Here's perhaps a crazy thought....
Rather than one side quoting CBS and then quoting other articles REQUOTING CBS, and then the other side quoting the NYT supposedly quoting NBC without any additional backup, why not try and look at a wide range of numbers and realize that an exact estimate is likely hard to make and get a more realistic range.
Event organizers are saying 500k according to statements to the NYT.
CBS is saying between 78k and 96k based on crowd photo analysis.
CNN simply reported it filling 6 blocks, suggesting that counting it would be like counting jelly beans in a Jar.
ABC reported "more than 100,000 people".
NBC Nightly News reported "tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands".
The AP gave a conservative estimate, stating it numbered in teh "tens of thousands".
Fox News didn't give a direct number, simply refering it as "strong" or "huge" with "thousands in attendance".
LINK
The organizers seems to give the high total, which isn't surprising. CBS gives the low number on the totem pole with the under 80,000 number on their low end. ABC gives a more middle ground with the over 100,000. NBC Nightly news and Fox News seems to coincide with this with the notion of potentially hundreds of thousands. Additionally, CNN pointing out the blocks makes a good point with regards to counting based on photos when its something that long and sprawled out. It is not like the mall is in and of itself a compact area, as it extends a long way straight back from the monument while still allowing people to move off to its sides and still eaisly view.
Honestly, looking at all the various reports of it and the various photos, I would say its far more likely to be in that 100,000+ range. I think under 100,000 is likely short selling it, though going over 200,000 is likely way over selling.
Either way, I agree with what some of the others have been saying. Even if you go with the LOW estimate of CBS its still a very good turn out, let alone if you take a more moderated number in the low 100,000's. Hardly something to scoff at. I think the argument is more due to the fact one side is latching onto the highest number available as gospel truth while another is latching onto the lowest numbers, on their lowest side of their estimate, as the gospel truth.