Subject: Re: 18,000
Yes, that is the "liberal media" interpretation. How was it interpreted, by small town, west Michigan, bigots?

Contemporaneous and after the fact research showed that bigots actually liked the program because it gave voice to what they thought.

A 1974 study: Psychologists Neil Vidmar and Milton Rokeach conducted a study and found that many viewers with prejudiced views did not see Archie Bunker as a satirical figure.
Identification with Archie: Instead of finding his racism and ignorance wrong, they embraced his viewpoints as an extension of their own and sympathized with his frustrations. They saw nothing wrong with his frequent use of racial slurs.

“All In The Family” was the #1 program for five years in a row, including in midwestern and other conservative areas. There were surely some who didn’t like it, but in general it’s accurate to say that it was popular among all groups.

You’re not going to convert me on this one

I have no need to “convert” you, I just wanted to correct the record for others who may have read your post and think it reflects some sort of widespread reality. It doesn’t.