Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen (沈伯洋) says attacks against him have shifted from expected fake videos to direct smear campaigns, a sign the race is heating up ahead of the vote.

• Shen says he expected rivals to use fake videos against him, but instead smear attacks have begun directly, and he's urging the public to "stop, look, listen" before believing them.
• He built his campaign pitch around trust and unity, quoting the anime Naruto to describe the bond between Taipei residents and himself.
• He pushed back on the idea that his own "Ocean Current Festival" event is competing with incumbent Mayor Chiang Wan-an's rival "Reassurance Parade," saying his event is about music and showcasing his 94 policy proposals, not a turnout contest.
• He also questioned the logic behind Chiang's "Reassurance Parade," suggesting it implies something is currently making Taipei residents feel unsafe.
• Asked about a social media personality's comment that former President Tsai Ing-wen's writing feels less moving than it used to, Shen said the comment deserves respect and any sign of loneliness behind it should be looked into with care.

Outlook: Expect smear claims and counter-claims to keep escalating as the Taipei mayoral race approaches election day.