Where the Election Parties Are
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
With Halloween hangovers weighing down, New Yorkers have just one day to rehydrate and find a place to celebrate, or wallow, on election night. And in this town, there’s a happening spot for everyone from die-hard politicos to downtown artsy types to press junkies.
While Republicans and Democrats will be getting down with their own ilk tomorrow night, there’s one private bipartisan soiree that’s a hot ticket. Two unlikely hosts – Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein and cosmetics executive Georgette Mosbacher – are throwing a joint party at the Palm restaurant. Each society fund-raiser agreed to invite 50 to 60 couples on their side of the political spectrum for what a Miramax spokesman called “a celebration of the democratic process.”
But for those who want to party like a partisan, there are plenty of likeminded events. The New York State Democratic Committee is hosting a bash in the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel where Senator Schumer, party big Herman “Denny” Farrell Jr., Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and other elected officials are expected to raise a glass. Meanwhile, the New York State Young Democrats are gathering at Crobar. Admission is $5 and the party will include 18- to 36-year-olds who have been active in party politics. Doors open at 9 p.m., after the polls close.
The state GOP’s New York Young Republican Club is pitching up at the Women’s National Republican Club at 8:30 p.m. And an independent political club – also called the New York Young Republican Club – that caters to conservative 20- and 30-somethings will be partying at the Salisbury Hotel.
“It’s open to young Republicans and friends of young Republicans who want to celebrate the victory of President Bush,” said chairman Robert Hornak.
Many restaurants and bars around town are offering election-night drink specials and themed menus. At Sushi Samba, bartenders will be serving the Bitter Orange Swing, a rum-based drink with two slices of muddled Florida oranges for $10.The East Village organic restaurant Counter is offering a two-for-one happy hour dubbed “Share the Pain, Share the Joy.” Starting at 9 p.m. and ending at 11,the event applies to all drinks, including the more than 100 organic wines by the glass.
Siberia bar owner Tracy Westmoreland is offering low prices on beers to supporters of President Bush and Senator Kerry. Anyone wearing a Bush-Cheney button can buy a bottle of Lone Star beer for $2. And those sporting Kerry-Edwards buttons can buy Brooklyn Lager for $2.”It’s the most northern beer we sell. If we had Sam Adams, we’d serve that,” said Mr. Westmoreland.
At his Ninth Avenue bar Bellevue, the politically minded owner is having two other election-night specials. On the country music half of the bar, $5 will get you a shot of Jack Daniels whisky and a bottle of Budweiser. And on the heavy metal side, another five-spot scores a shot of Black House (not quite the White House) and a bottle of Coors Light. Even Cafe des Artistes is getting in on the act with three new cocktails: the Long Shot (for Ralph Nader), a Texas Tea, and the Fiery Kerry. The last includes vodka, beef bouillion, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and Heinz ketchup in honor of Teresa Heinz Kerry.
For election-night grub, French bistro Seppi’s, located in the Parker Meridian Hotel, is offering a three course dinner ($45) that will satisfy the Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The prix fix menu includes New England clam chower, kombu and tofu salad, and Texas-style ribs, plus a trio of desserts. Or for $12 each, patrons can enjoy a bowl of chowder with a bottle of Samuel Adams or a bowl of Texas chili with a bottle of Lone Star.
Performing and visual arts groups will be keeping up their lofty missions as the results come in. During intermission of its Tuesday-night bill, American Ballet Theater will post election results and news broadcasts on televisions throughout the lobby of City Center.
From 8 p.m. to midnight, the nonprofit arts space White Box, located in Chelsea, is hosting a free party that will include drinks, performances, and viewing of the exhibit “Democracy is Fun.” The exhibit’s soccer balls featuring George W. Bush masks on them are not likely to go unkicked.
The creative crowd will also be gathering for a party at Exit Art. For $20 guests can enjoy all-American hot dogs and beer, news coverage, and a chance to view the current exhibit: “The Presidency.”
“The exhibition features the work of 41 multidisciplinary artists,” said associate curator Jodi Hanel. “It’s not necessarily about the Bush administration, but the concept of the presidency.”
If you want to treat election night like New Year’s Eve, you can head to Times Square, where CNN will be broadcasting from the NASDAQ MarketSite, which includes 96 television screens.
“We wanted to be able to give as much information to the viewers as possible,” said senior executive producer of CNN political programming Sam Feist. “We can put up the results on-screen from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We can flip to Senate results and governors’ races.”
While you can peek into the site from the street and watch Wolf Blitzer, you can also head to the atrium of the Time Warner Center, where CNN is setting up an election analysis center. “We’ll be doing segments there, and the public is welcome to join us,” said Mr. Feist.
In Midtown, NBC will be broadcasting from Democracy Plaza, the splashy interactive exhibit and set that the network created at Rockefeller Center with Bank of America and Tishman Speyer Properties. Tom Brokaw will be anchoring from a studio that looks over the plaza. This New York landmark is such a popular place to gather that, with so much going on, crowds are sure to be there, cheering as results come in.
But no matter where you go, don’t plan to go home early. This election is a hot one, and results may roll in late while you roll out the barrel.