Economy
An aspiring senator has correctly pointed out that the state of the economy will be the central theme in the 2019 midterm elections. Belonging to the opposition, he is happy about it. He believes the state of the economy will weigh heavily on the administration and its candidates. He thinks this gives him a better chance of winning.
I do not know about that. While it is difficult to argue against the economy becoming the central theme in the 2019 midterm elections, it does not necessarily follow it will weigh heavily against the administration candidates. Even more unlikely will it automatically translate into votes for the opposition.
This aspiring senator apparently has a very high regard for the conduct of Philippine elections. He obviously believes that a campaign conducted on a central theme dealing with the economy will necessarily elevate that campaign to a higher plane. So if the discussion becomes intellectual and academic, it will be a minus for the administration.
I know where he is coming from. You cannot argue against hard times. Unfortunately for the aspiring senator, hardly anybody gets elected on the basis of winning intellectual and academic debates in the Philippines. That is not how Philippine elections work. Many have come to the table armed with the best intellect and wealth of experience.
But guess who are getting elected in their stead? Why, almost their exact opposites, that’s who. And why is this? The answer is simple. The intellectuals and the experienced hold their heads above the clouds and know not how to deal with the masses gathered underfoot.
This is not to dispute the fact that if elected, these people may indeed come up with the solutions to our economic woes. But there is the rub. To be able to solve our problems, these people need to get elected first. And that is where their problem lies. They do not know how.
In this regard, it might do well for these intellectuals and truly qualified candidates to learn a trick or two from their opposites who have mastered the art of Philippine politics. And that art requires the displays of assets later, when the real need for them comes after getting elected. The main thing in the campaign is how to win votes by any means.
And that is why the best economic debater will stand no chance against a dolt who, on being confronted by a voter who claims he is suffering from a bad economy, presses a wad of pesos into his hands and tells him to buy something to it instead of engaging him in a debate.
- Latest
