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Chen's new way of going public

In an attempt to appeal to the public and control the rhythm of the next month's legislative elections, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) published a book entitled The Premier Voyage of the Century (世紀首航). At the book-release press conference, Chen explained his motives for writing the book, which records his thoughts during the 500 days following Taiwan's first-ever transition of power. He emphasized that the book is a way of communicating with the public.

Judging by what Chen has done in the past few weeks to draw public attention, the use of this "presidential card" in the campaign has successfully captured the media focus and left the opposition foaming at the mouth.

Prior to the press conference, the Presidential Office released excerpts of the book in a bid to spark public debate. Chen then gave TV interviews to respond to criticism of his well-timed publication of the book.

In addition, a government ad released by the Ministry of Justice last week, Chen called on the voters to eliminate vote buying and "black gold" (黑金) politics.

Chen has been everywhere. He has made the December election so "presidential" because, of course, he wants a DPP legislative majority after Dec. 1. In short, Chen is exhibiting a new kind of presidential leadership.

In the face of endless boycotts by the opposition and a hostile media environment, Chen has no choice but to appeal to the public in his own way. Going public is the best means through which he could garner grassroots support.

Going to the public can take a variety of forms from formal, such as an inaugural speech or press conference to casual activities such as travel and informal appearances.

Obviously Chen and his team have developed a variety of ways of going public.

Despite criticism from the opposition over Chen's lack of concrete plans to resume a cross-strait dialogue and rejuvenate Taiwan's sluggish economy, the president invited people from the opposition alliance to take part in the Economic Development

Advisory Conference, during which 322 consensuses were reached.

Chen also won support by extending an olive branch of goodwill to Beijing. The Executive Yuan has officially announced the abolishment of the "no haste, be patient" policy (戒急用忍) on cross-strait investment and replaced it with "active opening, effective management" (積極開放, 有效管理). Chen's approval rating has increased from 39 percent in March to over 50 percent today.

Chen's ability to maintain a peaceful and stable cross-strait environment has won international praise, despite the lack of a domestic consensus on cross-strait policy. Here too, Chen has applied the strategy of "going to the public" so well that he has successfully created for himself the image of a responsible and rational leader.

When the administration was criticized by the opposition as the "new kids on the block" and for failing to move onto the "right track," Chen stepped out and called for the public to make the DPP the largest party in the legislature. Making use of his popularity, therefore, constitutes one of the most effective strategies to counteract opposition pressure.

Unfortunately, going public alone will not win the approaching battle between the new government and the Legislative Yuan. Chen must also use the bargaining power of the presidency to win support from the legislature. In this regard, Chen must develop a mechanism to coordinate his own policy blueprints with the Cabinet and persuade the legislature to accept his offer after the formation of a coalition government. And ultimately, he must fulfill his campaign promises.

Chen must understand that he bears a heavier burden than his predecessors simply because he is the first non-KMT national leader. As Taiwan heads toward a new stage of democratic consolidation, the public will likely become more critical of politicians' morality as well as their performance. The art of going to the public encompasses much more than simply embracing the people but even more importantly, fulfilling the public's expectations.

Liu Kuan-teh is a Taipei-based political commentator.
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