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Looking For A Hillary Debate Watch Party?

by Chris Tognotti

On Monday, Sept. 26, it'll finally be here ― the first presidential debate of the 2016 campaign season, with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump facing off, in the same room at the same time, for the very first time during this general election. And if you're a Clinton supporter, maybe you're looking for a friendly room to take it all in from. Well, you're in luck, because there ought to be any number of Clinton debate viewing parties going down. So, here are some ways you can try to find any happening in your area.

Make no mistake, the first debate is expected to be a rating bonanza, owing to the two high-profile candidates, and the well-demonstrated potential for something to go horribly, wildly wrong when Trump's on the stage. It's also going to be pressure-packed for people who care passionately about Clinton candidacy, and/or people who desperately don't want to wake up on Nov. 9 to find Trump's America on the horizon.

Fortunately, there's a good chance you'll be able to find somewhere to watch the debate where you know the others watching will be on your side, so to speak. Here are some options for tracking down a watch party.

HillaryClinton.com, Of Course

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The Clinton campaign's official website allows you to type in your zip code and get a list of upcoming events in your area, and you can filter based on what you're looking for, from phone banks and other volunteering opportunities, to house parties.

Google Your Area

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Do a basic Google search for viewing parties in your area, whether you're looking for events in private homes, or ones in bigger venues ― sometimes theaters will get in on the act. For example, the historic Apollo Theater in New York City will be holding a watch party! It won't be specifically pro-Clinton, however, though given the voting trends of New Yorkers, it's probably a safe bet that any Trump folks in attendance will be outnumbered.

Facebook It Up

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On a personal and local level, the value of your Facebook feed can't be overstated. If you're a Clinton supporter who has a like-minded circle of friends on social media, there's a pretty god chance some people will be getting together for the debate ― why not take a look around?

Be The Hero

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Finally, if worse comes to worse, why not host one yourself? All you need is a TV (or a computer monitor, though for party purposes it'd have to be pretty big), and a cable or internet connection, and you're set! Shoot out some Facebook messages, or tweets, or hit up your friends in a group text. Be the heroic party planner you're looking for! Plus, this way, you get to dictate the snack menu.

Whatever plans you end up making, whether they're at someone else's party, or at a public event, or whether you decided to throw a shindig yourself, just make sure everything's ready to go on time! The debate will be taking place on Monday, Sept. 26, starting at 9 p.m. ET and ending at 10:30 p.m..