[Viewpoint] How to Win Over the Floating Voters

A friend I met recently asked me, "What is your political orientation?" I replied, "I tend to be in the middle, sometimes conservative, sometimes progressive, depending on the issue." He responded, "Isn't that just drifting?" He was right. As he said, I am drifting. My political stance changes not only with individual issues but also depending on time and place. People who do not clearly side with one camp are usually called "centrists," but it seems more appropriate to call such voters "the floating class."

With the June 3 early presidential election approaching, each party is quickly confirming its presidential candidates. On April 27, former leader Lee Jaemyung was chosen as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate with overwhelming support. The People Power Party will announce the results of its second primary on April 29 at 2 p.m. If no candidate secures a majority on that day, a runoff vote will be held on May 3. In the Reform Party, lawmaker Lee Junseok has already entered the presidential race.

There are two main points that will determine the outcome of this presidential election. First is the December 3 Martial Law, which triggered the early election, and the judgment on former President Yoon Sukyeol. The People Power Party must clearly answer questions about what role it played during the martial law. If the party fails to abandon its attitude of seemingly defending martial law, or if it refuses to accept the impeachment of former President Yoon, it will be difficult to turn the tide. Sincere reflection and a decisive break from the past are desperately needed.

The other key issue is the economy. Our economy is struggling in the mire of low birth rates and low growth. The US-China tariff war has added to the uncertainty. It is hard to find anyone these days who says, "Life is comfortable now." The difficulties are especially severe for those in construction and self-employed business owners. Debating whether the worsening economy is the fault of the Yoon Sukyeol administration or the Democratic Party, which hindered economic policy, will not win over the floating voters. The crucial factor is vision.

Looking at the economic and livelihood pledges of the presidential candidates, Lee Jaemyung is far ahead. He has declared himself "centrist-conservative" to move away from a left-leaning image. Although this has drawn criticism from both inside and outside the Democratic Party, it can be interpreted as a determination to pursue a clear path of pragmatism, at least in economic matters. To prove this, a break from the past is necessary. For example, it will be difficult to overcome the current economic crisis with binary thinking such as the trickle-down effect versus the fountain effect in fiscal policy. The government must propose ways for bold policy initiatives and creative corporate investments to work together. Unrealistic policies like phasing out nuclear energy only increase anxiety. Flexibility and a sober acceptance of reality are needed.

In the People Power Party, where the primary is not yet over, there are no notable economic pledges. It is uncertain how innovative the pledges announced after the candidate is chosen will be. For now, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is focusing solely on a "big tent" strategy through candidate unification if he enters the race. The lack of reflection on the past three years of economic policy is a problem.

There are 35 days left until the presidential election. This time, more voters than ever are drifting. Whether they will go to the polls or turn away, whether the floating class will give conservatives another chance or choose the Democratic Party, remains to be seen. The decisive factor will be the battle of economic and livelihood pledges that unfolds after the candidates are confirmed. The candidates must present a clear economic vision and concrete pledges to implement it. Only then can they win the support of the floating voters.