The Pundit Cup

On Friday it will be a battle of the Professional Left! The Pundit Cup–powered by The Franklin Forum, Social Security Works and ProgressiveVoices–brings together pundits for some old-fashioned fun, talking politics for sport. Progressive talkers will square off against “conservative” gadflies and each other in a tournament culminating in a raucous, possibly drunken, championship showdown. Did I mention the $500 cash prize they’re competing for, and the open bar for you?

Round 1 takes place between 1 and 3 pm. Format: 16 pundits will square off against the host, one on one. Pundit picks between two topics. Host interviews 1st pundit, then 2nd pundit, and decides who wins and moves ahead.

Round 2 takes place between 4 and 4:45 pm, and importantly the bar opens. Format: 8 pundits will square off against the host, one on one. Pundit picks between two topics. Host interviews 1st pundit, then 2nd pundit, and decides who wins and moves ahead.

Round 3 takes place between 4:45 and 5:15 pm. Format: 4 pundits remain! Host with Pundit and strong “Conservative Guest” played by John Neffinger. Pundit picks between two topics. Host does interview with 1st pundit and John, then 2nd pundit and John, and the judges decide who wins and moves ahead.

Final round starts at 5:15 pm. Format: 2 Pundits remain! Host with Pundit and aggressive “Conservative Guest” played by John Neffinger. Host’s choice on a tricky, topical subject. Host does interview with 1st pundit and John, then 2nd pundit and John, and the judges decide who wins The Pundit Cup!