Is Chen the One?

David Hartung for TIME.

President Chen Shui-bian, at home with his golden retriever.

He wonders about greatness, about what it takes. As the blue-and-white presidential Sikorsky lifts off from Nantou air force base, he considers the evolution he must make from brilliant lawyer and astute politician to wise leader and great man. It is a question raised by the very aspirations of his people and the potential of his state: Is Chen Shui-bian good enough, wise enough, man enough, to take Taiwan where it deserves to go? The helicopter takes flight, pushing the President back into his silver seat. He looks even smaller than his 1.65 m. His wire-frame glasses and white windbreaker and...

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