Lee expressed support for Frank Hsieh, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This move by Lee -- a long-time backer of the "pan-green" camp who was credited as having a decisive role in sending Chen Shui-bian to the presidency in 2000 -- was not surprising at all, except that his prestige along with his influence have kept heading downward, to the point that today only a small number of "deep green" people in Taiwan are still believed to be his enthusiastic audience.

During the interview, when recalling his pivotal support for helping the DPP gain power, Lee criticized President Chen, saying "he has shortcomings, he is not an ideal president." He further commented on the course pursued by the president by pointing out that many corruption scandals committed by his aides have discredited his administration. Therefore, he added, Hsieh must part company with him and walk a different road.

Lee concluded by saying although he has witnessed the Chen administration's poor performance, he did not regret supporting the president.

Many observers have long pointed out that Lee, with his worldwide fame, respect and earnest devotion toward the well-being of the Taiwan people, has become one of the most "depreciated" political figures over the years. Although he is a top-notch expert in the field of chemistry, Lee has shown he has little knowledge in other fields, particularly politics. Furthermore, he lacks moral courage to face reality and admit mistakes, which should have done enormous harm to his reputation as a worthy scientist.

For example, while admitting that Chen "has shortcomings, being not an ideal president," he is still so obstinate as not to express regret over his initial support. Even Lee did criticize Chen, his mild tone was not in proportion to the graveness of the president's misbehavior at all. A case in point was his remarks made some time ago that "all people, not just President Chen, should bear responsibility for the mismanaged country" (paraphrased). This comment conveyed the impression that the president ought to be held responsible as much as, say, a taxi driver.

In the above-cited interview, Lee advised Hsieh not to commit the same mistake as President Chen by surrounding himself with corrupt officials. In fact, prosecutors have found Chen to be the ringleader of the corrupt gang. And court indictments have also implicated a large number of Hsieh's close lieutenants in acts of corruption. Despite all this, Lee still gives his blessing to the "pan-green" camp and Hsieh in particular. In a word, Lee's arrogance and lack of intellectual sense in politics can only be described as a modern version of "Pride and Prejudice."