Barely a day goes by without hearing at least one person complain about the current state of American politics. Canned speeches, compromised platforms, bloated budgets; all serve to separate us from those who claim to represent our best interest. Why then, when the ADA and University Synagogue joined forces to bring a truly genuine senatorial debate between Medea Benjamin and Tom Campbell, the Green party and Republican candidates for Senate, didn't anyone come? Do we assume there is no honest debate left? Or is it more fundamental: have we become so numb that we simply cease to care?

Fortunately, for the 50 or so people in attendance, the evening gave an all too rare glimpse of what democracy could and should look like. The candidates both gave the impression that their views, sometimes surprisingly similar, other times more predictably divergent, were heartfelt and sincere and their responses unrehearsed. Unfortunately, Diane Feinstein, the Democratic nominee and the frontrunner in the race, chose not to participate (for probable reasons, see paragraph one).

Among the agreed upon topics was the current situation in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine (a potentially volatile issue, given the venue) and the United States' role of support in that conflict. Ms. Benjamin stated, "I firmly believe the security of Israel depends on the independence of Palestine." She went on to say, "US aid to Israel should be conditioned (as it should be conditioned anywhere in the world) on basic human rights...including the rights of the Arabs living in Israel." Mr. Campbell echoed the statement by saying it was essential that "the US recognize a country called Palestine -- The world recognize a country called Palestine." His perception on US involvement was more restrictive. He suggests, "Economic assistance to the state of Israel is...overdue to be terminated."

Other accordant concerns included lifting humanitarian sanctions in Iraq, support for the United Nations and a woman's right to choose.

The two disagreed on a number of issues including the death penalty, Ms. Benjamin looking for a "moratorium" and Mr. Campbell indicating "there are...situations where it is appropriate"; military spending, Ms. Benjamin suggesting it's time "for severe cuts in the military," Mr. Campbell stating he was "hesitant to cut below where we presently are, given the sorts of threats that we have"; and NAFTA, the Green party candidate challenging it had been "devastating for North America" and the Republican that "It had been beneficial to all three (US, Mexico and Canada)."

They would both like to see the IMF abolished, but don't see eye to eye on the WTO and the World Bank. Ms. Benjamin said, "These organizations are inherently wrong. They are in the hands of trade people who are beholden to multi-national corporations...I would like to see an end to them." Mr. Campbell countered with "I do not look at what happened in Seattle and Prague as beneficial...the IMF has long outlived its usefulness, but the World Bank still does some good. I would try to use the WTO rather than abolish it." They both concur on the need to wipe out third world debt.

The most exciting and spontaneous moment of the evening came when they were asked about their views on RU486, the abortion pill. Mr. Campbell, one of the few vocal pro-choice Republicans, gave his support. Ms. Benjamin followed with "I would only add...if we didn't have so many white men in Congress and the Senate this would probably not be an issue." The Congressman smiled and said "I cannot let that pass...you should never judge people on their race or gender." Ms. Benjamin replied, "Women represent over 50% of the population. We should be over 50% of the people in the Congress and Senate." In addition, she added, "People of color are now very soon to be a majority in this country and they, too, should be represented according to their numbers in the population, and they are not." Mr. Campbell fired back, "If women vote for men, then men should be in office. If men vote for women, then women should be in office. The point is individuals should choose and we should not impose judgment based on race or gender." Ms. Benjamin played the final card with, "And if you have a system where you have to be a millionaire in order to run and win for office, then you're going to get a lot of rich, white men running and winning." They seemed to enjoy it at much as we did.

Heated, playful, ardent and direct; such was the range Thursday night. Unfortunately, neither of these candidates are likely to win the seat for which they were debating. But, if candidates like these stick around long enough, more than 50 people are likely to take notice.