Editor 
October 1, 2024 — The date is set, the stage is prepped, and the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance is about to kick off. But why simply watch when you can play along? Here’s your inside scoop on how to transform this political showdown into a thrilling game night with friends: VP Debate Bingo!
Debate Details
The upcoming vice presidential debate is slated to take place at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. Scheduled for October 1 from 8 PM to 9:30 PM ET, it will be moderated by CBS News anchors Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan. Whether you’re a political aficionado or a casual viewer, you can catch the live broadcast on CBS. For the modern viewer, it’s also accessible online through CBS News 24/7, PBS Newshour YouTube, C-Span, and Paramount+.
Elevate Your Debate Experience with Bingo
Watching debates can sometimes feel dry. Enter VP Debate Bingo – an engaging way to stay glued to the screen! Several organizations have taken up the mantle to provide custom bingo cards tailored for this event. GZERO Media, for instance, offers four distinctive cards, each designed to provide a unique experience for every player.
How to Play
Here’s how you can make the most out of your bingo cards:
- Step 1: Download your preferred bingo card from GZERO Media or other sources like Progress Texas or the League of Women Voters.
- Step 2: Print out or screenshot these cards and share them with your friends.
- Step 3: Listen closely as the candidates speak and mark off the words or terms they mention that match those on your card.
- Step 4: Add a dash of fun with challenges or rewards. First to make a complete row? Take a drink, do a task, or win a prize.
The first player to mark off five in a row wins. Extra points if you can get a friend to blurt out “Bingo!” in the middle of a heated policy debate.
Heads-Up on the Candidates
Understanding the candidates is key to predicting their debate tactics and filling up your bingo card swiftly:
Tim Walz—Having carved out an image as the relatable, down-to-earth former teacher, veteran, and governor, Walz is anticipated to focus on key issues like public education, universal health care, and economic reforms. His grounded persona might make calls to community values and grassroots movements a staple of his rhetoric.
JD Vance—This venture capitalist-turned-politician has had his fair share of controversies, notably his shifting stances on various issues. Vance’s debate style is likely to be unpredictable, so watch out for contradicting statements and bold claims. They might just be your ticket to filling a row on that bingo card.
Making it Fun: Customizations and Extras
Want to elevate the excitement? Consider these additional challenges:
- Drinking game: Take a sip every time a candidate uses a common catchphrase or evades a direct question.
- Tasks: Perform small tasks for each mark, like doing a push-up or sending a meme to friends watching the debate.
- Rewards: Declare mini-prizes for the first person to hit specific milestones, like the first to complete a diagonal row.
FAQ
Q: Where can I download the bingo cards?
A: You can download debate-specific bingo cards from GZERO Media, Progress Texas, and while the League of Women Voters hasn’t issued cards for this debate, they offer great general guidance on engaging with political events.
Q: How can I watch the debate?
A: The debate will be broadcast live on CBS and available online through CBS News 24/7, PBS Newshour YouTube, C-Span, and Paramount+.
Q: What topics are the candidates likely to focus on?
A: Tim Walz is expected to discuss public education, universal health care, and economic reforms. JD Vance may provide volatile discussion points with his unpredictable stances and bold claims.
Q: How do I play VP Debate Bingo?
A: Download a card, print or screenshot it, and mark off words or terms you hear during the debate. Share with friends to enhance the fun!
By turning the debate into a bingo game, you’re guaranteed a night of entertaining political maneuvers, audience engagement, and perhaps a bit of friendly competition. So, gather your resources, download those cards, and prepare for an unforgettable VP debate night!
