Interview with Political Scientist

Day 3,937, 18:43 • Published in Switzerland Switzerland • by tef1

Dear TNS members, we have a great discussion for you today. We have Dr. IT Funky with us for this great talk. As a matter of fact, lets get started. So, here it goes.

Interviewer: Welcome Dr. Funky, Welcome. It is an honor.
Dr. Funky: An honor to be here.

Interviewer: As you are aware eSwiss is having an election in three and half days or so. Your take.
Dr. Funky: It is an interesting one. We have three wonderful ones. As a citizen of eSwiss, I would say may the best one win.

Interviewer: I concur. As an expert, how would you believe the election would turn out.
Dr. Funky: Most parties have decided not to have their own candidates. (Of course, they have endorsed in some cases) Two of the three candidates have one endorsements each from a rival party. So, those who are withholding an endorsement would probably decide the election.

Interviewer: How would you describe the SFP's flip flop as far as endorsement?
Dr. Funky: It is not surprising at all. I think what happened was, SFP had decided TPP without noticing the incumbent is running for a second term. Perhaps, there was a broken heart that Tef1 has left SFP, but it is more likely the late entrance of the incumbent that caused the flip flop.

Interviewer: So, with the endorsement of SFP, TPP has no chance. It is simple math right?
Dr. Funky: It is not that simple. Endorsement in this case only indicates the wishes of the ruling class of a political party, not its entire caucus. So, there is a chance of defections from the wishes of the ruling class. Lets not forget the Lugs have not endorsed a candidate.

Interviewer: So the Lugs are the kingmakers?
Dr. Funky: If this gets to be a close election, whoever wins better thank the Lugs. It may not be a close one.

Interviewer: Some say, perhaps, the Liberals and TPP should join forces, if they want a win, what say you.
Dr. Funky: That is interesting. It takes a lot to concede for a rival. It is human nature. Whether this would be a smart strategy or not, it looks like, it is a little too late for anything to happen at this late stage.

Interviewer: Do the Liberals have a realistic chance?
Dr. Funky: I know where you are heading with this. (chuckles). TPP definitely has the upper hand between the two. It has twice as much members (at least). It has been endorsed by the Pirates and they have nominated a candidate of a potential for cross-party vote getter. (Although, that theory is TBD) although, at least one defection is to be expected, given Tef1's history and not within SFP to be honest.

Interviewer: So, SSDP is at top, with TPP following in second?
Dr. Funky: Not quite. There are just a lot of uncommitted voters for TPP to gain lost grounds and plus defections.

Interviewer: TPP's candidate has an impressive cabinet and goals, his rivals at least yet do not. How do you explain that?
Dr. Funky: In terms of the Incumbent, I think, the attitude is judge with my record. I mean, it is a not so bad record to run for a second term. But, he still does not have a full cabinet. Tef1 has just released a TV ad attacking the President.

Interviewer: Tef1 had promised a clean campaign so the attack ad may turn off voters, right?
Dr. Funky: He is gaining members by the hour. The party he is leading is a vote away from being a top 3 party, which is remarkable when you think there was no such thing as TPP a month ago today. In terms of the ad, Tef1 did say, he will spill out all facts. That is all he did. There was a vacancy. It is not the incumbent's fault but he failed to appoint a successor.

Interviewer: Let me go back to the cabinet. TPP has a diverse cabinet, do you believe this to form consensus between the parties and gain votes?
Dr. Funky: I will just say I found Tef1 to be a very impressive politicians.

Interviewer: It sounds like your answer is yes?
Dr. Funky: No. I will not judge anyone's motive. For what's worth his cabinet members are capable individuals.

Interviewer: It sounds like only TPP is running as the other two candidates have said absolutely nothing on the race?
Dr. Funky: I agree with that assessment. The incumbent maybe too confident and the Liberal Party are just hoping for the right circumstances to occur in their favor. The more you speak, the more chance you have to screw it up, so it might be a smart strategy. Though, Tef1 is gaining on SSWP, slowly but surely.

Interviewer: Do you think you will see, a cabinet that encompasses all the three candidates, no matter who is the president?
Dr. Funky: Oh, the so-called team of rivals? Tef1 has told who he would pick. Sure, he could change his mind. (I doubt it, he is a good believer of keeping promises). As for the incumbent, you are likely to get same old, same old. As for the Liberal candidate..... (And this is not a criticism), he could have offered a cabinet position at least to one of them that they cannot refuse and make it easier for him to win. He said bring it on. 🙂

Interviewer: Ideologically, who is closer to Tef1?
Dr. Funky: That is hard to say though Tef1 and the incumbent seem to have a non-political friendly attitudes towards each other.

Interviewer: Do you see any of the three quiting the race before Monday's vote?
Dr. Funky: ummmmm, NOPE.

Interviewer: That is firm?
Dr. Funky: (chuckles)

Interviewer: Do you believe Tef1 should have waited on announcing his cabinet? Perhaps, it has angered some?
Dr. Funky: Maybe, but 1. eSwiss only has five cabinet positions and to his credit, his cabinet is diverse and he truely believes in transparency. That may or may not be good politics, but love him or hate, you have got to admire his honesty.

Interviewer: Do you think, Tef1 would have a better chance within SFP or some "established" parties?
Dr. Funky: Hard to say, it appears at least some within SFP affectionately see TEf1 to this day and that is also true for members in Lugs Party. It seems genuine too. Who hates a funny clown, I guess?

Interviewer: Speaking of clown, do you think that hurts him?
Dr. Funky: He is the most serious politician out there. He is working hard, certainly in this election. His opponents are not speaking. It almost like he is running an opposed. Unfortunately, for him, he is not. (chuckles). There is nothing wrong with being goofy at times. He never takes himself serious but he takes his job serious.

Interviewer: How about the Elite Aliens and other parties?
Dr. Funky: Every vote counts, I am sure all three candidates are begging for their votes too.

Interviewer: Thanks for coming.
Dr. Funky: You are welcome. It was fun.