May the best man win

People who watched the “Presidential Policy Forum” last Thursday agree that it would have been better if all the presidentiables — or at least the five major candidates — showed up because it was a good opportunity for Filipinos to hear what their platforms are, their views on controversial topics and their plans on major issues that affect the country and the future of Filipinos. As it is, only three showed up — which certainly gave them the advantage over the no-shows.

Although Lakas-Kampi standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro’s rating continues to be in the single digit, his showing in these televised forums is undoubtedly impressive, with many people in the audience including UP students and professors agreeing that the former Defense Secretary is clear and articulate in delivering his message.

Of course, Dick Gordon’s Jesuit training has turned him into an eloquent speaker, his statements spiced up by literary quotations. Supporters of Gordon naturally point to the senator’s track record as Olongapo mayor and SBMA chair as proof that he has the necessary experience and knowhow when it comes to running the country.

For Manny Villar, it was a wise decision to make himself available since it belied allegations that he was avoiding presidential debates. His presence certainly gave him the chance to articulate his pro-poor stance and expound on his vision to fight poverty in this country. Many also like the fact that he was very conversant both in English and Filipino because it shows that he can be comfortable and express himself well before both the AB crowd and the DE sector.  

 Noynoy Aquino opted not to show up in Thursday’s forum, but in previous ones like ANC’s “Harapan: The Presidential Forum,” he was actually articulate and quite good. But being the frontrunner at this time, people would like to see more of him and hear how he intends to implement “the change” that he has been espousing.

I am told Joseph Estrada decided not to attend this forum because he felt the people there were closely identified with FVR — and there’s no love lost between the two of them. Besides, he felt those people have never really been with him or kind to him. Actually, Erap managed to surprise people during the ANC Harapan forum and GMA’s “Isang Tanong” because of the way he presented his views especially on peace and order in the country. During those times, his wit and charm endeared him to audiences especially young college students.      

I think every candidate — even independent ones - can articulate their plans and platforms given the chance. Which is why the Comelec should take the lead in holding major forums, perhaps three more down the road, and strongly encourage all candidates to attend in order for voters to assess and differentiate each one from the other, and judge for themselves where these people are coming from.

Publicly broadcasting debates (although here they are actually more like forums and unlike the one-on-ones they have in the US) is very effective in bringing to the public a candidate’s agenda. Those who deliberately snub forums are doing the people a disservice and just give rivals the advantage and opportunity to connect with the public. After all, these forums are no different from rallies and campaign sorties where a candidate is expected to impart his platform, his plans and specific courses of action, except that they are more organized and presented in a sensible manner.

It can be recalled that the first ever televised US presidential debate was in 1960 between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. JFK projected well on television, his charismatic personality shining through while Nixon looked haggard and fidgeted nervously — his discomfort made worse by the fact that his eyes kept darting around. Those who listened over the radio believed Nixon won the debate. Unfortunately, the larger TV audience — estimated at 70 million during that time - was distracted by Nixon’s apparent discomfort.

Nixon learned shortly thereafter — and by then too late — that it won’t do to appear haggard, nervous and pasty on television because Americans expect candidates to be presidential in demeanor. Style and packaging has always been part of the whole show, and as they say, perception is 90 percent of the game. Who knows, if not for that televised debate, Kennedy may not have even won at all.

Then and now, the key to the whole elections is exposure to the people. Televised forums can level the playing field in the sense that they are not “staged” the way advertisements and commercials are, where more often than not, actors and actresses take center stage instead of the candidate. While ads help thru name recall plus the fact that they can reinforce the so-called bandwagon mentality, it is more important for people to see a candidate for who and what he is.

As young techies put it, people should remember WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). Live television coverage is still the best medium for people to see the expressions, the demeanor and the body language of a candidate and assess his sincerity.

No doubt people would like to see more of these debates (or forums, actually) — which should not be limited to presidential candidates but also extended to others vying for a national position — because it is an effective way for people to size up those who want to become their next leader.

A lot of people believe — and I myself share this view — that this year we’re lucky to have good choices for national positions. The more of these forums, the merrier - and the better for the people. Through these forums, we can rightly say, “May the best man win.”

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