The Idaho Republican Party, which is hosting four debate-watch parties around the state tonight for the first face-off between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, is reporting unprecedented interest. “Here in Boise, over 300 people RSVP’d,” said party spokesman David Johnston. “We did these for the presidential primary and we got 100, I think, at most.”

The Republicans are partnering with KIDO radio host Kevin Miller for their debate watch party tonight at Dave & Buster’s in Boise. Their others are in Moscow at 174 S. Main St.; in Lewiston at 1029 S. Main St.; and at a private home in Hailey; email here for more info.

The Idaho Democratic Party isn't holding a debate-watch party, but the the Hillary Clinton for Idaho campaign is. It’s set for Powderhaus Brewing Co., 9719 W Chinden Blvd. in Garden City. Another is set for the North Idaho College Student Union Building in Coeur d'Alene.

Johnston said he’s even heard from apolitical friends that they’re planning to watch tonight’s debate; one told him he’s hosting a debate watch party because “friends don’t let friends watch this debate alone.”

The debate starts at 7 p.m. Boise time. It will air live on multiple TV stations and also will be streamed live on the internet. The 90-minute debate, with no breaks, will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Tens of millions of people are expected to watch.