Beer, politics, and Democrats and Republicans coming together? That’s the premise of political consultant Wes Donehue’s new bi-partisan online webcast, Pub Politics. We want to give a nod to Wes and his show’s approach to politics. The show is hosted by Donehue, a Republican strategist, and Democrat Phil Bailey, who is Director of the State Democratic Caucus, with featured guests. Every week they meet at a local bar and discuss South Carolina politics, as well as national politics.

Although differing in their political views, Donehue and Bailey are actually good friends, and got the idea for the show while enjoying a few cold ones. “We were drinking beer, talking politics, and that’s how we got the idea for the show,” said Donehue. As South Carolina is known as a hotbed for partisan politics, Donehue and Bailey wanted to show that a political discussion could be civil. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats together in a unique, relaxed environment, the two hope to put the fun back into politics.

The idea seems to be paying off, as they’ve received attention from local news stations, and are gaining a growing audience. Guests on the show have included reporters, university professors, and local politicians from both political parties. The show is loosely outlined, following topics that are relevant to the guests. Donehue hopes that the show will encourage more civil discourse beyond Pub Politics.

Donehue has been involved with campaigns since he was 15 years old. He owns his own company, serves as the political director for the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus, and as new media consultant for the South Carolina Republican Party. He was recently named a 2010 Rising Star by Politics Magazine.

Watch the live version of the show, and view past episodes.