Election Party Etiquette

You stood in line all day and cast your ballot in the most hyped  up and important Presidential election of our time.  Now its time to put on your best Obama T-shirt, go watch the results, and pop bottles.    Politics and Jesus gather more heated debate than a sunny day in subSaharan Africa, so we wanted to let you know to mind your P’s and Q’s tonight.

Here is a little election party etiquette to get you through the evening.

1. It is highly inappropriate to show up at a party empty handed -  Please come with party favors in hand.  Don’t show up yelling GObama, or HNIC, Obama for Yo’ Mamma,!!  with out a bag of goodies in your hand or bottles for popping.  Its lame, and people WILL give you the side eye.  Hit up the store and bring something.  Cheap is not a good look.

2. Do Not Cuss Out Other Party Goers – Everyone has an opinion.  If you are that One McCain supporter, or disagree on some policy moves Obama is making, state your position but keep it reasonable.  This is not a death match and you don’t want to lose friends over a political candidate. 

3. Rules for Debating -  Post gives us some good ideas. 

a. Before you speak, know the company you’re in. “Never, never assume you know someone’s politics, unless they’ve explicitly expressed that to you,” Post says.
b. Stick to the facts. Arguing a point is different than making it personal. “‘How can you support a guy like that?’ That’s judgmental,” she says. “Those comments take it dangerous places fast.”
c. Have an exit strategy. To get yourself out of a sticky situation, Post suggests having a few lines ready: “I think we’ll have to agree to disagree,” or “I’d rather not talk about it, if that’s okay.” Stay calm until the tension passes.
d. Think about why you’re having the conversation.  What’s your goal? “Trying to change some-one’s mind election night after they’ve cast their vote, you might be barking up the wrong tree,” Post says.

4. When Obama Wins- don’t go tearing up other folks houses or establishments. – Its time to get crunk and we know you have been drinking.  However, now is not the time to tear the club up!  High five and dap it out, crank up the music and get hype.  Don’t go around breakin’ stuff all willy nilly.  ‘Preciate ya

5.  Your Host Isn’t Serving You Dinner  -If you are starving or coming straight from work, the key is to grab a bite before you hit up the party.  Unless your invitation said dinner, pizza, wings, or the like don’t come in expecting to eat like its the Last Supper.  You are coming to the party to enjoy the company of friends, co-workers, and random people.  Your purpose is NOT to pig out by the snack tray (especially if your behind rolled in foodless).  Greedy is not a good look, keep some manners on your plate. 

6.  Find Out If Your Host/ess Has to Work Tomorrow - Just because you took the rest of the week off to celebrate Obama’s victory, doesn’t mean they did.  When you are sure of the winner, its time to start packing your bags if your host has to work.  This is not a “party till 6 in the mornin.” If you still want to kick it, rally up some guests and hit the bar.  Respect your host. 

7. Bring Socks – We are getting into the type of weather where some folks still wear sandles or you may be wearing closed toe shoes.  Your host may ask you to remove your foot gear.  Don’t get all huffy if your feet look like you have been kicking rocks the whole election.  Either wear socks just in case, or bring a pair with you.    Unless you are chipping in on rug cleaning bills, leave your kicks at the door.

Cheers to a history changing night!!

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