Energized by the turnout for its nation-wide rally on Saturday, members of the pan-blue camp expressed optimism yesterday over the alliance's chances in the presidential election.
"Many of the marchers came voluntarily to take part in the marches and rallies. There is, therefore, a high probability these people will turn out to vote [for the alliance,]" said PFP Legislator Pang Chien-kuo (龐建國), who doubles as the KMT-PFP alliance's spokesman.
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
On Saturday, the blue camp staged a series of marches across the nation protesting against President Chen Shui-bian (
The events climaxed when the alliance's presidential candidate, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
Shortly before that, Lien's running mate, PFP Chairman James Soong (
"Judging by the reaction of former president Lee Teng-hui (
Pang was referring to remarks made by Lee who, during the DPP's campaign rally in Kaohsiung on Saturday night, criticized Lien's and Soong's kissing the ground gesture as insincere.
"If the effect [of the kissing gestures] was not great, Lee would have taken it lightly instead of solemnly criticizing it during the campaign rally," Pang said.
In response to criticism from the green camp that his kissing gesture was only for show, Lien said that Chen "has no style"
"My problem today is that my opponent has no style," he said.
More than a million people participated in the blue camp's marches on Saturday.
PFP Legislator Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) said he believed these people will vote for Lien and Soong and hand them victory on Saturday.
"The overwhelming support shown by people in the 313 Rally not only boosts the candidacy of the Lien-Soong ticket but has also consolidated the pan-blue camp's basic voting base," Liu said.
"The success of the event has a positive influence on the Lien-Soong ticket's electoral outlook as it provides an impetus for undecided voters who have in the past shied away from showing sides in public to come out and support Lien and Soong," Liu said.
KMT Vice Chairman Wu Po-hsiung (
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