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Join NowHow to Host a MoveOn Debate Watch Party
We’re approaching the moment so many of us have been waiting for, the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. With the debate happening on ABC on September 10, it’s time to make plans to host a watch party to continue the enthusiasm and excitement for Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz!
MoveOn members hosted tons of parties to watch the Democratic National Convention last month. They showed up, enjoyed one another’s company, met new people, and supported Vice President Harris for the official nomination for the Democratic Party.
Attendees enjoyed meeting other like-minded people, supporting Harris-Walz, eating yummy food, and even getting to paint posters.
You can host a debate watch party with friends and family or open it up to the public to meet new people in your area. Hosting an event also has a huge impact on this campaign and can make a real difference.
Here’s how you can host a debate watch party:
First, check if there are other events in your area, by clicking this link and inputting your ZIP code in the search bar below the text. If there’s already an event planned in your area, see if you can attend that one to meet new friends.
If there isn’t another event in your area, host one yourself! There are a few things to think about when planning your event:
- Where will you host it? Make sure you have the appropriate space to host your event. This could be at your own home, a bar or brewery, a shop that has TVs and is open late, or a community center. The most important thing when hosting an event is to make sure that the debate can be viewed on a TV or projector.
- Who will you invite? It’s good practice to expect that half of the people you invite will attend. For example, if you want 50 guests at your event, invite 100 people. Invite friends, family, and acquaintances, and share the watch party on social media to get everyone engaged and excited about this historic event.
- How do you want to describe your event, and what is the best way to let attendees know about it? When you fill out the form on the MoveOn website, we’ll ask you to describe your event as well as provide directions to make it easy for attendees to join in on the fun.
Here are the details of the 2024 debate to help you plan your watch party:
- WHEN: The debate starts at 9 p.m. ET (8 CT/7 MT/6 PT) and will last approximately 90 minutes. Please plan to start your event BEFORE the debate start time but not to conclude it until at least 90 minutes after the debate start time.
- WHERE: Your event can be in a venue like a local bar or restaurant, a public space such as a library or community center, or even your home. If you’re not sure where you want to hold it, we recommend posting the event for where you’d like to have it, then confirming that it can accommodate you. You can update the venue later. The most important thing is that you are able to watch the event on TV or projector and that attendees will be able to hear.
For more information on how to host your event, including what you receive from MoveOn and tips on how to make it a success, check out our Host Guide here.
Reminder that as a watch party host, you will receive 50 points that you can use at our Vote Mobilizer portal to redeem for cool T-shirts, power banks, exclusive stickers, and more!
Other details about the debate:
- The first presidential debate will be held on September 10 at 9 p.m. ET (8 CT/7MT/6 PT) at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
- It will be moderated by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and “ABC News Live Prime” anchor Linsey Davis.
- The debate will last approximately 90 minutes.
- It will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on ABC News Live 24/7, Disney+, or Hulu.
The journey to change begins with a single step. Take that step today. Plan your event. Ignite 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.