Danny Adlerman (l-r), Max Mintz, Don Siegel and Dvd Avins discuss the issues of the day with a left-leaning slant at the June 24 meeting of Drinking Liberally at Hailey’s Harp and Pub in Metuchen. JACK MURTHA/STAFF Political discussions have for years arisen from pint glasses of beer in dimly lit taverns. Members of the Metuchen chapter of Drinking Liberally continue that tradition on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Hailey’s Harp and Pub on Main Street. There, conversations among left-leaning individuals can range anywhere from state government to broader political philosophies.
At the group’s June 24 rendezvous, about 10 people gathered to indulge in craft beer, chicken wings and, of course, political banter. But Danny Adlerman, a chapter cofounder, said the point of the get-togethers is for individuals to challenge their views and examine every side of the issues at hand.
“It has nothing to do with necessarily pushing an agenda. The organization does not endorse people,” Adlerman said. “It really was just to establish a safe zone. And to that end, at this group, all opinions are welcomed.”
In the past, the Drinking Liberally chapter has hosted libertarians and conservatives at their table in the backroom of Hailey’s, Adlerman said. As long as different thinkers come willing to list the reasons for their opinions, the discussions remain respectful and interesting, he said.
“We want and expect you to be able to defend and explain your opinions,” Adlerman added. “We’ve had libertarians at this table more than once, and that’s really fun because a third of the time, we agree with each other.”
Don Siegel, a member of the group, said the same rule applies to liberals who attend the events. Although they sometimes agree on far-reaching matters such as marriage equality, feeding the hungry and corporate responsibility, Adlerman said the “big tent” of the Democratic Party still provides room for divergent thoughts.
That was on display during after-dinner talks at the gathering. Attendees voiced support for several candidates who are running in the Democratic primary election for the seat of the now-deceased U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
“You talk to five liberals and you get seven opinions,” Siegel said.
Chitchat also touched on the government’s phone and email surveillance program, the effectiveness of voting and the TV show “The West Wing.” The group does not act to change policy or place certain individuals in elected office, according to member Max Mintz. Instead, the assemblies serve as a chance to hang out and simply shoot the breeze.
“This isn’t as much about being effective as it is about the community we’ve made here and enjoying our time,” Mintz said. “It’s Monday night at the pub.”
But Adlerman said he would like to see local politicians from both parties join the bimonthly discussions.
“We invite them to come here and tell us what they believe and have a beer,” Adlerman said. “Nobody will grill them any more or any less than what we do to each other.”
Drinking Liberally is an offshoot of Living Liberally, with about 65,000 members in 42 states across the country, Adlerman said. Chapters first popped up in New York City and San Francisco during the presidency of George W. Bush, he said.
For those who have put the bottle down, the organization also includes Laughing Liberally, Eating Liberally, Reading Liberally and more.
To find out more about Drinking Liberally, visit livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/NJ/Metuchen.