Beware the strength of the underdog

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
The underdog phenomenon has always intrigued this writer, there’s something about the fulfillment of rising above the odds that just plays at the human psyche. The underdog is define by some web nerd as: “When two hands face off, the underdog is the one that’s less likely to win than the other.” In other words, the underdog is disadvantaged by perception before he, she, they or even it enters into the realm of competition. Again, if you have read this far, be not discouraged, there is a point to all this. The underdog of Samoa in terms of politics has challenged, how should we say, well to use a term imposed by the 2Pac generation, the top-dog of local politics. If the challenge is accepted, the two will face up in what will undoubtedly be the most memorable face off in the history of this great island of ours. I would like to see the debate, in fact that’s putting it lightly, I would love to see such a debate. Toailoa Solomona Toleafoa the political underdog against Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi the undefeated political top dog. As in any competition, an analysis of the two teams must be conducted in order to fully appreciate the challenge ahead. It is not everyday that such a challenge is issued. The last time an Opposition Leader challenged the Prime Minister to a debate he was told to go plant bananas, which says something for his debating skills. But it is unfair to brand Toailoa as the underdog at this point, for history has proven that his tactile debating skills are more advanced than some politicians. But Tuilaepa however, his sarcasm and direct verbal skills have only earned him the respect of many a political leaders the world over. So in the make-believe red corner Toailoa, a lawyer, golfer, musician and singer representing more than 30,000 Samoans and those in the People Against Switching Sides (PASS) challenging, the blue corner, Tuilaepa, an economist, archer, poker player and occasional ballroom dancer representing the silent majority and the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). Facts aside, the combination will make an extremely interesting debate, one worthy of any YoutTube, BBC, CNN, Fox or ABC talk show. It will be a debate not just between an advocate for democracy and the alleged implementer of democracy, but also between a lawyer and an economist. So who, one might add, would go on to dominate? Toailoa is a serious speaker, usually armed with facts, figures and reasonable arguments will go against the master of aversion, Tuilaepa whose debating strength lies in his sarcasm, humour and very little facts, but backed by the power of his presence. One can just imagine how the debate would begin. The Moderator would say: “On the issue of Right Hand Drive, I call upon Toailoa to please begin with his opening statement.” Toailoa would take a short breathe, look out to the crowd, thousands of Samoans gathered to see the debate and then say: “The People Against Switching Sides wishes to challenge the proposal by the Government of Samoa to switch the road code of Samoa.” Toailoa would go on to state several facts in regards to the switch debate thus far and state all the reasons why there should be no switch. The Moderator would then say: “Tuilaepa, please express your opening statement.” One can just picture Tuilaepa smiling slyly and then saying: “That’s a lovely shirt you are wearing Toailoa.” End of debate. But jokes aside, this is just what Samoa needs, an open discussion of the issues, of THE issue. Lets get it all out in the open and see which side has more ammo, which argument holds more water, which competitor can rise up to the expectations of his supporters. Debates are always healthy, and this one would be the healthiest of them all, if it happens. If it doesn’t than the challenger naturally assumes silent victory, for the challenge has not been met. Only time will tell if we become witnesses to the first ever debate of this type in Samoa, perhaps this should be an annual event, to purport transparency if anything else. Sometimes, leaders need testing too! So that being said, have a wonderful day Samoa and let’s pray for a good debate at some point in the coming weeks. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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