Merkel v. Schröder: Battle of the Beers?

The Bundespressestrand, a bar set in the shadow of the Reichstag, has decided to measure its patrons' thirst for change -- one beer at a time.

Two weeks ago, the beach-themed cafe on the river Spree began an unusual -- some might say uniquely German -- poll to predict the outcome of planned national elections.

Pick a tap, any tap

Called "Vote with Your Throat," the poll, sponsored by the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper, consists of two beer taps, each one decorated in honor one of an election candidate.

Planning to vote conservative? Then order a Merkel Pilsner (from the black tap.) Prefer to stick to the current regime? The point to the red tap for a Schröder Pilsner. The volume of beer poured is digitally measured, and published daily on the paper's Web site.

So far, the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD) is in the lead with 1,312 liters (346.5 gallons), a fact that head bartender Andre Belitz attributes to "Berliners anticipating the goodbye party for the SPD," he told the paper. He said many of those who ordered the Schröder Pilsner told him they were drinking it "to drown their illusions."

Supporters of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) on the other hand have so far only drunk 1,199 liters. But in the end, it all doesn't really seem too matter: A Merkel Pilsner and a Schröder Pilsner may come out of different taps, but they both pour the exact same beer.