Kittens make the presidential debate more civilized in Portland

Ok, that was pretty cute.

BDN Portland and Think Tank Coworking last night hosted another presidential debate-watching party — this time, with Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, which brought some much-needed “kitten therapy” for people who needed to take a break from the political battle playing out on the big screens.

The idea was to provide a place for Portlanders to watch an important political event, while also lightening the mood during an especially acrimonious and stressful election season.

That’s why the ARLGP brought nine kittens for people to play with. It seemed to help. 

“All is well in the world when there’s a kitten in your hand,” said Julia Bergquist, one of the roughly 100 people who showed up.

If you missed it, here’s the livestream from the kitten pen, AKA, the basket of adorables (sorry).

A kitten from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland relaxes at presidential debate-watching party sponsored by ThinkTank and BDN Portland Wednesday night. Kittens were brought in to help with stress management. Troy R. Bennett | BDN

A kitten from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland relaxes at presidential debate-watching party sponsored by ThinkTank and BDN Portland Wednesday night. Kittens were brought in to help with stress management. Troy R. Bennett | BDN

Colby Frederick (left) and Dave Atherton play with kittens from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland at a presidential debate-watching party sponsored by ThinkTank and BDN Portland Wednesday night. Kittens were brought in to help with stress management. Troy R. Bennett | BDN

Colby Frederick (left) and Dave Atherton play with kittens from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland at a presidential debate-watching party sponsored by ThinkTank and BDN Portland Wednesday night. Kittens were brought in to help with stress management. Troy R. Bennett | BDN

A kitten from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland peers over a woman's shoe at a presidential debate-watching party sponsored by ThinkTank and BDN Portland Wednesday night. Kittens were brought in to help with stress management. Troy R. Bennett | BDN

A kitten from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland peers over a woman’s shoe at a presidential debate-watching party sponsored by ThinkTank and BDN Portland Wednesday night. Kittens were brought in to help with stress management. Troy R. Bennett | BDN

Troy R. Bennett

About Troy R. Bennett

Troy R. Bennett is a Buxton native and longtime Portland resident whose photojournalism has appeared in media outlets all over the world.