It’s no question that the 2016 presidential election has turned into a bit of a spectacle. In addition to intense subtweeting, both nominees have proved themselves to be quite capable of using the entertainment industry to their advantage, with the most recent examples including Republican nominee Donald Trump appearing alongside Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton sitting down on the deadpan comedy show, Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.
The nominees aren’t the only ones turning to entertainment to liven up the campaign, though. With the first presidential debate airing tonight, numerous restaurants and political organizations around the Washington and College Park area are hosting their own debate watch parties as a way to brighten the debate-viewing experience. The most outlandish example could possibly be at the Capitol Lounge in Washington, who will be hosting Clinton and Trump impersonators, as well as red-and-blue-themed beer specials. According to The Washington Times, the debate itself is predicted to bring in 106 million viewers, reaching levels that are usually reserved for the Super Bowl. The melding of politics and entertainment may have something to do with such a high prediction, and quite frankly it’s totally rad.
Some argue that presidential debates are matters that need to be taken with the utmost seriousness — that they’re centered on learning more about each candidate, and seeing how well they respond to challenges from their opponent. I am in no way disagreeing with that opinion. Presidential debates are something that should be taken seriously, if for no other reason than to see whether or not your favorite candidate is up to snuff. That doesn’t mean viewers can’t have fun.
It’s about time that as a country we stepped away from the hyper-traditionalism that surrounds the presidential debates. For many, and myself included, this will be the first presidential election that we have the opportunity to participate in. We’re a generation that depended on The Colbert Report and The Daily Show for our political news, growing up with politics and entertainment packaged together for our satirical pleasure. Why should the debates be any different? Hosting events specifically designed to strike political conversation in a fun-filled and exciting atmosphere allows a unique place for younger generations to explore their interest in politics. This idea itself has received numerous criticisms from the older generations, but then again they’re also the ones that complain when millennials don’t get involved in politics.
That’s also what’s really going on here — people are getting involved in the political process. Sure they may be doing this amid Clinton and Trump impersonators, but at the end of the day at least people are choosing to engage in political discussions as opposed to Monday night football.
Some of these parties have ways for participants to get involved. The University of Maryland College Republicans’ debate watch party designed its night so that you can register to vote and get involved with political organizations on the campus, all while you’re watching the debate. Meanwhile the 14th and V Street location of Busboys and Poets in Washington will be hosting a Debunking the Debate discussion after the official debate has ended, featuring guest panelists who will lead in a communal discussion about the topics brought up throughout the night.
When it’s all said and done though, the main reason that our debates should be celebrated is because that’s exactly what they are — a celebration. When kicking back and watching the two nominees go head-to-head for the first time, the odds are that you’re ultimately looking at the next president of the United States somewhere on the screen. You’re celebrating the next four years of possibility and change, and you’re celebrating your hand in deciding the outcome.
It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing red, blue or anything in between: Celebrating the debate is something that can bring people together. Not only is it an opportunity to voice political opinions, but it’s also a chance to thoroughly discuss them and, more importantly, listen to what the other side has to say. In such a polarized election, it’s become crucial that there’s some sort of discussion between party lines. If each side views the other as the worst thing that’s ever happened to this planet, any sense of unity between Americans becomes tarnished. Obviously attending a single debate party won’t change this outlook as a whole, but they at least serve as a place to bring people together.
So yes, this specific presidential election has become a bit of a spectacle. Go out and make the most of it.
