Spicer's claim the inaugural was viewed by more people than any previous one is impossible to prove but almost certainly correct.

The 4 platform news universe is now firmly upon us so while  TV news ratings are down the number of people getting their news on one or more of the 3 internet platforms is way up (more than 50% of people now get their news from the internet).

The past 4 years have seen an explosion of people getting their news from the 3 internet platforms mainly because more (indeed, most) people in first world countries now have a smart phone or notebook or PC.

The silliness about guessing the crowd sizes in the Mall is irrelevant because the overall viewing audience dwarfs that audience. .

And it is counter intuitive to believe that as polarizing a figure as Trump (pro and con) would not entice millions to take a peek at the big event.  Its why he drew record crowds during the campaign (and why he had high ratings for  11 years on TV).

Put Spicer's lynch mob on hold.