If you needed any further proof that Barack Obama was indeed America’s Celebrity in Chief, a headline in today’s THR.com sealed the deal: "Obama’s viewership declines." The story noted that POTUS’s prime-time press conference last night drew only 40 million viewers, "down 18 percent from his Feb. 9 press conference, and down 23 percent from his Feb. 24 address to Congress." What next? Variety reporting on Obama’s opening weekend grosses?
The fact is, Obama’s ratings remain staggeringly high for any President jabbering about health care reform and bank bailouts — in a time slot usually reserved for American Idol, no less. As the THR.com story mentions, Obama’s March 22 interview on 60 Minutes pulled more than 17 million viewers, making it the fourth most watched show of the week, while his historic March 19 appearance on The Tonight Show (the first time a sitting President has done a late-night chat program) was seen in at least 8.9 million homes.
But never mind how you slant the numbers; what’s interesting here is that Obama’s ratings are being scrutinized in the Hollywood trades at all, right alongside those for shows like Dancing With the Stars and The Biggest Loser. The President has become such a gigantic, looming presence in the pop culture—even appearing on ESPN to share his bracket picks for the NCAA tournament—he’s now as big a showbiz figure as Simon Cowell. Normal presidents get evaluated by polls and approval ratings. This one has moved up to a much higher plane—he’s being judged by Nielsen shares.
Probably one of the dumbest articles I have ever read on the Internet–really ew? cmon
I just wish he would stop pre-empting stuff. I get that this is America and the economy sucks and all that, but good lord. Is it really necessary to make a speech every freakin’ month? Seriously? Can we not read? Can these not be televised during the day? I’m just sick of it.
Love him, voted for him but I kinda wish he would get off my TV screen and get back to work.
allie – The sad truth of it is, a lot of Americans don’t read – be it for political reasons, because they don’t have access, or they can’t. Prime time slots on matters of national interest are not only traditional, but often the only way some people get this information. Is it annoying sometimes? Yeah. But considering the nation is facing two wars and a serious recession, I think it’s warranted.
allie you hit the nail on the head. I mean most shows/viewers are still recovering from the writers strike and he thinks this helps. Sad.
I’m thinking he’s a lot like Tom Cruse – you ask him a question and he doesn’t want to answer it so all he does is flash that “SMILE”……worked for awhile with me with Tom, but not buying it with Obama. He needs to get serious and take care of business.
I think it’s hilarious that everyone seemed to love hearing Obama speak before he got elected and not now.
You people complaining about Obama being on TV too much and “flashing his smile” kill me. He’s trying to do you ingrates a favor by keeping you informed, something your last President couldn’t be bothered to do. And then you expect him to instantaneously wave his magic wand and immediately fix everything it took 8 years to screw up. You people really ought to be grateful Obama has enough respect for you to do everything he possibly can to keep you in the loop. And while you’re at it, you should also be totally ashamed of yourselves and shut the hell up. Try being part of the solution instead of the problem for once in your wasted lives.
Oh please. Like you didn’t complain about Bush! Give me a break. Take his prompter away and give some details on how to pay for all his plans!
Shanda, you moron, if you took the time to read something other than EW, you would know that Obama has clearly spelled out exactly how he intends to pay for everything. Again, try being part of the solution for a change.
You people need to get with it, Obama hasn’t even been in the office for 90 days yet. He has done more in the time he’s been in, then other Presidents done in 8 years, HE’S GREAT!!
I am so tired of hearing how Bush was the problem. The problem was and is our Congress!! Do a little research and you will see the truth. Nancy and Barney are the true thorns in our side!!! Obama does need to stop this rock star tour of his. With his inexperience he really needs to learn do his job and NOT participate as a late night talk show guest. He obviously needs to pay a little closer attention to what congress is doing. He has only been on the job 3 months and is more concerned about PR.
AAAaaaand the Leftist media Love Affair with Obama continues.. Objectivity out the window as usual..
Dan & kim = typical ignorant GOP tools. Somebody give them some bailout cash so they can go buy themselves a couple of functioning brains.
does obama spend any time in his office? it seems like his top priority is to be on the most talk shows as possible.
and as for the economy..where’s the money you promised me mr. president? oh wait..i have a job and make too much money for you to care…