"Meet The Press" Draws Most Viewers Since April On Maddow's Debut Appearance

"Meet the Press" had its highest total viewer delivery since April this past Sunday, averaging 3,359,000 total viewers for David Gregory's most convincing victory in months.

ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" — which was guest-hosted by Jake tapper while Stephanopoulos was on vacation — averaged 2,470,000 total viewers for a distant second place, while CBS' "Face the Nation" with Bob Schieffer averaged 2,447,000 total viewers and FOX's "FOX News Sunday" averaged 1,207,000 total viewers.

Sunday's "Meet the Press" featured Rachel Maddow's debut on the show; she appeared with former House Majority Leader Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX), Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) for an in-depth look at the health care debate.

WATCH MADDOW BATTLE ARMEY

"Meet the Press" hasn't seen an audience as large as Sunday's since April 19, when it featured Larry Summers and averaged 3,439,000 total viewers.

Perhaps more importantly, though, it hasn't had as decisive a victory over its chief competitors — ABC's "This Week," which recently topped it for the first time since 1999, and CBS' "Face the Nation" — since the spring.

Sunday's "Meet the Press" topped "This Week" by 36% (889,000 viewers), Gregory's strongest victory over "This Week" since March 22; and it beat "Face the Nation" by 37% (912,000 viewers), Gregory's strongest victory over "Face the Nation" since May 17.

Comments

[solarian]

don't watch mtp it is horrible now with that twit gregory

[RandyJones]

LOL


It had nothing to do with her.

It had to do with TD and DA.

[Madampotential]

Yeah Rachel!

[aidendavidovich]

For each hour on air, how much time does Rachel spend preparing? For each hour on air how much time does Gregory spend preparing? What about Scarborough? Along with her intellectual superiority, it is clear that Rachel does the less-applauded homework to refine her presentation. What does it take to hone an arcane, complex issue into a crystal--clear description, transparent to us ordinary folks? I find it awesome that someone of such superior intellect demonstrates such respect for her audience that she does the arduous refining and polishing so essential in attaining such clarity. In a profession populated by many who lie on beds of laurels, she clearly does not rest on hers. Rachel, quite simply, is the diamond in the costume jewelry drawer!

[Tericruz]

It was so obvious that Rachael did a better job than Gregory. He should be the one who is scared!

[mediamarv]

This story is now a week old. Why is it still up??
Laziness is no excuse these days.

[sicova]

Rating Is not because of Gregory. for sure. But they did not let Rachel speak that much either.

[swift goat pet for truth]

One problem with having Rachel for MTP.

GOPers are afraid of her NOW.
She constantly invites them on her show, they rarely show up because they are afraid of the beating they will get, no matter how polite Rachel is, and she always is.

If she got the show and learned the format and the timing, well, there would be no upside for a GOPer to show up.

[igmond50]

Maddow was trying to be the moderator and it was rude to say the least.

[Libfemdem]

She got in 4 lines.
Don't be absurd!

[MelvinDoofus]

she was being rude. don't let her get away with it. DG is such a tool, though, it was not all bad.

[Lahonda]

Not from here as I see it. That was a fair debate she had with Mr. Armey, who was a good contestant..

[Pammy2]

If there's one thing Rachel Maddow is not, it's rude. Dick Armey was being a dick. She was challenging his preposterous claims. That's what journalists are SUPPOSED to do. I'm not surprised that you didn't recognize it, since she's the only journalist doing it these days.

[KillgoreTrout43]

How was she doing that?

[eleanorhawking]

Why is it that Rachel always looks so sad? Both she and Jon Stewart generally bear the same "I'm about to cry" expression. What is it? Her ratings?

[MelvinDoofus]

Just a bad case of the hmenignallas. It will pass, like gas.

[KillgoreTrout43]

What the hell is hmenignallas??? Is that GOPer speak?

[swift goat pet for truth]

GOPer stench.

[water57]

I wonder when is Mika turn to appear on Meet The Press.

[lilma]

Why? She can think or speak without Ol' Joe talking points. But, sadly to say, she should be school enough to go it alone.

[yliza]

I'm not surprised. Rachel is popular, David Gregory is just a tool. If NBC had any sense they'd replace him.

[siasina]

With who?

[JoeAlvord]

Rachel

[persiaa]

I wish-I'd actually watch if someone like Lawrence ODonnell were on MTP. I do admire Maddow for her thorough preparation, and ability to clarify complex issues without oversimplifying.

[TheRealMcCoy]

If NBC had any brains they would put Rachel on as moderator, like Russert, she does her homework, arms herself with the facts and provides intelligent discussion.

Gregory is a wannabe and a waste.

Ms. Maddow is a breath of fresh air and reminds us all of what news and journalism is supposed to be.

[punkingale]

This is David Gregory's victory?? I say it's Rachel Maddow's victory. It's just too bad David hardly let her speak until the "after show".

[KillgoreTrout43]

'This is David Gregory's victory?" How do you arrive at that misinterpretation?

[gymmy]

....I love how she makes 'smart' look sooooo easy!

[kasv]

Last Sunday was the first time I watched MTP in ages - and I watched ONLY because Rachel was a panelist. I knew I'd hear from her only true facts, and respect for her panelist counterparts. I don't know how she does it. I would have had to sit on my hands so I didn't deck Armey, Coburn or even Daschle -

Rachel Maddow is the best. I like it that she's fair, and goes after dems and Obama when they deserve it, as well as the GOP and industry people. She does her research, gets it right 99% of the time, and if she's wrongs, she owns up to it.

Please find a place for Gregory, and place Rachel where she belongs - in his seat. I think Russert would have loved her.

[KillgoreTrout43]

Maddow would serve us more consistently on the show she already has. MTP is only once a week.