The debate on Thursday night is arguably the most anticipated one this fall, and it’s not even between the two presidential candidates! Vice-presidential hopefuls Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin square off at 9 PM, and we’ve found parties and bars where you can watch it all go down.

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DC | MD | VA

DC

At the 1331 Bar in the JW Marriott hotel, try some partisan wings—the “left” come with a spicy Asian lacquer, and the “right” have a Texas barbecue sauce—or an “undecider slider,” and sip on some red, white, and blue cocktails. The lounge will host happy hours every Tuesday through November 4 and will also show the presidential debates.

At Ventnor’s, customers can pick a word they think the candidates will say, and every time it’s uttered, shots will be $1.

At Capitol Lounge, enjoy $10 pitchers of Budweiser, Bud Light, Capitol Amber, and Yuengling while watching Biden and Palin duke it out.

DC for Obama is hosting a VP Debate Extravaganza at Mezza Luna. It has one 100-inch and four 32-inch flat-screen TVs in the main area, which guarantees you’ll be able to hear the debate. Reservations are required, but you can reserve a space only for yourself and one other person. Click here to RSVP.

While airing the debate, Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue will also be hosting a Democratic fundraiser. The suggested donation is $100, with a $25 minimum. There will be a cash bar, and pizza and appetizers are free; 8 to 11:30.

The Progressive Happy Hour Crew will host a debate/dance party at Left Bank Bistro Lounge in Adams Morgan.

The couch-filled executive rooms at Lounge 201 will be available after 8 for debate watching, but you can also see it at the bar.

Capitol Hill’s 18th Amendment will offer its regular happy-hour specials.

For last week’s debate, Hawk & Dove was packed by 7:30, so arrive early and take advantage of the happy-hour specials while waiting for the main event. Miller Lite drafts are $1.75, and pitchers are $7.

At Stetson’s Famous Bar & Grill,  a big crowd is expected for the debate, so show up early.

Head to the Lobby Bar in the Ritz-Carlton to try a campaign cocktail such as the Elegant Elephant, Delicate Donkey, Obamaretto Sour, or Sugar (Mc)Cain Mojito. These specials and more will be offered through Election Night.

Because of the high demand last week, Timberlake’s American Bar & Grill will show the debate on three flat-screen TVs.

B. Smith’s will raffle off a dinner for two during its debate-viewing party. Guests can enjoy two specialty drinks: the Obama Bahama Mama and the McCain Mojito.

Virginia

Summers Restaurant will be divided into two sections to please both parties. Republicans will be tuned in to Fox News, while the Dems will watch the debate on CNN.

Latinas for Biden will host a fundraising/debate-watching party on the second floor bar at Guarapo’s in Arlington. There’ll be music and mingling starting at 7. The suggested donation is $25.

The Arlington County Democratic Committee is getting together at Bailey’s Pub and Grille. Gold Card members of the committee are free; otherwise it’s $10. You can RSVP here.

Busboys and Poets in Arlington will show this debate—and every other one this election season—on its two TVs.

Upper Arlington Progressive Action will host a debate-watching party at Arlington Banquets. Starting at 7:30, enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and a predebate program before the main attraction. A $5 donation will be collected at the door to go toward the cost of the event. RSVP here.

Maryland

Are you single and interested in politics? Then head to BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon in Bethesda for a singles happy hour and debate-watching party. Drink specials will be available, and a $50 gift certificate will be raffled off.

The Lemon Tree Mediterranean Market & Gourmet Cafe in Rockville will show the debate starting at 8.

The Greater Laurel Beltsville Democratic Club will be showing the debate at the Varsity Grille in College Park.

Know of a debate-watching party that we missed? Leave it in the comments below, and we’ll update this post with your suggestions.

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