The televised debate between the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential hopefuls was an expression of the party's ideals of democracy and progress. The debate's transparency and openness allowed supporters to gain an understanding of the ideals, methods, styles and personal conduct of the four hopefuls -- former premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷), DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) and Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌).
They all have their own distinctive advantages, they all surpass former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and, at least on the issue of identifying with Taiwan, they stand in sharp contrast to Ma. While it is saddening that some incidents have happened in the course of campaigning, this should not mask their achievements.
Last autumn's social unrest caused by protesters calling for President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to step down sparked a crisis for the government and made an indelible impression on pan-green camp supporters. Despite their love for the nation and support for democracy, they were accused of supporting a corrupt government. Some of the accusers came from the pan-green camp, which made the accusations sting even more. As a result, pan-green supporters now attach much importance to both legislative and presidential hopefuls' performance under stress as well as their crisis management skills.
While Taiwan was facing political tensions and an administrative deadlock as a result of the anti-Chen campaign, on Sept. 16 the Taiwan Society, with Yu in attendance, stabilized the political situation among grassroots DPP supporters.
Then, in the year-end Taipei mayoral elections, Hsieh responded to calls from the DPP and made a carefully planned run for the Taipei mayorship, while Yu went to Kaohsiung to help DPP mayoral candidate Chen Chu (陳菊), making good use of Hsieh's legacy.
In addition, DPP Legislator Kuan Bi-ling (
Following the elections, the president and Su began a push to change the names of state-run companies, which has focused politics on national identity and highlighted the differences between the fundamental values of the blue and green camps.
The DPP appears to have stabilized and the crisis seems to have passed. Some believed all along that this would happen, while others doubted it until it happened. Those who unsuccessfully did the the pro-unification camp's bidding during the crisis by trying to kick the party when it was down, but who are now trying to get on the party's legislator-at-large list to guarantee a legislative seat are -- politely put -- ignorant and blinded by self-interest.
There is, of course, no difference between always having cared for the country or having begun to do so later, but the public knows whether someone has been consistent or if they have wavered back and forth. We need a president and other representatives who are capable of facing a future crisis calmly, rather than becoming exasperated and unable to differentiate between friend and foe.
Politics are cruel and dirty. Let us hope that this country's kind and gentle people can spread some of their warmth to the politicians and teach them the meaning of compassion and justice.
Paul Lin is a political commentator based in Taipei.
Translated by Lin Ya-ti
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