As the Taipei mayoral race enters its combative phase, a screenshot used to smear Democratic Progressive Party candidate Puma Shen has instead backfired on those spreading the rumour — and may even work in Shen's favour.

• Someone posted on Threads a screenshot of Shen turning to look at his campaign director-general Wu Su-yao during a press conference, claiming he could not answer the question and was looking for a "babysitter."
• Netizens dug up the full video from that day, pointing out that Shen was merely checking the opening time of his campaign headquarters, and that he spoke at length and with ease when asked about city administration.
• The comment section pushed back overwhelmingly, criticising the poster for "only throwing out a screenshot and not daring to release the video" — plainly rumour-mongering.
• The attack instead prompted observers to draw comparisons with incumbent mayor Chiang Wan-an's own performance answering questions — reading from a script, answering B when asked A — which has earned him nicknames such as "Chiang the script machine."
• Others seized the moment to make a point: if Shen needs help from his aides, then Chiang Wan-an should agree to a public debate.

Outlook: As the Taipei mayoral race heats up, this kind of screenshot-driven public opinion warfare will only intensify, and whether a debate goes ahead is set to become the next focal point.