Sep

Presidential Debate Recalls Origin of 900 Numbers

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900 Numbers, McCain, Obama, presidential debate

The McCain-Obama debate on Friday night, September 26, was watched by 57 million Americans, according to Nielsen Media Research. About one-third of households in major US markets tuned in.

While the differences between the two candidates may be as great as any differences in recent history, the debate does not even rank in the top 10 of presidential debates. Nor did any of the debates in 2004 before John Kerry and George W. Bush.

The highest ranked presidential debate in American history was the 1980 debate between then Governor Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter. The 1980 debate drew 80.6 million viewers–more than ten million more than the second highest ranked 1992 debate between the trio of Bush Sr., Clinton, and Ross Perot.

Not only was the 1980 debate the highest, but it was also the debut of the 900 number in the United States. AT&T had been asked by the major networks to develop a mass voting system as a way to conduct instant polls of viewers on current events.

ABC Nightline was the first to use the 900 number when it polled viewers on whom they believed had won the Reagan-Carter debate. Cost of the call was 50 cents. There were so many calls that phone lines jammed all around the country.

By an overwhelming margin of 469,412 to 227,017 Reagan won the first ever 900 number poll over President Jimmy Carter. Viewers picked the Californian and both a new presidency and a new phone polling concept were launched.

The CNN Opinion Poll conducted after the debate on Friday showed Senator Obama winning the debate by 51% to 38% over Senator McCain. It should be noted, however, that this study was just of those who watched the debate and a greater number of Democrats watched than Republicans.

You can read more about the History of 900 Numbers in Bob Bentz’s book “Opportunity is Calling” –available for purchase from Advanced Telecom Services.