The highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is fast approaching. With the debate taking place on ABC on September 10, it’s time to make plans to host a viewing party to continue the enthusiasm and excitement for VP Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
MoveOn members hosted numerous parties last month to watch the Democratic National Convention, where they came together to enjoy one another’s company, meet new people, and support Vice President Harris in her quest for the official Democratic nomination.
Participants had the opportunity to meet like-minded people, support Harris Waltz, eat delicious food, and even draw posters.
You can host a debate viewing party with your friends and family or even open it to the public and meet new people in your community. Hosting an event can have a big impact on this campaign and make a big difference.
Here’s how to host a debate viewing party:
First, check to see if there are any other events happening in your area. Click this link Enter your zip code in the search bar below the text, and if there’s an event already planned in your area, see if you can attend it and meet new friends.
If there isn’t another event happening in your area, host one yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your event:
- Where will it be held? Make sure you have a suitable location to hold the event. It can be a home, a bar or brewery, a place with a TV that’s open late, a community center, etc. The most important thing about hosting an event is that the discussion can be viewed on a TV or projector.
- Who will you invite? It’s a good idea to expect half of the people you invite to attend. For example, if you want to invite 50 guests to your event, invite 100 people. Invite friends, family, and acquaintances, and share your watch party on social media to make sure everyone is included and excited about this historic event.
- How would you like to describe your event, and what’s the best way to let attendees know about it? When you fill out a form on MoveOn’s website, we’ll ask you to describe your event and also provide instructions to help attendees easily join your event.
To help you plan your viewing party, here are some details about the 2024 debates.
- Date and Time: The debate begins at 9pm ET (8pm CST / 7pm MST / 6pm PST). The debate will last approximately 90 minutes. Please plan your event to begin prior to the debate start time and not end until at least 90 minutes after the debate start time.
- whereEvents can be held at local bars and restaurants, public spaces like libraries and community centers, or even in people’s homes. If you’re not sure where it will be held, we recommend posting your event in the location you want to host it in and seeing if it’s available. The venue can be updated later, and most importantly, your event can be viewed on a TV or projector and heard by your attendees.
For more information on how to host an event, including what you get from MoveOn and tips for making your event a success, visit our Host Guide here.
The host of a watch party will receive 50 points to use towards our events. Voting Mobilizer Portal Exchange them for cool t-shirts, power banks, exclusive stickers, and more.
Further details about the debate:
- The first presidential debate will take place on September 10 at 9pm ET (8pm EST/7pm MST/6pm PST) at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
- The event will be hosted by “World News Tonight” host David Muir and “ABC News Live Prime” host Lindsay Davis.
- The debate will last approximately 90 minutes.
- It will air on ABC and be available to stream on ABC News Live 24/7, Disney+ or Hulu.
The journey to change starts with a step. Take that step today. Plan your event. Activate your community. Be the spark that lights the way to victory in 2024. The future is calling. And as a MoveOn member, you have the power to answer the call.
