Preliminary figures from ABC reveal that the highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump attracted a significant viewership of at least 57.5 million people. Hosted by ABC, the clash between the two political heavyweights surpassed the viewership of the previous debate between President Joe Biden and Trump in late June.

According to media analytics company Nielsen, the viewership estimate provided by ABC is an improvement from the earlier debate, which drew roughly 51.3 million viewers. The preliminary data encompasses viewership on seven major networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.

While ABC is set to release final numbers, including an estimated count of the streaming audience, in the coming days, it revealed some key demographic details. Approximately 17.8 million viewers were adults aged 25 to 54, while another 14.8 million viewers were adults aged 18 to 49. These numbers highlight the broad appeal and interest in the highly anticipated debate.

The debate took place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and was co-moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. Both moderators garnered praise from Democrats for fact-checking Trump's false claims, while facing criticism from Republicans. Their efforts to hold the candidates accountable for their statements added a significant dimension to the exchange.

Vice President Kamala Harris drew admiration for her sharp attacks on Trump's record on abortion and national security. Her strong and conviction-tinged arguments resonated with viewers who appreciated her ability to present a compelling case against her opponent.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump's performance was marked by conspiracy-laden statements, which left his political allies concerned. As he seeks to secure a second term in the White House, Trump's approach raised eyebrows and fueled discussions about the impact it may have on his campaign.

The clash between Harris and Trump was a high-stakes match-up that captivated millions of viewers across the nation. As the official final numbers, including streaming figures, are awaited, it is clear that the debate ignited public interest and offered a crucial platform for both candidates to showcase their visions to the American people.