Everything indicates that the great battle in the presidential election campaign will be fought based on the rejection of the candidates
Flávio is not as moderate as he appears to be, say his opponents in an attempt to disqualify him at the point considered most positive in his behavior. It’s the war of narratives.
Everything indicates that the great battle in the presidential election campaign will be fought based on the rejection of the candidates. The opposition’s fear was that Bolsonaro’s disapproval would be transferred to Flávio. Everything indicates that this phenomenon did not occur. Even so, in order not to take any risks, zero 1 tries to move away from what has always been a reason for criticism of his father, miscommunication.
If we ask ten people what Bolsonaro’s biggest flaw was, probably at least seven will say that he failed in his way of communicating, especially due to his clumsy use of humor. Because he was president, there was no way he could reach superiors with his jokes, as he was at the top. And, as Balzac said, “Great people always make mistakes when playing with their inferiors. Play is a game, and play presupposes equality.”
He himself, out of humility or convenience, recognized that his language hindered his electoral plans. In 2022, he said almost at the end of the campaign: “If my words are preventing you from making the right choice, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.” Not convinced.
Too late
This late repentance was not enough to change the opinion of those who had already crystallized a certain aversion to his way of acting. The whole problem was at its limit. He made his jokes, made his listeners laugh, but he didn’t know how to stop. Humor wasn’t the problem. The problem was the excess.
His son, Flávio Bolsonaro, pre-candidate for president, to avoid association with what was most negative about the former president, in his first interviews sought to demonstrate that his communication is different from that of his father. Although he did not explain the excess of jokes, he commented that Bolsonaro’s main error was in communication. He said that the former president performed good deeds, but communicated wrongly.
In the absence of another review
Bolsonaro’s situation became more serious when it slipped into sexual connotations. In these cases, the line between humor and vulgarity was immediately broken. Especially for the female audience, this behavior was unforgivable. Opponents clung to these facts tooth and nail. As they were unable to present any concrete proof of corruption, their way of expressing themselves became a favorite target.
Even his followers criticized him. Some, in order not to be accused of being cattle, in an attempt to appear impartial, spoke in the thoughtless way in which they communicated. There were many who told me how important it would be for him to take my public speaking course. It wasn’t the case. Bolsonaro himself said repeatedly that he received advice from those around him to change the way he spoke. It seems like it went in one ear and out the other.
Benevolence towards Lula
The contrast becomes even more evident when observing Lula’s behavior. Even though it receives criticism here and there, this stamp is not stamped on its reputation. It gives the impression that there is a certain condescension with his verbal slips.
Perhaps not even Bolsonaro imagined that his nomination would be so positive. Flávio already surpasses Lula in some polls. The chances that the former president will run for president again are practically nil. First, you would need to regain eligibility. Afterwards, he will be cleared of the sentences imposed on him. Finally, resolve your health problems, which seem to go from bad to worse. But, as anything is possible in this world, hypothetically, let’s imagine that he participated in the electoral race again.
What if he came back?
It would be interesting to see if, after so many setbacks, Bolsonaro would continue to be the same barbecue guy he always was. We have to remember that he was also elected because of his direct way of saying what he thought. But, after so many jokes, he may have concluded that it’s not worth exaggerating with the jokes.
Flávio is attentive to this reaction from voters. You don’t want and don’t need to go through the same unpleasantness. The problems themselves take up too much of your time. Therefore, whenever he can, he highlights his moderate behavior, different from the great leader who appointed him. He knows how to be ironic, mocking at certain moments, but all within the limits that can make him sympathetic to the electorate.
Humor is an exceptional resource for coexistence and good relationships with people. A witty quip, at the right time, generally demonstrates intelligence, preparation, and good training. Makes environments more pleasant and lighter. The difficult part is learning to identify the border. How far does grace go and where does misfortune begin?
Perhaps Bolsonaro will never discover that tenuous but decisive point where humor stops being a virtue and turns into a demerit. The opposition’s hope is that Flávio, unlike his political godfather, knows when to move forward, but is skilled when it comes to retreating. Follow on Instagram: @polito
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
