My fellow Americans, history is upon us. It’s an election year. If you have a newborn in the house, it can be like living under a rock for several months. But you can still be in on the fun.
I suggest you throw a debate-watching party to reconnect with your childfree friends. You supply the house and TV, your guests bring the pizza or real food and dessert. TiVo makes this kind of event easier, but it’s not essential.
Here are some games you can play to keep the party lively:
- Baby chooses the president. Take note of which debater makes your baby more fussy. Vote for the other ticket.
- Mommy bingo. The good folks at MomsRising.org have put together a bingo game. Score when someone mentions a key word for moms. Fun and informative.
- Old school drinking game. Suggest everyone drink when the moderator has to say “now be specific” or follow the rules at DebateDrinking.com
The first presidential debate is Monday September 26 at 9pm eastern/6pm pacific time and last for 90 minutes on many many channels. For upping the nerd factor, follow along on twitter at #2016debate. The remaining presidential and vice-presidential debates are scheduled here.
It’s social, it’s political, and it’s no fuss for you. No cooking, no dishes, good times. Go ahead and compost those paper plates and biodegradable corn “plastic” ware.
You’ll see from the comments that I originally posted this in 2008!
love this idea! I’ve included it on the Alpha Mom Reading List.
There are also 2 national non-profit organizations that provide some good election resources for parents: Take Your Kids 2 Vote (http://www.takeyourkids2vote.org/) and Kids Voting USA (http://www.kidsvotingusa.org/)
Based on the first debate, it might be fun to do a shot every time a candidate says some form of the word “fundamental”! 🙂
or whenever Palin says maverick or joe six pack.
Bingo idea is hilarious – how about for those who do not like politics turn down the sound on the television and instead play Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
We played “palinbingo” for the VP debate – someone had score cards you could print from that website. For the last debate, well, it became clear that whenever someone mentioned “Joe the Plumber” it was time to drink. Frankly, the drinks were coming too fast, so we had to limit it to McCain only!
I love the MomsRising Bingo card! So glad I was able to FINALLY use it this last presidential debate! Thanks for highlighting it.