DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) plans to take the initiative on holding an inter-party election debate, inviting all party leaders to air their policies in an aim to decrease inter-party bickering.
Hsieh made the proposal after a DPP campaign rally on Sunday night, but no timetable or debate schedule has been set, DPP Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Yang-min (許陽明) said yesterday.
According to Hsu, Heish believes that as the election heats up, an open debate would provide a free forum for all party leaders to articulate their policies on the nation's economy, political instability, "black gold" politics and their party assets.
Hsieh said that he hoped all party chairmen would consider his proposal and attend the debate in order to forge a more civil political culture.
Hsieh also lashed out at the recent phenomenon of politicians refraining from naming those they criticize, instead referring to them cryptically. For example, former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) has been referred to as "the old man," and KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) has been called "the PhD in political science."
Hsieh said the habit triggers unnecessary political verbal conflict.
In addition, Hsieh revealed plans to present the party's election themes by producing what is likely to be a daily press briefing entitled "Today's Talk on Politics" (每日一說) to be presented by Hsieh himself or party Secretary-General Wu Nai-jen (吳乃仁) starting Nov. 1.
The purpose of the exercise will be to address voter concerns on the nation's political development and public expectations for the election.
Hsieh also said that the KMT should be held responsible for the deficit, and that it was "like an old man who has forgotten what it has done wrong and accuses others of wrongdoing."
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