Washington, D.C., a city synonymous with political debate and contrasting ideologies, recently witnessed a unique experiment in bipartisan camaraderie go awry. Political Pattie’s, a bar launched with the vision of fostering dialogue across party lines, closed its doors after just 75 tumultuous days. The saga of Political Pattie’s is a fascinating reflection on political polarization, social dynamics, and business challenges in the nation’s capital.
A Bar with Big Aspirations and Even Bigger Challenges
Political Pattie’s was not your typical watering hole. Owned by Drew Benbow, a Republican lawyer, and Sydney Bradford, a Democrat from the health-tech sector, the bar aimed to be a neutral ground for political discourse. From its inception, the idea was ambitious: a bipartisan-themed establishment where people could engage in civil conversations while sipping on cocktails like the “Gerrymander Martini” or the “Filibuster Fuzz.”
Housed in a space that previously belonged to an LGBTQ+ bar, the venue’s exterior bore symbols of both major political parties—a Republican elephant and a Democratic donkey—alongside the slogan “Putting the ‘lit’ back in politics.” However, this symbolic attempt at unity triggered a backlash that the owners hadn’t anticipated.
The Backlash: Politics Meets Social Media Vitriol
Even before its official opening, Political Pattie’s became a lightning rod for criticism on social media. The sight of the Republican elephant stirred anger among many locals, particularly in a city dominated by Democratic voters. Critics accused the bar of being “tone-deaf” and labeled it a “Republican bar,” despite the owners’ bipartisan intentions. Some even called for a boycott, accusing the establishment of alienating marginalized communities.
In one instance, a passerby reportedly reacted with horror at the sight of the bar’s exterior. The red doors, part of the color scheme intended to balance red and blue, were also criticized. According to Bradford, this vitriol was deeply disheartening, particularly because the critics seemed unaware that the owners—a Black couple—had met at an HBCU and were committed to fostering inclusivity.
The Struggle to Attract Customers
While social media backlash certainly played a role, the bar faced other hurdles as well. Located in an upscale part of town known for sophisticated dining options, Political Pattie’s struggled to resonate with its target audience. The kitschy decor, featuring presidential lecterns, novelty gavels, and framed photos of political figures, gave the bar a touristy vibe that clashed with the neighborhood’s cosmopolitan image.
Efforts to win over critics, including repainting the exterior and removing the controversial elephant and donkey symbols, failed to make a significant impact. Even free beer promotions couldn’t draw in patrons. The bar’s failure to establish itself as a local favorite ultimately led to its closure.
From Hospitality to Advocacy: A New Chapter
Despite their disappointment, Benbow and Bradford decided to pivot their mission. They announced plans to transform Political Pattie’s into a SuperPAC aimed at promoting political civility. Their goal is to identify and support candidates who demonstrate a willingness to work across party lines. By moving from hospitality to advocacy, the duo hopes to make a meaningful impact on the national political landscape.
The Broader Implications for Washington and Beyond
The story of Political Pattie’s underscores a larger issue: the deepening divide in American society. In Washington, a city that prides itself on being a melting pot of ideas and cultures, the failure of a bipartisan bar is a sobering reminder of the challenges of fostering unity in an increasingly polarized world.
Benbow and Bradford’s experience also highlights the limits of traditional bipartisanship. As the owners discovered, simply creating a space for dialogue isn’t enough. To bring people together, businesses and initiatives need to offer something compelling—whether it’s a shared passion, a unique experience, or a common cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Political Pattie’s close down?
Political Pattie’s closed due to a combination of social media backlash, lack of customer interest, and the failure to establish itself as a profitable business. The bar’s bipartisan theme alienated both sides of the political spectrum, and its kitschy decor failed to attract the sophisticated clientele of its neighborhood.
2. What was the mission behind Political Pattie’s?
The bar aimed to create a neutral ground where people of different political affiliations could engage in civil conversations. The owners hoped to promote bipartisanship and unity in a city often divided by politics.
3. How did the owners respond to criticism?
In response to criticism, the owners repainted the bar’s exterior, removed the elephant and donkey symbols, and emphasized their commitment to inclusivity. However, these efforts were not enough to overcome the negative perceptions surrounding the establishment.
4. What are the owners planning to do now?
The owners, Drew Benbow and Sydney Bradford, plan to launch a SuperPAC focused on promoting political civility. They aim to support candidates who demonstrate a willingness to work across party lines.
5. What lessons can be learned from Political Pattie’s story?
The key takeaway is that fostering unity requires more than good intentions. Successful initiatives need to offer a compelling reason for people to come together, whether through shared interests or unique experiences. The story also highlights the challenges of navigating political and social dynamics in a polarized society.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Bridging Divides
The rise and fall of Political Pattie’s is a poignant illustration of the complexities of bridging political divides. While the bar’s failure may seem like a defeat, it also serves as a lesson in resilience and adaptation. By shifting their focus to advocacy, Benbow and Bradford demonstrate that even in the face of setbacks, there are opportunities to make a difference.
In a world increasingly divided along ideological lines, the story of Political Pattie’s reminds us of the importance of finding common ground—not just in politics, but in every aspect of our lives.