record-setting "23 million watched GOP debate, a record for CNN" HIGHEST RATED EVENT IN CNN HISTORY... CNN's was three hours largely due to Trump's presence From CNN Money: #10 cable program ever, This article peak came in the 9 p.m. hour record ratings 23 million watched GOP debate, a record for CNN, Democratic debate on January 31, 2008 4 to 5 million For comparison's sake, HIGHEST RATED EVENT IN CNN HISTORY Wednesday's matchup easily surpassed 23 million watched the debate 23 million watched the debate These are NFL-level ratings Wednesday's prime time GOP debate record-setting