You know how an excruciatingly bad movie can be kind of funny when you’re with a group of good-humored friends? Well, apply that principle to the upcoming vice-presidential debates this October 2. The showdown is bound to yield some highly quotable, Jon Stewart–ready material. Don’t believe it? Consider Biden’s talk of Roosevelt’s televised Depression-era chats or Palin’s…hell, take your pick. Either way, join one of these viewing parties and share your frustration over a few beers and some laughs. The like-minded crowd could be the only thing keeping your so-bad-it’s-good-like-Joe-Dirt debate experience from turning into a straight-up sad-bad endeavor akin to Gigli.

Republicans: Elephant’s Stampede
If you think you’re right in being right but have had a hard time finding fellow Republicans in this Democratic-power-house of a town, the Young Republicans’ Vice Presidential Debate Watching Party should finally feel like home. Organizers are calling all Cook County conservatives to rally and show the media that Republicans do in fact exist in Chicago. Senator Dan Rutherford, Senator Christine Radogno, DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Burkett and others will be on hand for commentary. The party starts at 7pm and includes three hours of open bar for a $30 cover (Chicago Hilton, Boulevard Room, 720 S Michigan Ave; 847-687-2885).

Democrats: Donkey Punched
While the Republicans over at the Hilton are clinking their glasses and shouting “Drink!” every time Palin uses the word “folks,” Chicago Democrats will likely be pulling out their best nasally, Northwoods accents at M Lounge in the South Loop, starting at 5pm. The Obama campaign–sponsored event includes free appetizers, $5 cocktail specials and a shared fear that our next VP will be Bush with boobs (M Lounge, 1520 S Wabash Ave; 312-447-0201).

Undecided/Independents 
If you haven’t made your decision yet and truly want to hear what the VPs have to say, ditch your partisan friends or family members and head to the Chicago History Museum’s party to get some perspective. The event kicks off at 7pm with an open panel discussion featuring Chicago Sun-Times journalist Laura Washington and Chicago Public Radio political correspondent Ben Calhoun. A group-viewing of the big Palin/Biden tomato toss follows. A $5 donation is requested (Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St; 312- 642-4600).