Some bars are hoping that both Comey’s words and their taps will flowing to eager customers.
Expectations around James Comey’s testimony Thursday have escalated America’s reality TV-style politics into a full-blown sporting event.
Similar to ubiquitous “What time is the Super Bowl?” articles ahead of the NFL’s big game, pieces telling the public exactly where and how they can watch the former FBI Director be questioned by the Senate Intelligence Committee have begun popping up online.
Many will be streaming the testimony surreptitiously at their desks, though some bars are hoping that both Comey’s words and their drinks will be flowing to eager customers.
Duffy’s Irish Pub in Washington D. C. is offering “ covfefe ” cocktails in honor of President Trump’s newly invented word, and is opening early to accommodate its politics-saturated city, as is nearby Shaw’s Tavern.
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Union Pub, also in D. C., said that it will buy a free round of drinks for everyone at the bar whenever Trump tweets about Comey during his likely hours-long testimony.
Closer to home, multiple New York City locations are holding events to have its customers experience the moment together.
“People want a big communal experience when it’s a big event, ” Kambri Crews, owner of performance space Q. E. D. in Astoria, told the Daily News Wednesday.
“Even when it rains outside you talk to other people. Trump’s presidency is like extremely bad weather.”
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Q. E. D., which normally hosts comedy and other shows, does not normally open until the afternoon but will get going before 10 a.m. tomorrow as it prepares for Comey’s questioning.
Crews does not know how many people will show up on Thursday morning to watch, though is trying to replicate the venue’s debate night practice of having comics come to the event and provide live commentary.
Mekelburg’s restaurant in Clinton Hill is normally open for mid-morning diners, but is also advertising its Comey event by saying “daytime television has never been quite so captivating!”
Owner Alicia Mekelburg, who says she is not political but an America-supporter, told the News that her place was also packed for the debates last year.
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Demand for events around Comey’s testimony, which also include a gathering at Building on Bond in Boerum Hill, probably stems from those looking to catch another historic moment.
“People are joining back in to see if this is going to be it, ” Mekelburg said. “We are reality TV.”
It is unclear if Thursday will bring any fresh bombshell to the ongoing Russian meddling investigation, currently carried out by Special Counsel Robert Mueller as well as the Senate, House and FBI..
The publication of Comey’s written testimony Wednesday raising questions about how much more he would divulge when asked for more by senators.
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Even if Thursday’s developments are less than dramatic, East Coasters making a big deal about the congressional opera have it easier than those on Pacific Time.
At least two bars in San Francisco told the Chronicle that they will have the testimony on starting at 7 a.m.
