Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has put an end to speculation that he''s preparing to run as vice president to Terry Gou. Today at a news conference, he emphatically shut down the suggestion, saying he wouldn''t go to the trouble of running for VP. Political analysts say that if Gou stood for president, Ko would likely endorse him and bow out of the race. Pundits say the mayor may be biding his time to run for president in 2024. He lets out a sigh, as if deep in thought. But it turns out he''s forgotten the reporter''s question. The question is repeated: Would he consider serving as Gou''s running mate?Ko Wen-jeTaipei mayorI would sooner stick to being the mayor of Taipei than run for vice president. Why go to all that trouble?He seems to have closed the door firmly on a tie-up with Gou. Reporters had a follow-up question: Would he consider running as a presidential candidate?Ko Wen-jeTaipei mayorTwo newly elected mayors are popular picks for the presidential election. This is a phenomenon that should not occur in a normal country. Please, there are only 24 hours in a day. How can you serve as a mayor and a president and a this and a that, all at the same time?Yu Mei-meiPolitical commentatorI don''t think Ko will run, especially not if Gou wants to run. Ko would absolutely not run in that case. But if Gou entered the ring and Ko stood on the sidelines with an alliance - a source of support - he would reap many benefits. Going forward, Ko might need candidates for district seats and at-large seats. He might want to grow his political party. He might want to prepare for 2024. Chairman Gou would be an excellent major investor during that time.Since the start of July, Gou and Ko have stoked rumors that they''re negotiating a shared ticket. All eyes are on the pair for the next moves of their campaign strategies.
