Are You Watching the Debate Tonight?

Tonight’s presidential debate might determine who runs the good ol’ free world for the next four years (or it might not).

These quadrennial, highly orchestrated political clashes are chances for the candidates to strut their stuff, and for the rest of America to decide which lever to pull (or box to check) in November. Of course, most people already know who they’re voting for, and the debates are more like the Superbowl or the Academy Awards, a chance to get together with other political junkies and cheer on the favored team.

So, where to watch in the nabe? Obama supporters have a bevy of gatherings to choose from; Romney boosters, not so much. The nearest Republican debate watching parties are in Pennsylvania. Of course, Park Slopers might choose a bar as a viewing station, where alcohol can make politics more palatable. Some options include:

• Beauty Bar, 249 5th Ave: Watch party starts at 7pm, and features their special election cocktails, Red State Roundup and the Obama-Rama.

• The Dram Shop, 339 9th St: Stop by for “sophisticated and thoughtful political commentary (or to yell at the TV!)”

• Uncle Barry’s, 58 5th Ave: Get in on informal betting on “how many times Romney invokes Ronald Reagan.”

The debate starts at 9pm, but it might behoove spectators to arrive early to guarantee seating.

If the rain or plain laziness keeps you in at night, don’t fret. The debates will be viewable everywhere. The networks, the cable news channels, C-SPAN and possibly the Food Network will broadcast live. Okay, maybe not the last one, though I hear Obama makes a mean omelet. For those without television, do not panic. The internet will save you.

Photo of presidential debate stand-ins via The University of Denver, which makes us wonder what the stand-ins say when they’re up there.