NEW YORK CITY — After President Obama's universally panned performance at his first debate, all eyes are now focused on the second-in-commands and their one and only showdown.
There's a lot riding on the event. For Democrats, it's a chance for seasoned Vice President Joe Biden to put the team back in the game and turn the tide back in Obama's favor.
For Republicans, it's their moment for Conservative golden boy Paul Ryan to shine (or gaffe-prone Biden to stumble), securing the momentum going into the final weeks of the race.
Here's where to catch the action, which kicks off at 9 p.m.:
Drinking Liberally's VP Debate Watch Party - Hell's Kitchen:
Drinking Liberally will be taking over the backyard of Rudy's Bar & Grill "to promote Democracy one pint at a time." Patrons can watch the debate while enjoying beer by the pitcher and free hot dogs. 627 Ninth Ave. (between West 44th and 45th streets) Limited seating. Cash only. 7:30 p.m.
DL21C Debate Watch Party - Midtown:
Head to
Smithfield NYC for all the action playing on dozens of screens broadcasting all the networks live. There'll be food and drink specials, as well as a special "spin room" open before and after the debate.
215 W. 28th St. (at Seventh Avenue) 8 p.m.
Multi-Partisan Viewing: Vice-Presidential Debate 2012 - East Village:
Join
The New American Tavern at
Professor Thom's for a night of debate-watching, food, drink and conversation
. The New American Tavern aims to brings together people who are interested in politics and social change. 219 Second Ave. (between East 13th and 14th streets.) 8 p.m.
WIN.NYC's Pro-Choice and Political Networks VP Debate Watch Party - Midtown:
Join WIN.NYC's Pro-Choice and Political Networks for a debate watch party at Little Town, which specializes in locally-sourced and inspired fare, with an extensive selection of craft beers. "Bring your friends and be prepared for fun, great company, drink specials and maybe even some finger-snapping and yelling at the TV," according to the group, which promises an extended happy hour until 9:30 p.m., with $5 draft beers and 2-for-1 Vision vodka cocktails.
366 W. 46th St. (between Eighth and Ninth avenues) Head upstairs. 8:30 p.m.
The Pine Box Rock Shop Watch Party - East Williamsburg:
Stop by
The Pine Box Rock Shop for the debate and take part in
games of boozy, debate-themed bingo, where winners will be awarded with free shots. The bar's usual 16 drafts will also be available, along with empanadas from V-Spot and other vegan-friendly bar snacks. Future debate events will include all-night happy hours and a champagne party on Election Night.
12 Grattan Street. All funds raised will benefit Obama for America.
Vice Presidential Debate Screening at Brooklyn Winery - Williamsburg:
"You could watch Biden and Ryan duke it out at home, but why not watch (also: heckle, jeer and cheer) with a group while enjoying some tasty food and drink specials?" asks the
Brooklyn Winery, which will be hosting its own watch party Thursday night. Get there early to snag a seat.
213 N. 8th St., Brooklyn. 9 p.m.
Brooklyn VP Debate Watch Party at the Pacific Standard - Park Slope:
Pacific Standard will
be showing the debate on its big screens with audio. Arrive early to make sure you get a spot.
82 Fourth Ave. (between St. Marks and Bergen streets)
The New Downtown Republican Meetup VP Watch Party - SoHo:
If you're more into trickle-down economics than Obamacare,
join the NYC Downtown Republicans and NYC Liberty Republicans for the debate, as well as food, drinks and games, including a "big money" 50/50 raffle at 178 Mott St., which has just installed a new 16-foot screen. Guest speaker author Scott Wheeler will attend.
178 Mott Street. 8 p.m.
The debate, which will tackle both foreign and domestic policy, kicks off at 9 p.m. in Danville, Ky.
