Presidential Debate Watch Parties Planned at Busboys, Bailey's, Mad Rose

Good company can make a good debate great.

With that in mind, several viewing parties have been planned for the first 2012 presidential debate between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee.

The debate, on domestic policy, begins at 9 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday. It will be broadcast live from the University of Denver.

Patch editors from Arlington and Alexandria will be at the watch party at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington from 8 to 11 p.m. Come by for a chance at Patch tote bags, water bottles or other swag — and free food and drinks while supplies last.

Regular food and drink service will also be available at the restaurant.

Before and after the debate, Patch editors from eight battleground states, including Virginia, will take part in a roundtable discussion on HuffPost Live.

The Arlington County Democratic Committee will host a debate watching party at Bailey's Pub in Ballston Common Mall. The party, which begins at 9 p.m., follows the group's regular meeting, one block away at the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association building at 7 p.m.

Arlington Republicans will be at Mad Rose Tavern in Clarendon from 8 to 11 p.m. The bar is offering pre-debate drink specials and extending food specials all night long.