Sick of “Bring it on”? How about “Four more years”? If Kerry and Bush’s campaign slogans are starting to wear thin now, just wait ’til we get closer to the Nov. 2 election! But never fear: We’ve got ways to pique your political interest–from Bush and Kerry beers to presidential debate parties. We’ll have you chanting, “Four more beers” in no time.
Election buzz
Wish there was more you could do to support your candidate? It’s not enough to vote Nov. 2; you want to contribute now! Good news: Both locations of Goose Island are serving specially brewed Bush Beer (an English Midlands-style mild) and Kerry Beer (a British-style dark ale) for $4 a pint. Daily postings reflect which candidate’s supporters are getting more, er, drunk. Bring in your ballot receipt on Election Day for a discount. 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071; 3535 N. Clark St. 773-832-9040.
Bottoms up!
Think all presidents are teetotalers? Wrong. Most of the men to grace the country’s highest office had a hearty appreciation for the drink. Just ask sommelier Robert Bansberg of Ambria when he delivers the lecture, “Wine, Spirits and the Oval Office,” about American presidents and their love of liquor. Jefferson knew his wines and FDR got down with his dirty martinis–find out which president loved your favorite drink. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. $7-$12. Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., 312-255-3778.
Fresh crop
Aliens have landed in Wisconsin and they’ve carved a 20-acre labyrinth of Bush and Kerry caricatures into Fairwyn Farms’ cornfields. So, you wanna play? Here’s how it works: Pay $5-$7 and weave your way through the 10-foot-tall maze by answering American history questions with directional clues. Don’t miss the corn “cannon,” which sends ears flying more than 400 feet, along with a picnic area and fall produce. 4-10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 31. W197 Highway 50, Burlington, Wisc., 262-539-3047.
Acting out
Chicago’s off-Loop theater community caters to election-year cynicism with a few satires, many with scathing, catchy titles. “The Passion of the Bush: An Election Play” (Oct. 1-Nov. 1. $10. The Viaduct, 3111 N. Western Ave. 773-347-1041), lifts plot elements from the likes of Virgil, Homer and the ever-so controversial Mel Gibson in what is billed as an “antiheroic farce.” The Second City Outreach’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Baghdad” (10 p.m. Saturday. $10. The Second City Skybox, 1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992) also pokes fun at the prez through songs and routines. Got the ballot blues? Slobodie Productions serves up a refresher course with its improv satire, “Mock the Vote: Demokracy in Action” (11:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 23. $12. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252). The shtick? Audience members help determine the names, parties and pet issues of fictional candidates, then cast their vote. If only real life were so simple.
Pick a flick
“Fahrenheit 9/11” won’t be the last of the big-screen bids to influence this year’s election. John Sayles’ latest, “Silver City,” follows a grammatically challenged candidate on his gubernatorial campaign. Sound familiar? Plus, “South Park’s” Trey Stone and Matt Parker bring “Team America: World Police” to the screen on Oct. 15. This satire uses wooden marionette “action figures” to fight terrorism and other evils around the world. Just like in “South Park,” nothing (and no one) is sacred. Find showtimes and reviews on metromix.com.
Face off
After all those nasty campaign ads, it’s nice to see the candidates get together for some face-to-face mudslinging. Watch the fun on the big screen when the Chicago Historical Society shows the live U.S. presidential debate between John Kerry and Dubya. The Chicago Tribune’s Don Wycliff and Mark Jacob join Loyola University’s Alan Gitelson for a pre-debate discussion. Plus, the night kicks off with a reception. 6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. discussion; 8 p.m. debate Sept. 30. $5. 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600.
