From 'Lai the God' to 'King of Bullshit': Analyzing Lai Ching-te's Typhoon Day Decision Controversy and Political Language Transformation

This article explores the extreme shift in evaluation of former Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te's typhoon day decisions. In 2012, for correctly not declaring a typhoon holiday, he was hailed as 'Lai the God,' but subsequent erroneous decisions sparked questioning and ridicule as the 'King of Bullshit.' The author argues his success was mere luck and criticizes politicians' hollow phrases about 'shouldering decision responsibility,' revealing them as political gambling. The article also notes Lai's criticism of the weather bureau immediately after becoming Premier.