Democrats throw debate watch parties — and at least one after party

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All the nation’s eyes will be on Miami this week as the 20 Democratic presidential candidates take on the first debate of the 2020 election.

The first night, Wednesday, features Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, former U.S. Housing Secretary Julián Castro, former U.S. Rep. John Delaney of Maryland, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio.

On night two, we will watch former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, Mayor Pete Buttigieg from South Bend, Indiana, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, author Marianne Williamson and entrepreneur Andrew Yang.

Tickets to the debates at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami are not that easy to come by. You probably have to pay $20 for parking anyway and the traffic is going to be unbearable. So there are a few watch parties organized — in case you are too scared to watch this alone at home.

Closest to the Arsht Center just two blocks away — maybe hoping to catch the spillover crowd — is  CVLTVRA at the Gabriel Hotel, which will offer food and drink specials to suit the mood. Stay Wednesday night at the hotel starting at $263 and get in both watch parties. The presidential suite is not available, however. Hmmm. Wonder if one of the 20 has it.

If you are an Elizabeth Warren fan, you might want to head Wednesday night to Black Market Miami, 168 SE 1st Street, just 1.5 miles from the debate. This watch party starts an hour before the live show at 9 p.m., so folks can learn how to get involved in the campaign.

Anyone can show up, but the organizers are providing light hors d’ouvres so it would be good to let them know you are coming.

The Kendall Democrats Club is having their own watch party right after their June meeting Wednesday at Duffy’s Restaurant, 8575 SW 124th Ave., starting at 8:15 p.m. The pre-debate discussion will be about impeachment vs. investigation.

Oh, and if you’re gonna eat through de Blasio’s comments, take your wallet. “The club will not be paying for a guest’s order,” says the Facebook invitation.

Starting early on Wednesday, because a good debate is always better after Happy Hour, is She The People and The Florida Majority, hosting a watch party at 6:30 p.m. 1306 Miami, 1306 North Miami Ave. You can RSVP on Facebook.

Also downtown on Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. at Ampersand Studios, 31 NE 17th St., there’s a watch party hosted by Forward Florida Action and former Tallahassee Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, though we’re not sure if Gillum is actually going to be there.

There will be watch parties both nights at:

• Mike’s at Venetia, 555 NE 15th St., on the 9th floor, starting at 6 p.m., hosted by SEIU Florida, which asks that you RSVP on Facebook.
• Gramp’s, 176 NW 24th St. , starting at TIME, hosted by the Downtown Dems and the Miami-Dade Young Democrats with support from the DNC, FDP, Emily’s List, Ruth’s List, Latino Victory Fund and Our Rev 305. The groups suggest you RSVP here if you are planning to attend on Thursday night.
• Made, 8325 NE 2nd Ave., starting at 8 p.m., hosted by Miami-Dade and Miami Gardens Democratic Women’s Clubs.
• Stadium Hotel, 21485 N.W. 27th Ave., in Miami Gardens, starting at 8 p.m. hosted by the Miami Gardens Democratic Club
• Barcelonetta (1400 20th St. in Miami Beach, starting at 8 p.m., hosted by the Miami Beach Democratic Club. RSVP on Facebook.

Then after all 20 wannabes talk and dissect the issues, it will be the voters’ turn at a post-debate discussion in Coral Gables.

Can’t you just imagine Miami-Dade Democrats needing a cathartic place to vent disappointment (no Warren vs. Biden face-off) and celebrate highlights? They got one. The Coral Gables Democrats will host a post-debate discussion on Friday, June 28th.

The conversation will be facilitated by attorney Steve Simeonidis, who was elected Chair of Miami-Dade Democrats in February, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Books and Books, 265 Aragon Ave., in Coral Gables.

  Democratic debates, Presidential race 2020