RIDDLES COMEDY CLUB HOST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY

By: Leona Towner

*Due to the political divisiveness of this current climate, some participants in this story requested to stay unnamed.*

People mingle over free Tacos as they watch the presidential debate. Photo by Leona Towner

ALSIP- Riddles Comedy Club hosted one of many 2024 Presidential Debate watch parties spread throughout the Chicagoland area. The highly anticipated televised event brought both official party candidates face to face for the first time just two months before the nationwide election.

The owner, who requested not to be named, said they got the idea from a co-worker.

"This event came about because someone I know suggested we do it, and I was like you know what that sounds like a great idea," the owner said, "It was nice to see you could bring this many people together, and there was no arguing, like this is how America should work."

The parking lot was full before the debate started with many attendees having to park at a neighboring closed dentist office to support the overflow.

The parking was free. The televised debate was free and their was free food provided. The event made money by requiring a two drink minimum. The cheapest drinks being soda products and water were $5.00 each and the cash only collection took many participants to the ATM which had a $3.00 fee.

"I think this was a great idea, a night out for under ten dollars is hard to find, especially going into the city," said a resident from Morgan Park.

I sat across a mother and daughter, the mom from the south suburbs and her daughter from the east. They decided Alsip was a good halfway point and headed this way right after work.

"I wanted to watch the debate on a bigger screen, and support the club, I've been here before and comedy plus politics plus family. I mean it sounded like a good time to me," said the daughter, Brittni Fitzgerald, who drove down from Justice.

Most attendees came for the debate, but Riddles also opened up the mic for an impromptu comedy show immediately following with a cash prize to anyone who might want to let off some steam and try a hand at comedy.

(Left to Right) Comedians Stephon Raickett, Smitty Smith, and Ms. Suzy Q take the stage for the post debate comedy competition. Photo by Leona Towner.

Comedian Smitty Smith took home the prize, capitalizing on Trumps repeated references to 'all of the people the democrats have brought into this country'.

"I'm about to drive home thinking they done brought all these (people) to this country. I've done brought a lot of (people) in this country too, I got 6 kids and 5 baby mommas," Smitty joked as the audience exploded with laughter.

But the winner of the debate was hands down Vice President Kamala Harris in this crowd's opinion.

"(Kamala) Harris brought her points home and she basically shut Trump down on all points and all topics," said one Beverly resident, "He really didn't have an agenda or anything basically to combat her on."

Listen to the story below.