Final: 52.4 million watched first debate

The final numbers for Friday's debate are in, and the early results  were largely confirmed in the nationals: 52.4 million viewers watched the first round between presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain.

That's 16% fewer than watched John Kerry face off against George W. Bush four years ago, yet 12% above the 2000 debate between Bush and Al Gore.

Given that this week's debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden will be held on Thursday, and given the amount of interest the event (Washington Post is calling it "must-see TV"), there's a very good chance the vp sparring could draw a larger audience than Friday's average-rated debate between the top of the tickets. (Thursday is the most-watched night of the week; Friday is the second-to-least watched.)

The Friday total viewer number includes live telecasts on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telefutura, Telemundo, BBC-America, CNBC, CNN, FOX  News Channel and MSNBC.