This is what pundits made up of policy wonks, academics, roundtable and political wannabees and bullshitters came out with yesterday. Punggol East is marginal to WP while Joo Chiat and East Coast is core. That was the starting position by all without exception when election was called when the discussions began. The focus thereafter everyone agreed was on SDP rather than WP. Dr Koh's poverty campaign threw everyone off. The question to ask is why was this man doing something unusual.
Then the little sitreps starting flowing in from those who are connected - PAP unsure, Palmer in 2011 underperformed and reduced the precint's margin while under a GRC in 2006 of over 30% to just 13.5% after it was carefully selected and carved out. Also told that Palmer got PA's A team of GRC organisers to work with him, that party water wands were also lost etc etc.
Some things considered trivia also started to loom quite large. Its common knowledge that PAP talks to the captive press reporters to gauge ground readings. What they got was quite interesting. Same reporters who covered both PAP and WP door to door as well as walk-outs saw distinctly different receptions. Residents were forthcoming, talkative, and even offered drinks and snacks to the Lilian and her crew but not for the son of Punggol though they remained cordial. Png was considered the new Auntie Killer while LTK and SL are considered as legends.
Faisal also came across very well and was well received with his family in tow. Apparently he has got a killer smile. WP was also using all their MPs - Pritam, Yee, G and Chen to good effect. The notion that they are perceived as being with the people is a big factor and might have changed PAP's mind of bringing in the rest of their big wigs..
Most importantly WP volunteers was a composite of society - young, old, fat, thin and looked sincere.
