When Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi lost power in the last general election, it ended more than 20 years of leadership. But long before that, he had developed a reputation for lashing out at the Samoa Observer, calling its reporters “fat, idiots, fools” — all the while trying to take credit for the paper’s very existence, claiming it was he who pitched the idea to its founder almost 50 years ago.

Yet when he was defeated and loyal friends he had thought would never betray him walked away, Tuilaepa turned to the only place that would still listen: the Samoa Observer. He had come to understand something important — that only a truly independent press would not shut him out, even after years of public rebuke. Week after week, his letters to the editor were published. His press conferences were covered. Not because he was a friend or ally, but because democracy demands that all voices, including those in opposition, are heard.

And when faced with difficult questions, such as last week’s inquiry on whether pastors who do not pay taxes should advise on how tax money is spent, Tuilaepa responded with the most politically mature answer to a no-win situation: “No comment.” That is what a politician who understands the role of the press does. He knew he would not always control the narrative, but just answering to the public is important.

By contrast, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt appears to be losing his touch. When asked recently about issues involving his New Zealand lawyer, he responded with hostility, accusing the Samoa Observer of twisting stories and declaring, “Don’t ever contact me again.” He repeated the stance days later when asked to confirm a court ruling on his matai title.

It appears the weight of uncertainty surrounding the election race is bearing down on him — enough to forget that he too was once offered space when no one else would. In Sasina, when he was forced out of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and his political future hung in the balance, it was the Samoa Observer alone that showed up in Savaii, when others stayed away.

But it was never about personal favour or political alliance. If Laaulialemalietoa truly believes the press is here to help push his narrative, then he is badly mistaken. If that is what he is after, he should turn to his campaign manager, public relations team, or online bloggers and supporters.

As we enter what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested elections in Samoa’s history, the Samoa Observer’s door remains open to everyone. But let it be clear: the press is not a politician’s friend. And that is precisely the point.