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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Obama Spot Snags 22% of Viewers

Buying time on all networks but ABC still misses most in major markets

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(Newser) – Just about a fifth of watchers in big US media markets tuned in to last night’s Barack Obama infomercial, even though the spot aired on four of five major networks, the Chicago Tribune reports. The highest ratings were in Baltimore, where a little less than a third of families caught the 30-minute spot.

Obama did score better with viewers than the last candidate who aired a simulcast, independent Ross Perot in 1996. About 17% of viewers caught that broadcast, compared with Obama’s 22%. Of large markets, Portland, Ore., seemed most allergic to Obama’s message, with just 14.2% of households tuning in. The figures come from Nielsen’s poll of 56 top markets across the country.

Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Sarasota, Fla., today.
Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Sarasota, Fla., today.   (AP Photo)
Obama today in Florida.
Obama today in Florida.   (AP Photo)
A shot from the infomercial.
A shot from the infomercial.   (AP Photo)
Barack Obama laughs with his daughter Malia during the 30-minute infomercial that aired yesterday.
Barack Obama laughs with his daughter Malia during the 30-minute infomercial that aired yesterday.   (AP Photo)
In this Oct. 15, 1992 file photo, President Bush, left, talks with independent candidate Ross Perot as Democratic candidate Bill Clinton stands aside at the end of their second presidential debate.
In this Oct. 15, 1992 file photo, President Bush, left, talks with independent candidate Ross Perot as Democratic candidate Bill Clinton stands aside at the end of their second presidential debate.   (AP Photo)
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A segment of the Obama spot.   (DeonWM)
A clip from Perot's 1996 infomercial.   (TheTimeIsNow2)

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