Donald Trump gave the “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” the best ratings it has seen on a Thursday since Barack Obama’s appearance in June.
(Photo: YouTube screengrab)
The late night host’s interview with the Republican nominee delivered a 2.6 rating share in Nielsen’s 56 overnight metered markets, an NBC official said Friday.
It was the highest rating the show has had on a Thursday since Obama went on in early June — with the exception of last Thursday, which was boosted by an NFL game and tied with a 2.6 Nielsen rating. (RELATED: Donald Trump Went On Jimmy Fallon’s Show. Here’s What He Said.)
The ratings were similar to the last time Trump was interviewed on “The Tonight Show” in January, which produced a 2.5 rating.
(Photo: YouTube screengrab)
During his interview with Fallon, Trump repeated his request that there be no moderators at the debates between him and Hillary Clinton.
“The concept of having us both sit onstage — or standing, I like standing much better — standing onstage and just debating,” he said. “I think would be fascinating for people.” (RELATED: Numbers Fall On Third Night Of The Democratic Convention)
He also denied the rumor that he’s embraced Vladimir Putin.
“I don’t like him. I don’t dislike him. I don’t have any feelings one way or the other.” (RELATED: Forum Between Donald Trump And Hillary Clinton Produces Solid Ratings)
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The left quickly criticized Fallon for not asking Trump tougher questions.
“Trump has appeared on ‘The Tonight Show’ before and gotten similarly soft treatment, grinning and nodding through Fallon’s cheeseball questions and gleeful impressions of the candidate,” the Atlantic chastised Fallon Friday.
“But in such a charged moment for the presidential campaign, Fallon had the opportunity to do something — anything — that could challenge the candidate.”