But Terry also noted that BMF members were impressed by Mahan’s grasp on the organizational structure of the council.

“What it basically comes down to is, can Byrd learn on the job,” he said, adding that the BMF has not yet endorsed a candidate.

Both candidates also took the chance yesterday to reflect on the tenure of the man they hope to succeed, current council President Rohit Chopra ’04.

Responding to a laundry list of projects Mahan cited involvement in, Byrd said the council has been essentially a one-man show under Chopra.

“Rohit doesn’t trust anyone on the council...No one else has done nothing,” Byrd said.

Later in the meeting, Mahan agreed in part.

“I trust the people around me, and I don’t think Rohit has done that effectively,” Mahan said.

But Mahan added that he thought Chopra was effective nonetheless.

At Kirkland House, Mahan expanded on the themes he had touched on with the BMF, outlining with running mate Blickstead a platform based around improving Harvard’s social and academic environment.

“My mission for next year is to make this a really strong community,” Mahan said.

Mahan said he and Blickstead would want the council to be an effective advocate for students in dealings with the College administration. He cited improved mental health services, financial aid and advising as important priorities.

On a smaller scale, among Mahan’s proposals was a campus-wide keg returning service, which would eliminate the need for individual trips back to Blanchard’s liquors in Allston on Sunday mornings.

Both Mahan and Blickstead said they were pleased with the turnout at last night’s rally, which was capped by cheers of “M&M” for Mike and Matt.

—Staff writer Ebonie D. Hazle can be reached at hazle@fas.harvard.edu.