Seemingly lost on Soong is the simple political lesson that the key to successful presidential politics is appearing presidential. A theme, an agenda and effective communications are all critical, but in the end the challenge is to get voters to picture you in their minds as an effective president. Instead of rising above party politics as promised, Soong sank to the level of nasty and brutish electioneering common in many developed democracies. And then, unlike most other candidates, he continues to use the same ruthless tactics after the election. Presidential candidates typically are supremely self-confident and convinced of their superior qualifications for the job.
Defeat is always hard to accept and the close calls are toughest.
Going into the race, Chen was feeling almost invincible. People were already speaking of him as the next president and re-election was simply another stepping stone toward his destiny. Chen took defeat well. He called on his supporters to accept the outcome and return home in peace. He then began a critical review of his campaign strategy and his personal image.