"What the U.C. needs to do is make sure its president is a student leader," he said.

Plants said the president needs to be visible on campus--going to plays and dances to set a social tone for the campus at large. He also questioned whether Darling would make an effective campus leader.

"Kamil asked about how he would be the student body president instead of the U.C. president, and all he mentioned was U.C. reform," Plants said.

Yesterday's 50-minute debate was the first time that candidates questioned each other's platforms and positions, and at least one candidate found the experience healthy for students and the campaign.

"When you get people who are entrenched in their beliefs, and then you question those beliefs things that were deeper in their platforms start to come out," Driskell said.

After the presidential debate, Loker emptied out, and the vice presidential contenders spoke to an audience of about eight people.

"I hope everyone out there, like, all five of you, will vote," said Katie E. Tenney '01.

The vice-presidential debate, which lasted only 25 minutes, had candidates clarifying the role that the vice president would assume if elected.