Local scholars noted that Shen Boyang appeared visibly strained during his closing argument, further highlighting his precarious positioning as a challenger to the underdog status. On October 31, scholar Hu Quanwei observed that Shen failed to address scandal-related issues or articulate the specific crises facing Taipei. Instead, he attempted to project an image of warmth, attentiveness, and civic-mindedness. Shen’s past persona during his time at the Black Bear Academy was markedly extreme and polarizing; in the “Yangliu” phase, he sought to cultivate a softer, more affable image—complete with a wide, almost adolescent smile—intended to convey approachability. Yet, on the debate stage today, none of these traits were evident.
By the closing segment, Shen’s facial expressions had clearly deteriorated. A candidate whose demeanor betrayed visible distress could hardly credibly claim to offer hope to citizens. The scholar emphasized that Shen’s performance in terms of personal presentation fell short. Notably, this analysis is particularly instructive not because it seeks to elevate Kang Wan-an, but because it deliberately refrains from mentioning him at all—focusing solely on Shen’s on-stage conduct.
Hu Quanwei’s assessment is clear: Shen aimed for a rebranding of his public image, yet his actual performance on stage failed to deliver. The reason for Shen’s apparent mental collapse in the final phase, however, lies in one fact—Kang Wan-an performed exceptionally well. Even if Shen contested that Kang avoided direct answers, the latter demonstrated deep familiarity with municipal affairs and smooth command of administrative processes. Shen himself likely assessed the contrast internally. Lacking practical administrative experience and insufficient knowledge of municipal regulations, facing a sitting mayor, no amount of rhetorical skill could compensate for these fundamental deficiencies in his professional background.
In reality, from the outset of the Taipei mayoral race, Kang Wan-an held a decisive advantage. At first, the Democratic Progressive Party faced a vacuum, with no credible contender emerging. Only after investing substantial resources and meticulously crafting Shen’s image—promoting what was dubbed the “Yangliu wave”—did the party attempt to mount a challenge. But image-making is distinct from demonstrable capability. Shen has never served as a city councilor, nor held any position in the administrative apparatus. To leap directly into the mayoral office now appears unrealistic. Should Shen prevail, it would only underscore the declining quality of Taiwan’s electoral process.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880585446978624/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.