Just taking a photo next to the president would not be enough. He would have to take advantage of the meeting to leave a message, not only to the American chief executive, but mainly to Brazilian voters. And that’s what he did
Flávio was on the ropes. The publication of his conversation with Vorcaro had negative repercussions. His campaign, which was on a cruise flight, suffered a hiccup. While the drop in research was not catastrophic, it lost traction. It gave Lula a breather that the PT member didn’t know where to get.
Faced with the obstacle, zero 1 went out into the field giving open-hearted interviews to all the press organizations interested in hearing him. And many wanted it. Even those clearly opposed could not miss the opportunity to speak about the issue of the moment.
Reinforced the image of a moderate
It was a bombing. On certain occasions, he wouldn’t even begin to answer a long, misleading question and the journalists would rush in with another, barely giving him time for his explanations. These scenes helped reinforce his image as a moderate, capable of not reacting emotionally in pressure situations.
Faced with these challenges, the result may have been considered positive, as, with more or less difficulties, he had the chance to give his version, thus providing a counterpoint to the criticism he received. He showed skill in these “disputes”.
He was skilled in dealing with journalists
Before responding to the questioning, which was generally blunt and even aggressive, Flávio was careful to mention the name of the interviewer, at times, even of everyone who questioned him. This is a positive strategy to mitigate the momentum of those who intended to corner you. Even if he didn’t achieve this result in front of journalists, it was a demonstration to the electorate that he was calm, with nothing to hide.
One of the most successful series was, and still is, Suits. In episode 4 of the first season, there is a dialogue between Mike Ross and his mentor, Harvey Specter. In that conversation, Mike complained that he had no option. He had to obey because there was a gun pointed at his head. In a figurative, logical sense. Harvey gives his pupil an unforgettable lesson.
Harvey’s lesson
“What are your options if someone holds a gun to your head? Either you do what they tell you or they shoot you. Wrong. You take the gun, or pull out a bigger one, or call their bluff. Or do any of the other 146 things.”
Flávio Bolsonaro’s trip to the White House to visit Trump more or less followed Harvey’s instructions. With the world falling on his head and seeing the risk of his campaign falling apart, he found a way to create a positive fact. He took an initiative that seemed unlikely to be successful.
They assumed a failure
His opponents were scared to foresee a failure. They said he was interfering in an attempt to be received by Trump, as there was no scheduled agenda. And, to leave the door open, in case there was a quick meeting, they emphasized that, if they managed to speak to the American president, it would be to ask for interference in the Brazilian elections. Some went further. They stated that, at most, they would approach Trump at an exit just to appear in a photo with him.
Yes, he was cordially received by Trump in the Oval Office for a meeting that lasted one hour and 40 minutes. Just taking a photo next to the president would not be enough. He would have to take advantage of the meeting to leave a message, not only to the American chief executive, but mainly to Brazilian voters. And that’s what he did.
Crime and violence
According to recent surveys, violence and public safety are at the top of Brazilians’ concerns. Although Lula is now trying to talk more about this topic, the truth is that he faltered in his search for solutions throughout his government. The increase in crime is your responsibility.
To make matters worse, he asked Trump not to classify the criminal factions PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) and CV (Comando Vermelho) as terrorist organizations. The government supporters justify this position because, according to them, this could open an opening for the United States to interfere in Brazil.
Adjusted the campaign speech
Flávio met the aspirations of the Brazilian electorate regarding this issue. Unlike Lula, he asked Trump to classify these criminal factions as terrorist organizations. This type of message speaks directly to the population’s desires. In addition to this topic, he made it clear that Brazil will be a partner of the United States.
Another decision that proved to be positive was not to answer questions that had no direct connection with the meeting with Trump. I knew that journalists would try to rehashed the “Dark Horse” subject. If it were to fall into this trap, it would allow the news to rekindle a topic that is already starting to appear on the page.
Positive result
Even so, the press insisted. Without changing, but also without ceasing to respond, in a laconic way, he clarified: ‘I’ve already said everything I had to say on this subject’.
It was a quick trip, at the right time, that overshadowed Lula’s photo and exceeded any type of expectation. The press brought information about this meeting with great prominence in the main headlines. It was cheap for your campaign. No advertising piece would have this reach. Whether it will work or not, only future research will tell. Follow on Instagram: @polito
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
