From yoga parties to backyard brunches — and lots of booze — people across the country tuned in to watch the real-life Scandal-esque political showdown, as former FBI director James Comey testified about the president. The photos of Comey watch parties from around the United States offered an inside look at how Americans were handling the testimony.
On Thursday, Comey began his highly anticipated congressional testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about his encounters with President Donald Trump, who abruptly fired him in May. Comey's dismissal came in the wake of the FBI investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential elections. Since taking office, Trump's presidency has been mired in controversy, from an executive order banning refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries to his recent decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement. In the transcript released prior to the testimony, however, it was apparent that Comey's statements on his dealings with Trump are some of the most provocative developments of the presidency thus far.
In written testimony, Comey explained he was pressured by President Trump to offer his loyalty and back off the Russian investigation. And, people across the country were eagerly watching to see whether his statements could lay the grounds for his impeachment.
Politically savvy Americans from Michigan to North Carolina gathered, many with plenty of snacks in hand, to watch the show unfold. Here are photos of #ComeyDay from Twitter users across the country.
1
Bright And Early
#ComeyDay started early on the West Coast, with doughnuts, mimosas, and lots of caffeine.
2
Savory Snacks
This Twitter user feasted at his Comey Party — shout-out to whoever brought Girl Scout cookies for the occasion...
3
Comey Yoga
With all the craziness associated with the Trump administration, this watch party took some time for yoga and to embrace their zen side.
4
Long Lines
Many people hit the bars to watch the testimony. Bars across the country hosted viewing parties, and the lines were long.
5
Free Drinks
But at Union Pub in Washington, D.C., the lines were certainly worth it — free drinks were offered for every #TrumpTweet.
6
Tense Crowd
In some bars, like the Tattle Tale Room in Los Angeles, the mood was tense, as watchers sipped mimosas with their eyes glued to the screen.
7
No Leg Room
At other bars, like Duffy's Irish Pub in D.C., the party was packed.
8
Movie Theater Party
While in North Carolina, viewers sat back and relaxed at a dine-in theater.
9
Comey Covfefe Specials
At some parties, viewers brunched on Comey-inspired pub fare: the FBI breakfast, covfefe coffee, and, of course, vodka.
10
Spirited Drinks
Others sipped on frozen covfefe — with the ingredients described as "a secret only known to a few select and loyal people" — or a tasty, vodka-fueled impeachment.
11
And More Drinks...
Twitter users really like their covfefe-inspired concoctions...
12
Backyard Brunch
This Twitter user kept things more low-key: a leisurely backyard brunch with friends and mimosas.
13
Hardworking Watchers
This woman and her co-workers couldn't take the day off work, so they brought the watch party to the office.
14
Work Break
At Evergreen Partners in New Jersey, meetings were cancelled and snacks bought as employees took a break to watch the show.
15
An Educational Viewing
At Royal Oak High School in Michigan, this English teacher used the testimony as a teaching opportunity.
16
Comey And Cake
But out of all the #ComeyDay parties across the country, nothing beats how this Twitter user spent her morning: Comey and cake. Need we say more?
