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Editorial: Pan-blues' desperation is showing

Presidential elections in democratic countries are important tests of the candidates' characters. Unfortunately, presidential elections in this country have yet to rise about the level of mudslinging contests, with political parties and politicians appearing more interested in character assassination than policy proposals.

Such tactics are not without risks. Go too far and the accuser may lose his or her own credibility as well as votes. As renowned academic Liao Shu-tsung (廖述宗) said, the priority of presidential elections in democratic countries does not simply lie in each candidate's ability to run the country, but in his or her own character. Honesty and credibility are the most important characteristics. However, it seems that the pan-blue camp is at a loss about what to do in this year's election.

First, it surprisingly used remarks by Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲) in a TV ad without his permission. Lee issued a public protest and demanded the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)-People First Party (PFP) alliance immediately pull the ad. In another ad the alliance distorted a speech by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chang Chun-hung (張俊宏) at the Legislative Yuan, turning his criticism of KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) into an attack on President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). Chang was quick to condemn the spot.

Another example is the widespread media coverage of allegations against the government and the president by white-collar fugitive Chen Yu-hao (陳由豪). The fugitive tycoon, who has been hiding in China, has given exclusive interviews to certain media outlets and twice run newspaper advertisements of his open letters lambasting Chen, Chen's family and government officials. He has accused them of lying, corruption and taking bribes -- yet his so-called evidence has yet to be examined by experts.

How can Chen Yu-hao's self-serving claims be seen as anything more than a bid to sway the election and perhaps win a pardon if the pan-blue camp wins? This is a man who has been charged with embezzling NT$800 million from Tung Hua Development Corp and owes more than NT$23 billion to state-run banks. He has taken refuge in a country that harbors grave enmity against this nation and refuses to return home to face investigation. Why should anyone believe anything he says unless he is willing himself to stand up in court to face the charges against him?

Even if the accusations Chen Yu-hao has leveled are proven one day, the nation's judiciary is capable of taking action against any government official or citizen who commits crimes. Given concrete evidence, no one is above the law in this country, not even the president.

The pan-blue camp appears to have forgotten that what the voters care most about when it comes to presidential hopefuls is their personal character, particularly whether they are trustworthy. Perhaps they don't want to remember that it was the Chung Hsing Bills Finance embezzlement scandal that cost PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) the 2000 presidential election.

The pan-blue camp is running scared. It appears willing to stop at nothing -- from distortion to outright lies -- to attack the pan-green camp, while suffering from convenient amnesia when it comes to its own candidates' past actions and statements. Its fear is understandable -- if it loses this election, the KMT is history. The alliance's actions have been a disappointment to voters. They should respond accordingly come election day.
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