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Democratic debates are a reason to P-A-R-T-Y

caption: Dana Bos writes up the candidate-themed cocktail names for the Democratic presidential debate on Monday, July 29, 2019.
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Dana Bos writes up the candidate-themed cocktail names for the Democratic presidential debate on Monday, July 29, 2019.
KUOW PHOTO/ Casey Martin

It took only a few minutes online to find at least 10 debate watch parties around town. Some are organized by a political group or specific candidate. Others are down at your local watering hole.

"When a group of people come together who are like-minded, curious, and eager to learn —momentum builds from that," said Dana Bos, a karaoke host at Tarasco in Ballard.

Bos went to viewing parties during the last debates and then wanted to throw her own.

Despite Seattle have a political reputation, she said, Bos talked to people at the first debates who felt a little apathetic to the whole process.

“Even though we're a town that's known for being liberal," Bos said, "in my informal observations a lot of people I have spoken to about this cycle are pretty checked out.”

The Tarasco party isn't being sponsored by a group or endorsing any of the 20 candidates.

Instead Bos wants it to be open to all, encouraging: "Political nerds who come out and can teach all of us things about policy but also people who are like, 'I don't know, I've heard a few of the candidates and I just want to learn more and have some fun."

caption: Dana Bos preparing to host her first debate watch party at Tarasco in Ballard.
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Dana Bos preparing to host her first debate watch party at Tarasco in Ballard.
KUOW PHOTO/ Casey Martin

Like many of the viewing parties this one will have political bingo during the debate, plus some cleverly named cocktails.

“I'm pretty proud of the Kamala-Kazi. A friend of mine came up with a Butti-Gin & Tonic. I think it's brilliant,” she said.

You can also order the Warren Whiskey Neat:

"Because I feel like Elizabeth Warren is just like no nonsense. You want to have a drink you get a great whiskey and you drink it neat. I've got a plan for that. We don't need any fuss."

The first debate starts tonight at 5 p.m. Governor Jay Inslee takes the stage Wednesday.

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