Chillin' to the debates

October 1, 2008 10:42 PM

Where can I go to watch the VP debate tomorrow night in the Cambridge, MA area?

In an attempt at expanding my sphere of social interation, I want to actually drag my extremely socially isolated ass out of the house on Thursday night to watch the debate. I'm hoping for a somewhat lowkey, fairly liberal stronghold where a cool, dare I say hip non-hipster thirtysomething geek can sit, watch the debate, do some writing in off-cycles, sip some G&Ts* and possibly strike up some interesting conversation with like-minded individuals. I considered the People's Republik, but I expect it to be mobbed. I'm open to anything near Cambridge (preferably closer to home in Waltham), but not Downtown Boston (PITA). Any suggestions?

*Current favorite beverage. Desired, not required.

posted by Cat Pie Hurts to human relations (6 comments total)

People's Republik on Mass. Ave. (in Cambridge) will likely be filled with the right sorts. Don't recall if they have TVs there or not, however.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 3:03 AM on October 2, 2008

People's Republik definitely has TVs. This was my initial thought too.

I think you have a 50/50 shot of it not being crowded with young whipper-snappers. During the week it's pretty quiet and frequented by old anarchists, young professionals and people who actually bring their kids to a bar. If you want to show up early, the food's pretty edible.

A couple blocks from the Central stop, just past the YMCA.
posted by giraffe at 3:53 AM on October 2, 2008

I actually watched the presidential debate at the People's Republik last week (and it wasn't crowded at all--we waltzed in 20 minutes into the debate, and were able to grab a dartboard and a whole corner of the place to ourselves), so I can vouch for them having TVs, and for the fact that the audio will be trained to the debate. It gets a little loud in there on Friday nights, but I would imagine Thursday will be a quieter crowd.
posted by Mayor West at 4:37 AM on October 2, 2008

I withdraw my reservations. People's Republik it is! I'll make sure to bring "Keep Off Lawn" signs for the whippersnappers. Thanks!
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:46 AM on October 2, 2008

I've got the same coordinates, geo preferences, and interest in the debate as you do. If you're going to Harvard Sq., Drinking Liberally has a meetup at the Hong Kong to watch the debate (at least the TV access is guaranteed) although I have a feeling that will be packed as well.

If you go to the Events section of Obama's site there are a number of debate watching parties at public places listed around the greater Boston area.
posted by smallstatic at 7:28 AM on October 2, 2008

Thanks, smallstatic. So tempting - watch the debate at the PR, or Hong Kong and get a fat Scorpion Bowl. Decisions! (A friend just recently told me about Drinking Liberally (in NC). I've been meaning to check out whether or not there's a local group, so, double thanks for the info)
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:15 AM on October 2, 2008