Criticizing Jiang Wanan for hiding in his comfort zone, "the debate may break the situation" Lin Chuyin: Shen Boyang has demonstrated a straight-ball duel

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wanan and Democratic Progressive Party candidate for Taipei mayor Shen Boyang have both agreed to participate in the TVBS TV debate. The time and format are still to be negotiated. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Lin Chuyin pointed out that Shen Boyang always accepted invitations from various TV stations, but Jiang Wanan only "hand-picked" one host media, which was basically hiding in his comfort zone: If the two sides could not agree on the format of the debate, it might only be one, or even break the tie. Shen has repeatedly demonstrated how to fight directly, "Jiang Wanan, what are you afraid of?"

The progress of the Taipei mayoral election debate has attracted nationwide attention. Shen Boyang advocates increasing the number of debates, and even hopes to have "one debate a week" seven weeks before the election. He also hopes to include cross-examination to allow voters to directly examine the policies of both parties. When questioned by the media, Jiang Wanan reiterated that he had signed a consent form and that details such as cross-examination, venue and hosting methods would be continuously negotiated by the staff teams of both parties.

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Lin Chuyin, a media professional, said in an interview that she has participated in the work related to debates hosted by commercial TV stations in the past, such as the Taipei mayoral election debate between Ko Wenzhe and Lian Shengwen in 2014. Based on past experience, when commercial TV stations initiate debates on their own, they must first obtain the consent of the candidates. Later, there are also issues such as venue, time and format that need to be coordinated.

Lin Chuyin pointed out that Shen Boyang had signed consent forms for invitations from TVBS, FTV, Sanli and Mirror TV. On the other hand, Jiang Wanan only chose TVBS and was still unwilling to step out of his comfort zone and accept questions and tests from different media. If Jiang Wanan only signs with one TV station, it will be equivalent to excluding other media from holding debates. This year is likely to be the only debate; if the venue, time or debate format cannot be negotiated, there may not even be one.

Lin Chuyin also pointed out that Shen Boyang's recent interview with the political commentary program "Shaokang War Room" hosted by veteran media person Zhao Shaokang as an example. When faced with drug policy and other controversial issues, Shen has repeatedly demonstrated how to fight directly. Sharp questions are actually opportunities for candidates to clarify disputes and explain their positions. What on earth does Jiang Wanan dare not do? If the venue and rules are dominated by one party, even if you win, you will lose. We call for stepping out of your comfort zone.

As for the format of the debate, Lin Chuyin bluntly said that since it is called a debate, the candidates should engage in policy debates with each other, and should not just talk about their own opinions. "Otherwise, it would be better to hold a political opinion presentation or a speech contest!"