Monday night’s first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is sure to offer fireworks, especially in Berkeley. Watch parties for the Sept. 26 debate are scheduled all over town. If you know of others, please let us know in the comments. And be sure to check the comments for more debate-watching ideas from your friends and neighbors.
The first debate begins at 6 p.m. It’s hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, which will hold the event at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The debate will air on CNN, but Twitter will also live-stream it, as will Facebook. YouTube has a range of coverage planned, and many news sites will live stream the event, too. Scroll to the bottom of this story for more information.
Future presidential debates are set for Oct. 9 and Oct. 19. A vice presidential debate is set for Oct. 4.
Learn about Berkeley candidates in local elections, too.
Below are a few ideas for presidential debate watch parties in Berkeley and nearby. There are options for a wide range of tastes and preferences.
UC BERKELEY The new Berkeley Museum & Pacific Film Archive will show the debate on a huge outdoor screen at Addison and Oxford streets. Bring your own chair. Those who prefer an indoor experience can watch the debate in Moses Hall. Details. (NB: Bus detours are planned as a result.)
BERKELEY CITY COLLEGE A watch party will be held in the BCC auditorium, at 2050 Center St., hosted by the Political Science Student Association from 5-8 p.m. Details.
BOBBY G’S The Alameda County for Hillary campaign will have a watch party at Berkeley’s Bobby G’s (2072 University Ave.) that will be moderated by Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News: “We’ll gather at Bobby G’s Pizzeria to watch and cheer for Hillary.” RSVP required. Details.
ACME BAR & COMPANY Over on San Pablo Avenue, Acme promises “Politics, drinking, shock and awe” for the first presidential debate: “There will be drinking games based on stupid shit Trump says, swag give aways, an all around good time watching our political process at its best or worst.” Details.
HILLSIDE CLUB East Bay Cohousing, Cohousing Coaches and Planning for Sustainable Communities are co-hosting a watch party at the Hillside Club (2286 Cedar St.). The event has planned “Live music performances and commentary by local artists and activists, ‘100 Faces of Trump’ imagery, and discussion to follow – bring your opinions and invitations to action.” Dinner can be reserved. RSVP required. Details.
BERKELEY ANIMAL RIGHTS CENTER The Green Party of the University of California is meeting up at the new Berkeley Animal Rights Center (2425 Channing Way) to host a viewing party that promises to be free of “animal bodies and secretions.” Details.
ALBANY LIBRARY It’s not in Berkeley, but the Albany Library plans to hold viewing parties for all the presidential debates at 1247 Marin Ave., in Albany. (On Oct. 19, UC Berkeley professor George Lakoff will be part of the discussion.) Details.
Looking for more information about how to watch the debates on your own? Good has a handy explainer. And don’t forget to tune in to complete 2016 local election coverage in Berkeley.
Get the latest Berkeley news in your inbox with Berkeleyside’s free Daily Briefing. And make sure to bookmark Berkeleyside’s pages on Facebook and Twitter. You don’t need an account on those sites to view important information.
