Microsoft's VP for Xbox marketing has been interviewed over at GameSpot, and, predictably, the subject of Halo 2 comes up. Here's what Pete Moore had to say:

When I look at the numbers right now on a global scale and, in particular, in North America, there is no doubt in my mind that the first 24 hours of Halo 2 will be bigger than the first 24 hours of any movie at box office or music CD. They will pale in comparison. Halo 2 will be the biggest 24 hours in entertainment retail history. This is bigger than video games. It’s a pop culture phenomenon. The anticipation for the November 9 launch is huge. Our retail partners will have thousands of stores open at midnight, with hundreds of thousands of copies snatched up right there.

Of course, then he says "I think we did a terrific job launching the Dreamcast" so keep a salt shaker handy while you read.