to decide, not her.
So the only reason why people would hate her so much is because you don't know her or she is on the Republican ticket and your afraid of voting away from your party.
I'm a Republican and if Sarah Palin was on the Democratic ticket I would be voting Democratic. (Only if she were running for President)
Now a far as her not testifying in troopergate. I think she should just to prove to America that she is against corruption and waste in government. BUT the only reason why the Democrats want her to testify is just to take her off the campaign trail for a week or two. For this reason alone shows that Barrack Obama is not for change, and he'll do anything for a vote.

[NotStupidLikeU]

I can't believe possibly believe how Palin can bring voters to talk positively about her. It's obvious this woman is not fit to be VP...has no clue about foreign policies...America's growing concerns...but she will reform our country! What a joke. First go put your family together before you start promising to put the nation together. I am woman and a mother that doesn't mean this is all I am looking for when I am selecting for VP or president. This is not a cheerleading or Miss America pageant. America wake up! Don't leave your life, your job, your family in this woman's hands!! Think carefully before you make that decision.

[jj]

Sorry, but Sarah Palin is not qualified to be Vice President of the United States of America. PERIOD.

[what happened u.s?]

So its come to this a hockey mom could be second in command, in the most powerful gov. in the world. At least the kids will make it to the rink on time. McCain is pretty smart for picking her though, pick up all the hillary votes, but he losses his experience argument against Obama. I can't believe there could be a 72 years old pres. i barely trust people that age to drive?! and if something happens to him in office we get someone who ran Alaska? WOW, i think more people live in a small town than that whole state. Out of the whole country this is the cream of the crop????? At least Obama seems somewhat intelligent and trustworthy a rarity amongst politicians.

[Fran L]

How can anyoine call that an interview? "Ok Sarah, Tell us why giving rich people tax breaks while the rest of us poor bastards suffer through this Republican caused depression pay more is a good idea?" "Well Sean, that really is a good question!!??" You must be kidding!! How about an interesting question such as "How is it that the part time mayor (as many of her real duties were given to an town administrator--look it up folks) of a town of 5,000 should be given a posititon of such great importance?" or "Do you really think the the Earth was created only 5,000 years ago? (she does)" "Do you think promoting creationism in our public school will help us develop more advanced science and math curriculums that will allow us to compete with China and India in the years to come?" "Will G-O-D really be leading our troops in Iraq if McCain/Palin is elected? (as we've seen you suggest on Youtube)" "What about J-E-S-U-S? Will he be a 5 star general ?" "How about M-O-S-E-S or maybe N-O-A-H?" "Are there places for them in your cabinet?" Just curious. Sean Hannity is a lapdog, not a journalist! You can't call this an interview. Maybe you can call it something that reveals it for the stupidity that it is..... how about "Sarah Palin Really Can See Russia from Her House: A Cozy Little Chat With Sean Hannity's Candidate of Choice"

[Michael Moore]

Until Sarah Palin was nominated for VP, we were pretty indifferent to the political presidential candidates. However she has given us hopes of the type of candidate we have been desiring to know. There is no question who we will vote for now. Sarah is the very center of our political outlook. Thank you, Sarah, for being there, when you country needs you most!

[The Pope]

To Barb Schulz,

Two things 1) Obama never used the race card game and 2) Palin is white, she doesn't have to use the race card game. Get your head straight!

[Ron]

you people don't get it! You haven't seen the true Sara, only the one who has had everything she has said written for her. Why do you think it was on fox and only Hannity and not Combs talked to her. Man I am not saying anything bad or good about her because I really don't know. To say she went against her own party to stop corruption is a lie. She is not a true republican only chose that after her independant party was going no where. She is more a conservative moderate. Please people stop going with emotions and party lines and wait to see what she gives us!!!

[Yvonne]

I am a Canadian female and Sarah Paliin is a breath of fresh air. She is down to earth and I love Alaska and the people. They kinda remind me of Nova Scotians. http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/World/2008/09/22/6836086-sun.html This is about the author that called Republicans 'white trash'. She was born in Norway House or was that Norway House Cree Nation?

[John Christoffersen]

Hey Sol that wasn't Sara Palin on SNL, Shows what Liberals believe the truth.

[Malby]

Oh, please . . . we all watched Hannity purely for the comedy--it is hard to believe that he is for real. And watching Palin is like watching a car wreck--you can't turn away.