As the nation fixates on the upcoming presidential debate, residents of Washington, DC, are turning the political clash into an occasion for camaraderie and competition at local bars and restaurants. The first presidential debate, set to unfold tonight in Atlanta, rekindles the contentious dynamic between the same two candidates who battled it out in the 2020 election. This time, however, they'll spar under a new set of rules with muted microphones, a clear response to the chaotic exchanges of the previous encounter, as reported by FOX 5 DC.
The spirits in DC, however, will be anything but muted as bars like those reported by WUSA 9, are offering themed drink deals to add some zest to the event. Patrons can expect to cast their votes in liquid form with a "Red vs. Blue" drink poll consisting of two $6 vodka specials—one laden with red grenadine and the other mixed with blue curaçao, the more popular choice by the end of the night declaring the winner of the debate watch party at that venue.
Aside from the partisan potables, other specials are slated to include $4 mystery shots, a presidentially priced $4 pint of Presidential Pilsner, and a larger $15 pitcher for those with a thirst for group discussion. Starting at 9 p.m., when the debate is scheduled to begin, bars will also serve 'Conviction cocktails,' a lineup of politically punned drinks such as the Convict Cosmo, Dark & Stormy Daniels, Gag Order Gimlet, Locked Up Lemondrop, and Felon Fizz, all priced at $10.
The creative mixology is set against the backdrop of a nation deeply engaged in the political process, offering a moment of respite and perhaps a side of satire with each sip, as Washingtonians gather around screens to engage, critique, and perhaps find consensus—or at least a favorite cocktail—in bars that are hosting these viewings with an evident sense of style and a splash of humor for self-styled political aficionados and casual observers alike. Indeed, the capital’s establishments are gearing up for an evening where debate dialogue and drink orders will flow in equal measure, both aiming to capture the essence of American democracy as distilled through the capital's unique prism of politics paired with public houses.
