Politicians tend to take on a persona of someone who cares about the young generation to capture the votes of young people. This is why they often attend events at which they can interact with young voters. Speaking on college campuses is a common vote-seeking strategy.
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) recently spoke on a campus, where he was challenged by an undergraduate. He was asked whether it was appropriate to put China-born Xu Chunying (徐春鶯) on the TPP’s legislator-at-large list.
However, Ko gave no direct response and was even rude to the student, condescendingly asking them: “What are you on about?”
That was completely at odds with his crafted public persona.
Young people used to support Ko, because he was known as a straight talker, used to be a doctor and has said that he takes a rational approach in all things.
However, once young adults find other candidates who listen to them more carefully, they see Ko’s true colors, the Xu issue being a prime example.
Ko pretends to be a good friend with young people, but replies to questions as if he is giving lessons. He sets a clear age hierarchy when dealing with the younger generation, showing little patience for people he deems to be “disobedient.”
Everyone deals with things differently. Ko prefers to put students down and denounce other candidates. Such is his choice, but how do the other presidential candidates behave?
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜), the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) candidate, has been criticized by young people for giving vague, ambiguous responses. He has apparently decided that he will not speak at colleges anymore. It is as if he has given up on the youth support as a terminal patient that has decided to abandon further treatment.
The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, Vice President William Lai (賴清德), is often asked sharp questions, for example about house prices and controversies within the DPP. He displays straightforwardness when taking on every challenge.
Lai does not necessarily give reasonable replies, but he never criticizes students or questions their motivations, and he certainly does not use other candidates to deflect issues.
Questions raised by students might not be deep, but they are essential. What really matters is that students do not take political needs into consideration when asking questions, but they do want to cut through the facade. So interactions with them are a good opportunity to examine whether a politician is putting on a fake character or is sincerely willing to embrace the young generation.
Young people typically do not fear being offended or challenged, but they do not respond well to being condescended to.
Ko gained support when he first entered politics because he dared to stand by young people, but his scolding of the undergraduate shows that his friendliness toward young people is merely a vote-seeking strategy.
Ko’s crafted persona is contrary to his private character. With more indiscreet remarks and behaviors, it is inevitable that people would compare him with other candidates, which will influence how they vote.
Those who seek political office should be flexible, get along with young people, face challenges and listen to opinions. Candidates should avoid taking advantage of young voters or using a friendly facade to capture votes.
After all, that which is concealed behind a well-designed facade cannot stay hidden forever.
Ko Chia-wei is a former president of the National Chengchi University Student Association.
Translated by Hsieh Yi-ching
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