The anticipation of a presidential debate can bring a mix of emotions such as excitement, curiosity, anxiety and comedy. To elevate this experience, why not host a wine pairing event? It's a perfect way to enjoy the evening with friends and family, engaging in thoughtful discussions while savoring exquisite wines and delicious food. Here’s how you can create an unforgettable wine pairing event for a TV presidential debate.

Set the Stage

First, set the ambiance. Since this is a TV viewing event, arrange comfortable seating with a clear view of the screen. Decorate with subtle, patriotic elements—think small flags, red, white, and blue napkins, or a few elegant floral arrangements. Soft lighting will create a cozy atmosphere without detracting from the main event on the screen. Refrain from incorporating games requiring sharp objects, such as darts.

Curating the Wine Selection

The key to a successful wine pairing event is, of course, the wine. Choose a variety of wines to cater to different palates and to complement the different stages of the evening. Here’s a suggested lineup:

1. Sparkling Wine: Begin the evening with a crisp, refreshing sparkling wine or Champagne. The bubbles set a celebratory tone and work well as a palate cleanser. Prosecco or a Cava can also be excellent choices.
2. White Wine: As the debate heats up, a light, aromatic white wine like a White Burgundy or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of appetizers.
3. Red Wine: Towards the latter part of the debate, a robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blend or a Merlot will stand up to heartier dishes and match the intensity of the debate topics. If you prefer something lighter, a Pinot Noir is a great option.
4. Dessert Wine: End the evening on a sweet note, serve a dessert wine such as a Sauternes, Port or a late harvest Riesling. These wines pair beautifully with dessert platters and put a nice touch to the end of the night. 

Perfect Pairings

Pairing wine with food enhances the flavors of both. Here are some pairing suggestions to complement your wine selection:

• Sparkling Wine: Serve with light appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, flavored popcorn or cheese-stuffed mushrooms.
• White Wine: Pair with goat cheese crostini, grilled chicken skewers, fresh garden salad, charcuterie boards featuring prosciutto, brie, and fig jam, or a light pasta salad.
• Red Wine: Compliment with beef sliders, gourmet pizzas, or a rich pasta meatball dish
• Dessert Wine: Pair with chocolate truffles, cheesecake bites, or a fruit tart.

Oh yeah.. and popcorn. Don't forget the popcorn!

Engaging Activities

To make the evening interactive and engaging, consider having a prize pool. If everyone brings one bottle to consume and one bottle to add to the prize pool. Then incorporate some activities:

• Polling Station: Set up a mock polling station where guests can cast their vote on who they think performed best in the debate.
• Keyword Tally: Theorize 10 keywords or small catch phrases that each candidate may say and how many times people may say it. 

Final Touches

Don't forget the little details that make a big difference. Provide plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer them. Offer blankets or throws for added comfort. Lastly, ensure you have plenty of glassware, napkins, and cleanup supplies on hand.

Don't forget to have a good time, don't take a presidential debate too seriously. After all, politics is 98% BS and 2% get-things-done. So its important to get back to the basics of having fun!