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Pound for pound analysis - Kalon Tripa New York debate

By Tashi Wangyal | Tibet Sun

Tashi Wangyal Facebook/Photographer unknown

The much-anticipated debate for Kalon Tripa 2011 organized by the New York and New Jersey Tibetan Association started out with a crude and long introduction speech by the MC, followed by a lavishly paused address by the moderator. The moderator, Mr Karma Gyatso from RFA, appeared quite eager to take control right from the onset and attempted a quick check on Sangay by interrupting his first response of the evening. Sangay was momentarily caught off guard, but was quick to regroup himself and fired back to put the moderator back in his position. The incident made the whole environment a bit tense, but Sangay’s spontaneous response seemed appropriate and helped him regain his own pace and composure. In retrospect, the moderator should have allowed Mr Sangay to finish and then made his comments later.

Lobsang Sangay

As expected, Sangay was clearly on the offensive mode and snatched up his first opportunity to brag about his recent visits to various Tibetan settlements. Although it was remarkable, I found his pounding a little too early and his strategy a bit naive. Instead, he should have allowed some time to build up the momentum and then mention his endeavours towards the end to carry more weight on the viewers mind. However, as the debate unfolded, Sangay continued to flex his muscles, matching them with charisma and confidence, by outlining TGiE’s (Tibetan Government-in-Exile) realistic hopes while sidelining some other approaches as wishful thinking. He even used the analogy “yearning for momo inside a glass container” for wishful dreams and unrealistic hopes. To be honest, he seemed well prepared and has come a long way in his understanding of TGiE’s socio-economic conditions and political stigma. Moreover, he appeared to have done his homework on the exile’s charter, and so, in a nutshell, he came out very determined, willing and serious to take on this leadership. Sangay also requested his opponents to relinquish their desires to further remain in power, and called for a change.

Winning Strategies

He needs to capitalise on his international law background and draw concrete scenarios for TGiE in relation to its geopolitical status in the world, primarily with Tibet, India and China. In the next months, he must focus on cementing his existing supporters and simultaneously maintain his audacity to appeal to more supporters. Consistent participation in debates and other media forums are important to further his popularity and maximize outreach to the general populace. However, he should be little more cautious when confronting the media or journalists to prevent voters from remembering his emotional lows. He definitely needs to blend a little more humility with his confidence, as mere confidence could be easily mistaken with arrogance or “Hampa Tsapo”. His western sensibility towards campaign policy needs to be toned down a bit to accommodate more culturally humbled voters. It is also to his advantage to show genuine respect for his opponents. “Respect” here does not mean to surrender his ideals and kowtow to the opponents, it just means to address his point of view with the correct gestures, and in a respectful manner. If he could walk these fine lines by making little adjustments, he will definitely attract more voters to join his bandwagon.

Strengths

He is young, energetic and charismatic.

He is affiliated with a prestigious university.

He speaks eloquently and articulately.

He has good grasp of Tibetan and international politics.

His education in law is undeniably the biggest asset.

Weaknesses

He has the least leadership experience amongst the three candidates.

He has yet to prove himself as a dynamic leader.

He often lacks humility and necessary emotional control when tested.

His western sensibility on political campaigns might be misunderstood as arrogance or “Hampa Tsapo”

Tenzin Namgyal Tethong

Tethong appeared very calm and poised. As usual, he came out with a controlled demeanor and made his points articulately and eloquently. He responded to most of the questions with confidence and conviction, except in some areas where he failed to offer precise or rather concrete vision. On a few occasions, he mentioned the significance of change and renewed resolve but failed to suggest any tangible plans on how to move forward. However, as the debate unfolded, it seemed to me that Tethong somehow managed to convince the audience that he was being mindful of making tall promises because he had been there and understands best where the Kalon Tripa’s power ends.

Tethong undoubtedly is a man of experience and has a long list of credentials to prove his abilities. He is also a man of integrity and profound patience. During the course of his service with TGiE, despite all the criticisms and false allegations, he successfully managed to overcome his adversaries with perfect composure and dignity.

