Barack & Michelle Obama Give "60 Minutes" Largest Viewership Since 1999

NEW YORK — The campaign is over, but Barack Obama is still a TV hit.

CBS' "60 Minutes" had its highest overnight ratings in nearly a decade with Sunday's episode featuring Steve Kroft interviewing the president-elect and future first lady. Nielsen Media Research's preliminary estimate the show was seen by 24.5 million people on Sunday.

That's more than any other episode of a prime-time show seen this season, and the biggest audience for "60 Minutes" since January 1999.

Sunday's "60 Minutes" was likely helped by being immediately preceded by a down-to-the-wire NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers.

Comments

[dac253]

I'm a sucker for symbolism, so I hope the Obamas get a pitbull terrier. :)

[ByersL]

That would be hilarious. My son has a rescue mix pit bull and he is adorable, sweet, and very energetic--perfect for those White House steps!

[XME]

After EIGHT years of a president who made me cringe and change the channel every time he spoke, I am so thrilled we'll have a president who will represent America in a way that makes me proud of who we've chosen to lead the country!

[Islanders6466]

Totally did the same thing every time the current guy spoke (I'd also yell, pls shut-up)...

One of the many things I like about the Obama's is, they're sense of humor...They look like they have fun & really get along...WOW, it's been a long time coming:)

[toni63]

WOW... you actually could watch him..... I made a promise and vow to myself the last election night when Bush won..and it was to never listen or watch him and that was my gift to myself...and the only way I made it through.....

[songbird02]

So true...

[GeorgeP922]

The interview was a nice escape from the reality that the Democratic party is falling apart already.

Thousands of members and donors and pulling back donations slated for the DNC debt.

Party members are encouraged to call their senators tonite (email too) to let them know how good a job they did at devastating the base. (that is the common idea of what their goal was).

I think the idea is to crush all the activists, then rewrite talking points and hope everyone gets in line.

[Davwbaird]

What, I am the base, everyman, get a life.

[ObamaRican]

Davwbaird: Sorry, the popst was meant for George(Wee)PeePee922

[amistad]

And space aliens just landed in upstate California. News at 11.

[devadasi]

The activists are not going to be crushed. I'm an activist, but I've also been around mainstream politics long enough to know how the game is played. Be patient. You need heavy hitters to get the ball rolling. Obama will bring activists into the fold. One step at a time.

[Rictracee]

LOL.. i think your confused with the GOP.. Obama raised more money than anyone in History.... keep dreaming about the Dems.. you need to go get your Rethugs in order.

[bar2200]

Your information is incorrect, it's the Republican party that fell apart, royally...... the Democrats are in fine standing. It appears that you are not in favor of Democrats, but I hope you find yourself, among many, to one day see differently. The Democrats are of a different breed. If you wish to be singled out, so be it, but it would appear to be your loss, right?

[Treehuggindirtworshiper]

He's my President but that dosen't mean I'm going to trust him just because he won. BS walks President Elect Obama. You can talk the talk but can you back it up. Am I the only one who is scared to death of this man. Everyone puts him on a pedestal. He never makes a mistake? Always says the right thing at the right time. People on TV crying because he won. He's just a man people.

[Hawka]

That's why he's president and not you, am I right?

[Treehuggindirtworshiper]

I've been in public office. Any one who wants the job is crazy or an egotist.

[Davwbaird]

Well now, where have you been living on the moon? He won and its because he is bringing respect back to the office. That is huge.

[amistad]

BS? Look at your post. Full of it.

[bar2200]

You are entitled to your opinion. However, the way President-elect, Barack Obama, conducted himself duing the campaign, in which he did not lower himself to all the pettiness that was being dished out by the Republican party, and others, should indicate his true character. The present administration has left our Country in shambles, with such an enormous debt, and that has created great disfavor regarding our Country around the world, such a huge responsibility has now been placed on President-elect, Barack Obama - but anyone taking office would have such a task. The difference is, however, that President-elect, Barack Obama, is highly intelligent, and he does genuinely care, and he will be able to repair the damage.....but, of course, not in an instant. Since it stronly appears that you have your doubts, or be it as it may whatever you wish to call it, then you will be left out, contrary to how others find President-elect, Barack Obama to be, offering much Hope and Peace to the United States of America, and Peace around the world. One person, "you", and perhaps others, left standing, resisting the change that's needed and what will now come to be!

