Politics | Sarah Palin Palin's Address Draws Big Ratings: 37.2 Million By John Johnson Posted Sep 4, 2008 7:11 PM CDT Copied Sarah Palin, left, is joined by John McCain and daughter Piper at the end of her speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Sarah Palin's big introduction to America last night drew 37.2 million viewers, Variety reports. Her huge Nielsen ratings came in just 1.1 million under Barack Obama's for his acceptance speech last week. Palin, who officially became the vice-presidential nominee today, dwarfed the ratings of Joe Biden (24 million). She also topped the Olympics opening ceremony (34 million) and the Oscars (32 million), CBS notes. Of those who watched, 19.5 million were women. Read These Next This is one very public, visible way to look for love. Next year's COLA increase is up slightly from 2025. Why the Brightline of Florida is called the 'Death Train.' Monitor your kids' Temu purchases carefully. Report an error