Presidential Debates as "Champaign Music" Time

And in some elections, you can make the same case for voting itself.



U.S. population (approximate):  314,000,000
U.S. population 55 & older (approximate):  78,000,000
% of population 55 & older (approximate):  25%

Number of viewers of 1st Presidential debate:  67,187,000
Number of viewers 55 & older:  30,811,000
% of viewers 55 & older:   46%.  [Romney has majority support with voters over the age of 45 (+7 percent)]
Viewers as percentage of 55+ population:  39..5%

U.S. population 35-54 (approximate)  87,000,000
% of population 35-54 that watched debate: 23%

U.S. population 18-34 (approximate)  71,000,000
% of population 18-34 that watched debate:   15%.

In January 2008, RealClearPolitics reported that  the median age of voters in the 2008 presidential election will be about 44, according to figures derived from Census Bureau findings.  (U.S. median age:  36.9, but then you have to be 18 to vote.)

On the other hand.....

August 19, 2009 Seattle Times headline:   Median age of voters in primary: 59.4

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