The second presidential debate between Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) will take place tomorrow at 9 p.m.

For those who are tired of hearing the same old jargon thrown around during presidential debates and post-debate newscasts, here’s a fresh outlook on the election season. The presidential election drinking game can be played with any type of beverage – although alcoholic beverages are encouraged (if over 21, of course).

If either of the candidates mentions one of their signature clichés, take a long drink of your beverage of choice, and then place a marker over the word on the board. Bottle caps can make great markers and it’s a good way to gauge how much has been consumed –just saying. When a player gets five in a row, he drinks an entire cup of said beverage.

Simple enough, right? So sit back, turn on the debate and quench your thirst while deciphering which candidate is the one for you – or yelling furiously at the guy you don’t like.

Already won after Obama explains his healthcare plan? Here are some more rules to challenge your skills.

The X-factor: If you get two diagonals that cross each other and create an X -shape, take a sip of your drink and take sip of another players’ cup.

Square: If you can get all the words around the perimeter of the box, drink your entire cup and take a sip from two different players’ cups.

Blackout: If you can get the entire board, drink everyone’s cup, and then do your best impression of your favorite (or least favorite) presidential candidate. Double points if it gets videotaped and posted on facebook or MySpace.

Word list:MaverickReformChangeCongressional oversightExperienceCrisisGreedWall StreetMain StreetUniversal HealthcareAcross the aisleTax cutsTerrorismIraq warErrr … ummm (Obama)BushDoesn’t understand (McCain)Walk the walk; talk the talkRecordFundamental changesSurgeTimetableAlternative energyUnstablePrecondition(s)Off-shore drillingSecurityConsequences

Next debate:Oct. 7 at 9 p.m.Moderator: NBC’s Tom BrokawWhere: Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.Channel: CNN

Final 2008 presidential debate:Oct. 15 at 9 p.m.Moderator: CBS’s Bob Schieffer Where: Hofstra University in Hampstead, N.Y.Channel: CNN

kaoutram@syr.edu

Published on October 5, 2008 at 12:00 pm