Date: 15th December 2000

Fictional President Beats 'Em All


Somewhat mimicking the popular vote in the presidential election, ratings for Al Gore's concession speech on the three major networks Wednesday night were higher than those for George W. Bush's victory address. According to Nielsen overnights (a final "recount" is due to be announced today -- Friday) Gore drew 46.6 million viewers on ABC, CBS and NBC while Bush attracted 39.5 million. Meanwhile, NBC continues to run its own election on its The West Wing Web site. As of early this morning (Friday) the vote stood at Gore: 23.0 percent, Bush: 22.1 percent, Bartlet (the fictional president portrayed by Martin Sheen on the show) 54.9 percent.

Source: Studio Briefing