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Round-up: Harris-Trump debate watch parties around Mass.
The debate comes as polls predict a tight race.
As Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump face off in the first debate between the two candidates Tuesday night, watch parties hosted by local political groups are popping up across Massachusetts and the Boston area.
Harris-Trump Debate
The debate, taking place at 9 p.m. EST at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, comes as polls are predicting a tight race, with Trump leading Harris 48 percent to 47 percent, according to a recent Times/Siena Poll of likely voters.
Like the June Biden-Trump debate which led to calls for President Joe Biden to end his re-election bid and subsequently drop out of the race, Tuesday’s debate will not have an audience and microphones will be muted unless a candidate has been called on to speak.
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Below are some local live events where people can gather to watch the debate in real time.
Progressive WRox/Roz: The Square Root, 2 Corinth St., Boston
Progressive WRox/Roz is hosting a watch party at the Square Root at 2 Corinth St. in Boston.
“Come early to eat, chat, and get involved,” the political group posted on Facebook.
Somerville Democrats: La Posada Restaurant & Tequila Bar, 505 Medford St., Somerville
The Somerville Democrats are inviting people to watch the debate at La Posada Restaurant & Tequila Bar, near the Magoun Square T stop on the Green Line in Somerville.
“Connect with fellow Democrats, enjoy great food & drink, and cheer on our candidate,” the group wrote. “Learn about local opportunities to get involved in this critical home stretch!”
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Interested parties can sign up here to attend.
JP Progressives: 23 Wenham St., Jamaica Plain
JP Progressives are hosting a watch party in Jamaica Plain. The group asks attendees to bring their own chair as well as food or drink to share with the other political junkies watching.
The Boston Alphas: Savvor Restaurant and Lounge, 180 Lincoln St., Boston
The Epsilon Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is hosting a watch party in partnership with the Boston Branch of the NAACP, Mass Vote, and the Urban League of Eastern Mass at Savvor Restaurant and Lounge in Boston.
“Connect with fellow community members and share your thoughts on the candidates’ policies,” Boston Alpha wrote on Facebook.
Wright Tavern: 2 Lexington Road, Concord
Concord residents are invited to gather at Wright Tavern, where opposing sides met during the American Revolution, for a presidential debate watch party to “empower Gen Z participants,” according to a press release.
North Andover GOP: Culpepper’s, 815 Turnpike St., North Andover
The North Andover GOP is hosting a watch party at a local pub in North Andover. The group said attendees can arrive early to “meet and socialize.”
Abington Republican Town Committee: Venus Cafe Whitman, 47 South Ave., Whitman
The Abington and Whitman RTCs are hosting a Debate Watch Party in Whitman at the Venus Cafe.
Pizza and snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available for guests.
Suggested donations are $10 with chances to win Trump prizes, according to the event description.
New England Public Media: White Lion Brewing, 24 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
NEPM’s watch party is taking place at White Lion Brewing in Amherst.
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The event will start with words from UMass Amherst political science professor and polling expert Tatishe Nteta, as well as Jill Kaufman and Adam Frenier from NEPM News ahead of the debate.
The event will feature games and giveaways, according to the event description.
1199SEIU of Massachusetts: Quincy Union Hall, 108 Myrtle St., Quincy
The Massachusetts healthcare union is hosting a presidential watch party in Quincy, discussing Project 2025 and the debate’s relevance to union members.
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