Since 1924, Harry’s Bar has organized a fake vote at each American presidential election, the “straw vote”. On October 31, the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz duo won at Harry’s Bar with 302 votes cast against 265 for the Donald Trump/J.D Vance ticket.
Even a little drunk – and God knows the risk exists at Harry’s – the customers behave properly. Angelo, one of the bartenders assures us: no fights have been reported so far between the political opponents. And no one has called each other “scum”, unlike the debate across the Atlantic.
According to a press release from Harry’s Bar, the “straw vote” would prove to be just as reliable (if not more so!) than the polling institutes. Indeed, this fictitious election is often right, compared to the real vote of American citizens: since 1924, there have only been three errors: in 1976, 2004 and 2016. And even then… because the system of electors in each state blurs the reality of the result of the vote in the USA. Clearly, a Republican can be elected while a majority of Americans voted Democrat. It should also be noted that for a long time, Americans living in Paris seem to have a more Democratic than Republican leaning.
In the meantime, Angelo is responsible for verifying the American nationality of customers wishing to vote. The bar’s ballot box is counted every Friday. The final result of the “straw vote” will be known during a big Parisian evening which, this year, takes place on Tuesday, November 5.
For each election, a cocktail is specially created to represent each of the two candidates. This year, the Trumpet and Kamala Harry’s Bar will be in the spotlight!
Harry’s Bar, a Parisian institution since 1911 owned by the same family for 4 generations
“Let’s say you line up shoulder to shoulder everyone who has been to Harry’s New York Bar. They would probably reach a point quite far away. And if you could calculate the amount of alcohol consumed and the number of words spoken in this place, you would then have the beginning of the history of Harry’s. » article from the Chicago Daily News (1934)
A cocktail bar “traditionally inventive”
Since 1924, the MacElhone family has held the reins of this legendary bar. Harry handed over the reins to Andrew who then passed them on to Duncan. Today, it is run with a new impetus by Franz-Arthur, Harry’s great-grandson, who was born like him on June 16th… 98 years later!
Harry’s Bar
5 Rue Daunou
Paris, 75002 France
