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Taipei voters unlikely to be swayed by televised mayoral debate, analysts say

A televised debate over the Taipei City mayoral election yesterday afternoon was a positive example of democracy, but will not have much influence on the final result of the Dec. 7 contest, analysts said.

"Both candidates, the incumbent mayor, Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), and the DPP's Lee Ying-yuan (李應元), demonstrated their genuine attitude and good manners which set a model for the public ? but the debate will not make much of a difference," said Hu Yu-wei (胡幼偉), a professor at National Taiwan Normal University's Graduate Institute of Mass Communications.

Following the two candidates' performances on TV, Hu said both men exhibited nobility, but added Lee might benefit more from the debate than Ma.

"As a challenger, Lee obtained an opportunity go on a level playing field with Ma to talk about his policies and introduce himself to Taipei City citizens," Hu said.

However, according to Hu, there would not be a dramatic change in terms of voters' opinions.

"TV debates usually confirm voters' opinions while having limited influence on undecided voters," Hu said.

Shih Cheng-feng (施正鋒), an associate professor at Tamkang University, said Lee got a better chance to demonstrate his characteristics, as in the past he stood under the shadow of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

Wong Seng-lee (翁興利), a public policy expert at National Taipei University, agreed that TV debate only has a critical impact in a neck-and-neck race.

"With Ma and Lee this is not the case," Wong said.

Recent polls conducted by various agencies show that Ma has a large lead over Lee.

In terms of debating skills, Emile Sheng (盛治仁), a political science professor at Soochow University, said Ma appeared to be more familiar with debating techniques than Lee.

However, Sheng said Lee showed appropriate affinity and friendliness.

"Taipei citizens should now know more about him [Lee] via this debate," Sheng said.

In terms of policy, Sheng said it is unfortunate that Lee didn't maintain his focus while questioning Ma.

"The best strategy in the TV debate is to focus on only one or two issues while defending yourself in all aspects. Lee mentioned too many issues, which risks losing the audience's attention," according to Sheng.

"He should focus on Taipei citizens' concerns over Ma's bad management when dealing with serious damage caused by typhoons last year or transportation issues. However, it is a pity that he did not focus his attack on such matters but instead talked about national identity again in his conclusion," Sheng said.

In contract, Sheng praised Ma's strategy of trying to fight a decent election battle and refusing to bad-mouth his opponent.

Sheng also faulted the candidates for spending too much time talking about Taipei's Sungshan Airport.

"Whether to move the airport or use it as a base for direct cross-strait flights is not a decision made by a mayor. The central government has the final say," Sheng said.

Lee had proposed moving the airport and building a park in its place. Ma, however, said he would push for direct cross-strait flights from the airport should he win a second term.
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