McCain Tops in TV Ratings?

The Nielsen numbers are preliminary but it appears more people tuned into watch John McCain's speech last night than did Barack Obama's last week. But only barely. About 38.9 million viewers saw the McCain speech, compared to about 38.38 million for Obama. The ratings appear to mirror the national polling, which consistently has the two candidates neck and neck.

Across all broadcast networks Thursday, Sen. McCain's speech ended the night with a 4.8 rating/7 share, compared to Sen. Obama's 4.3/7 average, according to overnight numbers from metered households in 55 U.S. markets measured by Nielsen.

The GOP can crow and the McCain camp is no doubt encouraged they made the right choice picking Sarah Palin. She's got the Republican base fired up and they tuned in to the convention in droves.