[Treehuggindirtworshiper]

What election were you watching. I'll be the first one in line to pat him on the back if he succeds. You will probably be among the ones who will make excuses for him if he fails. And if that happens I won't say I told you so. I'll be crying for my daughters future.

[labman57]

After 8 years of that disaster called GWB, ANYTHING would be a welcome change. The fact that Obama is intelligent, articulate, steady, and meticulous is icing on the cake. No one is saying he won't make a mistake, rather, we are confirming that electing him was not a mistake.

[julescator]

It was a wonderful interview of a wonderful couple. It's awesome that this great couple just happens to be our new President and First Lady. I was gald to see President Obama so relaxed. He worked so hard on this campaign and, true to his word, he stayed on the high ground! I love these guys!

[melpol]

The interview made it obvious that we have an intellectual genius as the new president. His mastery of the English language is unequaled. Michelle deserves unbounded respect as the new first lady.

[FaceYourFears]

Thank God for Michelle, at least I know she won't let him stray too far! If it weren't for her, he wouldn't be the man he is today....what an awesome, strong black woman!

[devadasi]

For sure FaceYourFears. Women anchor men, and domesticate them, if you will. I always said 'men need to be married, otherwise they could wind up being derelicts; women can live on their own just fine'.

[Bella37]

Credit goes to his mom and grandma and God. It has nothing to do with race.

[Fongenie]

This person didn't say race had anything to do with it either; he/she was just pointing out an obvious positive that is conveniently overlooked. There is nothing wrong with paying respect to Black women, some of the most disrespected individuals in society. And the credit does go just as much to Michelle.

[FaceYourFears]

You've got a HUGE problem and should seek therapy for it! So you deny that Michelle is a black woman.....interesting!

[demfriend]

It's odd how I think back to earlier years and maybe if JFK had lived longer how the media might have had the kids in little books, even comic books with their little adventures. Even finding a dog type things or going out and doing things all kids do with their names attached to the stories to make all kids want to read about those kids in the white house. Now we loo forward to 2009 when Barack Obama and family moves into the White House and how much good it would do to show the kids doing stuff kids do as little movies or books and how much fun it would be for all kids to have them speak to them and motivate them to read/study/learn. I know it won't happen but I would have loved learning about the JFK family as a real family which maybe they were not but the Obama's are. Too many crazed people out to hurt them now days to risk it but it would have been fun as the love for the family is huge.

[firewmn]

I was sad when my chargers lost to my husbands steelers.. BUT .. we both won when we watched the Obama's on 60 minutes.. I cried again with happiness ...

I just can't help it..it happens when I hear him.. I have such pride in America right now .. I could burst..!
*


( btw... I think the last time I watched 60 mins was in 1999)..lol

[obamasOHangel]

Steelers fan, born and raised! Woooohoooo!!

((sorry lol))

[qdog112]

Did everyone notice Barack's "lay off my family" moment when the mother in law and pet dog came up in the same question?

This is a principled man. I think he will be OK.

[DFutureIsNow]

I loved the interview. The Obamas are so real I love them, they will do great things for this country!

[jwatso7]

This was a great interview. How wonderful to know our next president will be articulate, thoughtful, and tolerant. I loved him in the campaign, I love him now. No buyer's remorse whatsoever. I can't WAIT for him to take the oath of office.

[bar2200]

Wow, wow, wow.....I couldn't wait to see 60 Minutes when I found out that they were going to be on the show. I do watch 60 Minutes, but not on a regular basis. From the determined number of viewers, by Nielsen Media Research, it appears that many of Americans so adore our new President-elect, Barack Obama, and soon to be First Lady, Michelle, as I find them to be the most wonderful people in the world. They are so human, with a genuine heart of gold. They are both highly intelligent, and it's so refreshing to, finally, be able to listen to and relate to another that has the ability to offer true substance. It's amazing, for whenever they talk, it appears that they are addressing each one of us, individually, because of their compassion for humanity. The love they have for another so projects in an outwardly manner, embracing us all. Many bright blessings to President-elect, Barack Obama, First Lady, Michelle, and their children/family.

[bar2200]

--correction from above-----I meant to say that the love they have for each other, so projects in an outwardly manner...................Also, I loved the fact that President-elect, Barack Obama, and soon to be First Lady, Michelle, gave such an outstanding interview...as usual. I just absolutely love them, and embrace them....I can't say enough!!!!!

[afraid]

Everytime I see them, I just more hopeful. Great family, great interview.

[mistlesuede]

I don't think the football had anything to do with it. People just want to hear/see the Obama's. That's it!

[qdog112]

Agreed