Millions Watch Obama's Acceptance Speech

Over 40 million. That’s the number of people the AP estimates watched Senator Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention when it aired live August 28. And for a little perspective, that means more people watched the DNC this year than the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympics, the finale of “American Idol,” and the Academy Awards. This year’s convention was the most watched political event in our nation’s history, nearly doubling the number that watched John Kerry accept the nomination in 2004.

Add that to the recent hoopla surrounding Senator John McCain’s selection of Governor Sarah Palin to the Republican ticket and the tabloid-quality conspiracy theories that surround her and her family, and we might see the home stretch of this year’s presidential campaign become the most talked about, fanatically-followed topic in American popular culture – if it isn’t already.

Because when it comes down to it, who really cares about Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, or who’s going to be the next Kelly Clarkson, when we can get the same amount of juicy intrigue and moving performances (i.e. speeches) from the people who might soon be running our country?