Tethong finally described some scientific findings about our brain’s ability to remain sharp and youthful for a long period of time, to undermine frequent age comparisons with his key opponent.

Strengths

He is poised, articulate and experienced.

Ideal political age to lead a nation.

He is charismatic, humble and profoundly modest.

He is innovative, dynamic and has a long list of credentials to back up his credibility.

Weaknesses

He is older than his key opponent.

He is often too humble and lacks political vivaciousness.

He has already served in the position before.

He has less connection with the younger generation.

His popularity with the general populace is not as strong as it used to be.

Winning Strategies

Tethong must pedal consistently, despite various suggestions to change his demeanor and campaign strategies. He must rapidly familiarize the Tibetan diaspora about his vast experience with TGiE and the western world. He needs to exploit his articulation skills and must amplify his strengths more effectively. He should not allow the public to misconceive his humility as ignorance. He requires more concrete plans to solidify his visions.

Extensive traveling and widespread campaigning in India and Nepal are indispensable to accumulate rapid support from strategic swing settlements like Bylakuppe, Mundgod, and Dharamshala. Genuine reassurances in regard to the welfare of newly-arrived Tibetans could generate huge support and subsequently buy him a winning ticket.

Tashi Wangdi

This is Wangdi’s first official appearance in a formally-organised public debate for Kalon Tripa. He appeared a bit uncomfortable and uncertain, and his lengthy pauses between a few ambiguous responses did not help the situation either. However, he came across as very genuine and trustworthy, but definitely not the most polished speaker. Nonetheless, on few occasions, he seemed very confident and even chuckled before he made his points. His years of experience in the exile Government was quite evident from his gestures towards the end. Several times he reiterated to the audience that a particular subject of discussion was nothing new and had been either done by TGiE or was abandoned due to its non-conformity within the framework of TGiE’s constitution. He most politely told the viewers that many of the proposed issues had already been discussed and deliberated upon multiple times by the administration. At times, he seemed to express his desire for more time to elaborate and eliminate the misconceptions and misunderstandings towards the TGiE.

Personally, his highest point was when he made his final remark by pleading to the public to refrain from brewing animosity amongst supporters and exchanging condescending and demeaning remarks for personal gratification under the pretext of political support for their candidates. He further added that there is nothing personal amongst the candidates and therefore, there is no reason for the public to exaggerate their political sentiments and behave like immoral fanatics.

Strengths

He has vast hands-on experience after decades of service in the TGiE.

He came across as a sincere and genuine human being.

His relentless service was highly impressive.

His renowned integrity is his greatest asset.

Weaknesses

He is not the most eloquent speaker.

He appears physically frail and his age does not help.

He is less charismatic then his opponents.

He lacks youths’ support.

Winning Strategies

He must continue to stay grounded and capitalise on his massive experience and integrity. He must re-emphasise his profound dedication and devotion to the TGiE and try to maximise his support from the older generation down to the last senior citizen. He strikes me as undoubtedly a genuine and a sincere man, and must take full advantage of that asset. He should use his leverage on his expertise in the education system and the TGiE’s constitution. It is pertinent for him to make up for lost time by traveling far and deep into the settlements and cultivating as much support as possible.

Finally, I have a strong inkling that Wangdi has the best chance of sweeping the monastic votes if he uses his niche carefully. His victory in the monastic institutions could shift the entire electoral balance, and consequently, we may witness a most historic comeback by an underdog in our young political life in exile.

Conclusion

The debate itself felt more like deliveries of manifestos than a rebuttal session. However, over all, it was quite captivating. The participants did their best to keep it lively. It definitely provided good exposure for the candidates themselves, and also helped educate and invigorate viewer’s political awareness.

However, the dynamic on stage was not the best, perhaps it could be the moderator, the MC, the candidates, OR maybe it’s just me and my bad lens ….

Copyright © 2011 Tashi Wangyal

Published in Tibet Sun