Kamala Harris Shines on Final Night of Democratic Convention

The closing night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday attracted approximately 26.2 million television viewers, surpassing the Republican National Convention's (RNC) final night by about 820,000 viewers, according to Nielsen data. The DNC's final night featured Vice President Kamala Harris' acceptance speech, which averaged 28.9 million viewers, slightly edging out former President Donald Trump's acceptance speech, which garnered around 28.4 million viewers. The DNC, held in Chicago, consistently drew larger audiences than the RNC, which took place in Milwaukee. Viewership for the DNC increased throughout the week, starting with around 20 million viewers on its opening night, compared to the RNC's first night, which attracted approximately 18.13 million. Notably, the DNC's Tuesday night featured speeches from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, contributing to a rise in viewership to an estimated 20.7 million. This year's DNC saw a significant increase in audience numbers compared to the virtual convention held four years ago, which lacked the same energy and engagement. Critics and commentators have praised Harris' performance, describing her speech as confident and presidential. Opinion pieces highlighted her ability to connect with viewers through personal anecdotes and a clear articulation of policies. The convention showcased a strong presence of women speakers, emphasizing themes of freedom and justice, and providing a stark contrast to the RNC's messaging. Overall, the DNC's closing night not only exceeded viewership from previous years but also set a tone of optimism and unity, positioning the Democratic Party favorably ahead of the upcoming election.