Inside the NYC Members' Club Where Political Rivals Mingle
The Bench offers a rare space for ideological opposites to watch election results together.
1A Neutral Political Hub
The Bench, a members' club in Lower Manhattan, serves as a unique gathering spot for political outsiders and enthusiasts. Founded two years ago by Michka Bengio, the venue hosts diverse crowds ranging from policy nerds to creatives. It provides a physical space where individuals with conflicting ideologies can coexist and engage in dialogue.
2Curating Political Tension
Owner Michka Bengio actively designs programming that highlights political friction, such as hosting watch parties for opposing candidates. By placing CNN and Fox News broadcasts in adjacent rooms, he encourages guests to interact in the hallway. This setup forces attendees to confront perspectives that differ significantly from their own established political bubbles.
3Diverse Membership Base
The club attracts a wide spectrum of attendees, including Republican strategists, Democratic councilmembers, and various political organizers. Members like David Azoulay, who works with conservative groups, frequently mingle with progressive activists. This environment allows for spontaneous debates on topics like socialism, creating a rare cross-partisan social experience in modern American politics.
4The Founder's Vision
Michka Bengio, a French-born entrepreneur, manages The Bench alongside other ventures like the supper club Shtick. His motivation stems from a belief in the American promise of coexistence and civil debate. Despite his central role in facilitating these high-stakes political gatherings, Bengio remains coy about his own personal political affiliations.
5Historical Political Artifacts
The club is decorated with an eclectic collection of political and sports memorabilia curated by Bengio. Displays include a portable Florida voting booth from the 2000 election, Richard Nixon campaign dresses, and rare issues of George magazine. These items serve as conversation starters, grounding the modern political discussions in a tangible historical context.
6Networking Beyond Partisanship
Attendees often include high-profile figures, such as social media strategists and tech-adjacent professionals like Max Altman. The club functions as a networking space where professional interests overlap with personal curiosity. Guests frequently check election results on their phones while debating ideas, blending the intensity of professional politics with a casual social atmosphere.
7The Need for Dialogue
Visitors like Josef Palermo, a former Kennedy Center curator, argue that such spaces are essential for national health. He suggests that Washington D.C. suffers from extreme ideological segregation, making neutral venues like The Bench vital. By removing political interference, the club aims to reaffirm the value of free speech and open expression.
8Coexistence as a Goal
While some members remain skeptical of political efficacy, they value the club for its ability to bring together buzzy, interesting people. The Bench represents a desire for a New York City where diverse ideas and lifestyles can coexist. It serves as a small-scale experiment in maintaining civility within a deeply polarized political climate.
Original article: GQ — Inside the NYC Members' Club Where Political Rivals Mingle