Republican Sen. JD Vance and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will face off at 8 p.m. Tuesday for the only scheduled vice presidential debate — and possibly last debate between the two campaigns — before the election in November.
It’s likely that the candidates will touch on the economy, reproductive rights and immigration. Along with following these issues, many of the watch parties will use the debate as an opportunity to organize — sending postcards to voters in swing states, including Georgia and Ohio, and signing up volunteers for phone banking, for example.
“I think people are looking for ways to get more involved. People could be watching the debate from their couches at home … but to be able to be around people that have those shared values, being able to write the message to someone across the country, it helps give people a little more purpose in saving our democracy,” said Rachel Hoge, who was helping to organize a watch party at the Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery in Washington Heights.
Here’s a list of viewing parties across the Chicago-area where you can watch the highly anticipated debate.
WHERE: Sidetrack Bar (3349 N. Halsted St.)
INFO: Doors open at 3 p.m. Debate preshow starts at 7 p.m.
HOSTED BY: Chicago Cares
WHERE: RSVP for address
INFO: From 7 to 10 p.m. Special guests include Reps. Delia Ramirez and Danny Davis, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, state Sen. Lakesia Collins and City Clerk Anna Valencia.
HOSTED BY: Chicago Young Republicans
WHERE: McGee’s Tavern & Grille (950 W. Webster Ave.)
INFO: From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $25 ticket includes pizza, one drink and appetizers.
HOSTED BY: Citizen Action Illinois
WHERE: Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel (171 W. Randolph St.)
INFO: Starts at 8 p.m.
HOSTED BY: 39th Ward Dems
WHERE: Alarmist Brewing & Taproom (4055 W. Peterson Ave.)
INFO: From 7 to 10 p.m.
HOSTED BY: 19th Ward Supporters for Kamala
WHERE: Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery (9030 S. Hermitage Ave.)
INFO: Starts at 7:15 p.m.
HOSTED BY: Indivisible Skokie
WHERE: Village Roadhouse (7070 Carpenter Road)
INFO: Starts at 7:30 p.m.
HOSTED BY: Illinois Democratic Women of Cook County, Post March Salon, Illinois Women for Harris-Walz
WHERE: Takito Street Restaurant (2423 N. Lincoln Ave.)
INFO: From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $10 entry.
HOSTED BY: Illinois4Kamala
WHERE: Las Fuentes Restaurant (2558 N. Halsted St.)
INFO: From 7:30 to 10 p.m.
HOSTED BY: Indivisible Chicago
WHERE: Bobby’s Eastside (7321 Madison St.)
INFO: From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
HOSTED BY: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Kappa Omega Chapter
WHERE: Retro Grill Stony Island (8126 S. Stony Island Ave.)
INFO: Arrival time 7:30 to 8 p.m.
