Why Watch Jim Lehrer Anywhere Else?

This Friday night marks the first official debate between Republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama, live from the University of Mississippi. Jim Lehrer of PBS’ NEWSHOUR will host, so really, why watch it anywhere else but here on NPT? Aren’t things confusing enough these days, what with the “panic buying” gas crisis and all, to add watching Jim on another channel? After a week of repeatedly being blamed for the situation we find ourselves in, I think Nashvillians could use some consistency and routine in their lives. Make the less confusing choice. Tune in here on Friday night, September 26 at 8:00 p.m. Lehrer will be joined by THE NEWSHOUR team anchored by Ray Suarez with David Brooks and Mark Shields.

From Sunday’s New York Times, here are some interesting televised debate stats. The first-ever televised presidential debate was in 1960 betweeen Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy. It was watched by 59.5 percent of American Households. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan‘s debate in 1980 drew 80.6 millions viewers, the largest in Neilsen’s record-keeping history.