Taiwanese are the winners
After twice viewing a video tape of the first presidential-election debate, I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Taiwan-ese people. Taiwan is a vibrant and energetic democracy and like Wu Fong-shan (吳豐山) said, this is a small step for both candidates, yet a huge stride for Taiwan. However, there is room for improvement.
Both candidates failed to clearly respond to many answers and even tried to avoid them totally and this is a problem. Due to the debate format and time constraint no follow-up questions could be asked by the person who asked the original question.
One could see many differences between the two candidates in terms of style, skills, philosophy and belief. Their handling of the sovereignty issue and understanding of the referendum was very different. Their interpretation of economic growth and educational reform was also different.
Their tone was sometimes combative and confrontational but that is the nature of a face-to-face debate. Even though they shook hands and patted each other on the back, the two men were jostling for the position of alpha male. Both speeches were civilized and, in some cases, personal. However, one was blunt and the other more subtle in terms of personal attacks.
The biggest problem was the audience. They should have been courteous and played no part in the proceedings. Their applause for the candidate they supported was a distraction.
Who was the winner? Who looked more presidential? Who fumbled? Who looked more relaxed and confident? For many, the answer will not be clear until the result of the March 20 ballot. For now, the winner is the Taiwanese people.
Yang Ji-charng
Columbus, Ohio
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