Ultimate Political Debate BINGO: Predictable Phrases Edition

This expanded BINGO list will cover every cliché, overused phrase, and buzzword you’re likely to hear in any political debate. It’s designed for maximum predictability and fun, whether you’re drinking, smoking, or choosing a more relaxed way to participate. Below the list, you’ll find alternate rules for non-drinking participants.

Expanded Predictable Phrases List:

1. "At the end of the day"
2. "Hardworking Americans"
3. "The American Dream"
4. "Jobs, jobs, jobs"
5. "Bipartisan solutions"
6. "Working across the aisle"
7. "Our democracy is at stake"
8. "For the future of our children"
9. "Let’s be clear"
10. "Leadership matters"
11. "Now more than ever"
12. "The middle class is suffering"
13. "A brighter future"
14. "Defending our freedoms"
15. "Main Street vs. Wall Street"
16. "The stakes have never been higher"
17. "Special interests"
18. "Out-of-control spending"
19. "We need common sense"
20. "The greatest country in the world"
21. "Unprecedented challenges"
22. "A voice for the voiceless"
23. "Fiscal responsibility"
24. "The forgotten people"
25. "Restoring faith in our institutions"
26. "This is a defining moment"
27. "Radical agenda"
28. "We can’t afford to wait"
29. "Our best days are ahead"
30. "A moral obligation"
31. "Washington is broken"
32. "Fighting for working families"
33. "Drain the swamp"
34. "Cutting red tape"
35. "Building back better"
36. "Fiscal cliff"
37. "A crossroads in our history"
38. "Out-of-touch elites"
39. "Taking bold action"
40. "The power of the people"
41. "No one left behind"
42. "Government overreach"
43. "Taking on big government"
44. "A brighter tomorrow"
45. "We need to fight for" [insert vague issue]
46. "America is a beacon of hope"
47. "Standing up for the little guy"
48. "Protecting our way of life"
49. "We are stronger together"
50. "Our founding principles"

Expanded Drinking and Drug-Based Participation Rules:

Drinking Rules:

• Single Sip: Each time a predictable phrase is used.
• Double Sip: If the speaker uses two clichés in one sentence.
• Shot: If three or more clichés appear in a single sentence.
• Finish Your Drink: When a speaker uses two or more of the ultimate clichés in quick succession:
  • "The American Dream" and "The greatest country in the world".
  • "Drain the swamp" and "Radical agenda".

Drug-Based Participation:
For those who prefer non-alcoholic methods of participation (e.g., cannabis, edibles, etc.), here are some fun options:

• Single Hit/Edible Bite: Each time a cliché phrase is used.
• Double Hit: If a speaker combines two clichés in one sentence.
• Take a Bigger Hit: If a speaker delivers a triple cliché sentence.
• Session Finish: When you hear the American Dream or "radical agenda" more than three times in the debate, or if someone uses "jobs, jobs, jobs" like it’s a magic wand.

Milder Drug Participation (Relaxation Focused):
For those using relaxing substances like tea, CBD, or something lighter, here’s a more calming alternative:

• Relaxing Sip or Puff: Whenever a cliché phrase is spoken.
• Deep Breath & Stretch: If a speaker says two clichés in a row.
• Short Meditation: Take a few seconds to chill every time someone says something truly ridiculous, like "fiscal cliff" or "radical agenda".
• Reflect on Life Choices: When a phrase like "at the end of the day" is repeated for the fifth time.

Extra Challenges:

• The Double Bingo Challenge: If you manage to get two BINGOs on the same card, everyone else playing must double their participation (whether drinking, smoking, or another method).
• The Total Nonsense Rule: If someone says something completely disconnected from the question asked, take an extra turn (or two!) of your chosen method.
• The Absurdity Bonus: Whenever you hear a candidate dodge a question with an irrelevant phrase, reward yourself with an extra indulgence.

Alternative Participation:

Not everyone wants to drink or smoke during these games, so here’s an alternative:

• Bite of a Snack: Each time a cliché is used, enjoy a bite of your favorite snack (chips, candy, whatever you like).
• Water Hydration Challenge: For every predictable phrase, take a sip of water. Stay hydrated and see if you can outlast the buzzword onslaught without getting bloated!
• Stretch Break: Every time a speaker uses two clichés in one sentence, do a quick stretch to keep yourself active during the debate.
• Cheer or Boo: Each time you hear a particularly absurd or nonsensical phrase, cheer or boo at the screen.

Political Debate BINGO Scoring Sheet & Tracker

This scoring sheet allows you to track your BINGO progress and participation in either the drinking game or non-drinking alternative during the debate. Use this sheet to follow along, track phrases, and score yourself or your group.

Player Information:

BINGO Tracker:

Fill in your BINGO card as you go. When you hear a phrase or cliché, check it off in the corresponding box below!

Participation Tracker:

Track how many sips, hits, bites, or actions you’re taking as the debate unfolds! Each entry corresponds to the phrases or buzzwords checked off your BINGO card.

Total Actions Tally:

Track your total number of sips, hits, or bites during the debate to see how deep into the game you are. The more clichés you hear, the higher your total will be!

Bonus Tracker:

Record any special events from the extra challenges (e.g., hearing multiple clichés in one sentence or dodging questions):

End of Game Recap:

At the end of the debate, score yourself based on your BINGO and participation:

• BINGO Rows Completed:

  • Horizontal: ___
  • Vertical: ___
  • Diagonal: ___

• Total Sips/Actions:

  • ---

• Bonus Challenges Hit:

  • ---

• Overall Winner (if playing with a group):

  • ---

Optional Group Play Rules:

• First to BINGO: The first player to get a BINGO makes all other players take an extra action (sip, hit, or bite).
• Double BINGO: If a player gets two BINGOs, they can pass their next action to another player.
• Wildcard: If someone hears a particularly absurd or irrelevant phrase, the group can vote to add an extra action for everyone.