Substance vs. Style

* The two leading mayoral candidates vying in Kaohsiung--Han Kuo-yu and Chen Chi-mei--had a televised debate on November 19. Afterwards, both candidates and respective camps were expectedly pleased with their performances. Though debates over "who won" will continue, the candidates offered two distinct perspectives on the future of the port city, delivered in very different styles.
* With the election just days away, the debate, though highly anticipated, probably would not swing the final outcome. It could, however, solidify the candidates' core support and possibly make some inroads among the middle-of-road voters, which could be the key in this hotly contested race.
* Judging solely from the debate, Han might have been a bit disappointing since he was not familiar with a number of nitty gritty details. Chen, on the other hand, came across more like an aggressive legislator, not as the future leader of the island's second-largest city. It's like comparing apples and oranges--voters of Kaohsiung will have the final say on November 24.
* Win or lose, Han will remain a prominent political figure in the foreseeable future, particularly within the Kuomintang (KMT). His direct, no non-sense style is a welcome change from the old-style politics that the KMT has been well-known for. In the case he wins, he will be, at least, a kingmaker as the island looks to the 2020 campaign. Otherwise, he is probably on the party's short list for either a presidential bid or the preferred running mate to those presidential aspirants. Indeed, the real drama begins after the November 24 vote.