It’s the second round of CNN’s Democratic debates for the 2020 presidential race, and perhaps the last chance for lesser-known candidates to make a name for themselves. (The eligibility requirements for the next round of debates in September are much stricter.)
But for now, the lineup for this week’s debates is pretty much the same as last time, apart from one shake-up—the representative from California, Eric Swalwell, dropped out of the race in early July, and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock qualified for this round of debates after not making the first. And although most of the debaters are the same, there’s a slight change-up when it comes to who’s debating who on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren will face off for the first time on Tuesday night, alongside eight other candidates. On Wednesday night, former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Kamala Harris, and Sen. Cory Booker will be among the 10 candidates featured.
Of course, this is D.C., so a bevy of restaurants and bars will be hosting watch parties. Here are some places to catch the debate this week:
Johnny Pistolas is hosting two happy hour events for both nights of the debate. They’ll have $2.50 tacos all day for Taco Tuesday, and on the second day of the debates, you can get $5 house margaritas, as well as $5 Dos Equis all day. Catch the debate on their 150-inch projector screen upstairs. (Johnny Pistolas, Tuesday and Wednesday, debate begins at 8 p.m.)
Upstairs at Nellie’s Sports Bar, you can catch the debates live on the upper floor of the bar. You can also get a deal on $15 Heineken buckets during the event. (Nellie’s Sports Bar, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.)
Fans of Shaw’s Tavern can expect food and drink specials both nights of the debates. On Tuesday, you can get half-off on burgers and pizzas, as well as house wines and seasonal beer for $5. Then on Wednesday, you can expect $5 specials on house wines and flavors of Stoli vodka. (Shaw’s Tavern, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.)
Check out Smitty’s Bar for some political party-themed cuisine—they’re thinking of adding a blue cheese option for their grilled cheese sandwiches, also made with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic-infused olive oil. The bar also says customers can expect a variety of new food and drink options, as well as some more TVs in the bar for the debates. (Smitty’s Bar, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.)
Catch two nights of Democratic debate watch parties at two different D.C. bars with Politico’s Hip-Politics podcast, HBCU Collective, D.C. Young Democrats, and X 10 Friends. The watch party takes place at 1015 Lounge on Tuesday, complete with 15 HD screens, happy hour drink specials all night, and a kitchen that’s open late. On Wednesday, head over to BARCODE, where you can expect 10 HD screens and one projector screen, as well as happy hour drink specials all night and a kitchen open late. There’s also going to be a DJ before and after the debates on both nights. (1015 Lounge, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m., and BARCODE, Wednesday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m., RSVP required online for both)
On Tuesday, the DMV Grassroots Coordinating Committee and Woman’s National Democratic Club are hosting a watch party, as well as a pre-debate discussion on Medicare for All. Some featured speakers on the panel include author and journalist Wendell Potter and Stephanie Kang, a Medicare for All fellow with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. The Woman’s National Democratic Club will host another watch party on Wednesday, complete with drinks and desserts. (Woman’s National Democratic Club, Tuesday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m., and Woman’s National Democratic Club, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., RSVP online for both)
Party Politics US is hosting a watch party on night two of the presidential debates this week. Head over to the L2 Lounge in Georgetown for happy hour drink specials earlier on in the night and a DJ after the debates end. (L2 Lounge, Wednesday, 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m., RSVP online)
The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led group against climate change, is holding a watch party on night one of the presidential debates. They’re gathering at Navy Yard beer garden The Brig, open to all ages. They’ll also be offering debate bingo cards so you can play along during the debate. (The Brig, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., RSVP online)
The DC Democratic Party is hosting a joint watch party and fundraiser for the organization. Tuesday’s event at Busboys and Poets in Brookland will be hosted by Ward 5 Democrats, and Wednesday’s party at the K Street location will be thrown by Ward 6 Democrats. (Busboys and Poets – Brookland, Tuesday, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., and Busboys and Poets – K St. NW, Wednesday, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.)
