With his views on abortion, sexual orientation, and the potential war on Iraq, U.S. House candidate Ron Greer found the liberal audience at Memorial Union Theater to be rather unfriendly as he met incumbent Tammy Baldwin for debate Tuesday night.

What Dr. Joel Rogers, as moderator, predicted would be a great event, turned into hissing, booing, snickering and loud criticism at Greer’s expense. Despite continuous warnings from Rogers, the audience also burst into loud applause again and again in response to both candidates’ comments. Greer, unabashed, chuckled and laughed throughout the event.

Jason Davis, vice chair of the Student Services Finance Committee, also co-moderated the event, which was hosted by the Vote 2002 Coalition.

In his opening comments, Greer said, “I love the enthusiasm of this campus area.” In explaining his candidacy, he said, “It grows out of my desire to serve people — to serve them with honesty and integrity.”

Baldwin also spoke to her love for the students and campus, saying, “My election was the consequence of a youthquake.”

On the question of loans and grants to students, Greer spoke in support of more prepaid college funds and scholarship funds. However, using the example of his son, Greer said, “He’s required to get a job and do work.” Baldwin expressed concerns over student loans and worried, “The current Republican budget is not going to change the situation.”

When asked by Rogers about today’s students possibly not receiving Social Security benefits in the future, Greer also did not mince words.

“Social Security is a system that’s unfair, especially to young black males. Giving people private ownership of their account is the only way to save Social Security.”

Baldwin partially agreed but added, “Social Security is expected to be solvent through 2041; I think that’s plenty of time to find a solution. Privatizing would be a big step backward.”

The issue of a potential war with Iraq drew some of Greer’s strongest comments. “Saddam Hussein is indeed a threat,” he said.

Using the analogy of a small boy who has his lunch money taken away from him every day while waiting for someone to stick up for him, Greer proposed immediate action.

“What’s enough evidence?” he asked, “A mushroom cloud over New York? People dying like roaches in the street?”

Baldwin proposed more moderate action with inclusion of the United Nations and American allies.

Stem-cell research was also discussed and supported by Baldwin. Saying that she was wary of what happens in research when public funding isn’t included, the congresswoman called for broader embryonic-research funding.

Comparing the research to Nazi Third Reich experiments, Greer vehemently disagreed. “We have the ability to reach those answers with what we have, not by killing new life.”

The question-and-answer session following the debate was marked with a wide variety of questions, many aimed specifically at Greer.

Sparks flew at one point as a student asked the candidates about the justice of denying student loans based on drug convictions. As Greer chuckled while the question was asked, the student yelled, “I don’t think it’s that funny, Mr. Greer.” On the issue, Baldwin said, “Once someone has paid their price, they ought to have an opportunity.”

Greer, however, said, “If you don’t want to lose your loan, act responsibly.”

Audience reactions were largely in favor of Baldwin after the event. “She’s so real. She’s such a strong person,” said onlooker Karen Oftedahl. “It just shows that as long as someone looks at issues in a rational light, they can make someone like Mr. Greer look ridiculous.”

Ben Reiman strongly disagreed. “The students owe Mr. Greer an apology; this whole event was ridiculous. I think they all need to get off the island and see what life’s like in the real world.” Reiman went on to say, “They’ll probably agree with him once they get their degree.”

After the debate, the Vote 2002 Coalition worked to register audience members to vote. Anita Bertram, the coalition’s coordinator, said, “It’s great to see candidates acknowledge student power and address our issues.”