Okay. By now, we all know how this game is played.
The purpose of this game is to raise money for Obama. Lots and lots of money. And it makes the debates -- especially the Republican part of the debates -- more fun.
The rules are easy, and unlike debate drinking games, this game will not give you a hangover.
- Write a list of all the offenses you expect from John McCain. Or feel free to borrow mine (below).
- Keep a tally for each of John McCain's offenses during the debate.
- At the end of the night, make a donation for each offense. Whether it’s a nickel or $100 per, it all helps.
And if you’re really strapped for cash, make phone calls and knock on doors instead. For every offense, register a voter. Get out the vote. Do something.
And now, my list of donations for the second presidential debate:
Every time McCain says "POW!", make a donation.
Every time McCain mentions Ronald Reagan, make a donation.
Every time McCain says "reform" or "reformer," make a donation.
Every time McCain says Obama "doesn't understand," make a donation. If he uses the word "naive," double the donation.
Every time McCain flashes one of his creepy, incredibly inappropriate smiles, make a donation.
Every time you talk back to the TV, radio, or computer screen, make a donation.
Every time McCain says "Maverick!", make a donation. If he says "team of Mavericks," triple the donation.
Every time you turn to your spouse or partner or friend watching the debate with you, and you simultaneously say "WTF?", make a donation. Or if you’re watching alone, and your cat gives you a strange look, make a donation.
Every time you audibly gasp, choke, or groan, make a donation.
Every time McCain even mentions Sarah Palin -— whether by name, or as "the governor," or even as "my running mate" -— make a donation. Then multiply it by 10. Yes, 10.
Because she really is that bad.
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This is my list from the first debate between Obama and McCain. I tallied 49 offenses (including a strange look from my friend’s dog), and donated $2 for each and every one of them.
This is my list from the one and only vice presidential debate. I tallied 78 offenses, including two mentions of "up there in Alaska," which meant tripling the donation for each of those two particular offenses. I made a total donation of $82. Friends and family reported back their scores as well. Together, a few of us managed to raise more than $300 in one night. Not bad for a debate drinking donating game.