The former first lady () reinforced her political identity by recording a video, on Wednesday (24), criticizing her stepson, the senator and pre-candidate for President (PL-RJ).
In the scenario, Michelle used a series of symbols and, in her speech, mobilized a repertoire that combines religion with conservative ideology. Sometimes, Christianity insinuated itself with a biblicist tone, revealed in metaphors such as the contradiction between light and shadows (“The truth will illuminate what is hidden in the darkness of fake news”). At other times, religion appeared with defended transparency.
Some examples: “I don’t carry grudges. I leave everything in God’s hands”; “Forgiveness is liberation, not an obligation”; “My political future is in God’s hands”; “My God is the way, the truth and the life.” In her political career, Michelle was notable for her dialogue with evangelical groups.
According to allies, the former first lady decided to publish the video to defend herself against coordinated attacks and false information. During the recording, she reports a telephone call in which she was disrespected and mistreated by the former president’s son 01. Michelle stated that Flávio was very harsh.
The phone call took place in a context of disputes over Bolsonarism in Ceará. Michelle was against the PL’s alliance with (PSDB), whom she credits for her husband’s undeniability. The former first lady defended the name of senator Eduardo Girão (Novo) to run for state government. The candidacy for Ceará is also a sensitive point. Michelle wants a vacancy for Priscila Costa, national vice-president of the PL, and the party’s directory in the state prefers to launch the name of state deputy Alcides Fernandes (PL-CE).
Also on social media. He also said that, being married for 16 years and father of two daughters, he has never disrespected a woman in his life. In the former first lady’s speech, attention was drawn to the dozens of times she said “my husband”, the possessive pronoun juxtaposed to the noun. The mention of Bolsonaro allowed a variation: “my Galician”, a regionalism to designate someone with white skin who is popular among supporters.
Michelle’s strategy was not just based on speech. The light is radiated from the side, in order to give a serene complexion to the character in the recording. At specific moments, the camera got closer to Michelle’s face, emphasizing the speech. Ultimately, the former first lady’s action was in the chosen setting, with symbols highlighted in the video. Next, understand what they are:
Star of David
The most important emblem of Judaism, it represents the Shield of David and the covenant between God and the people of . The country adopted the emblem on its flag, held by Bolsonarists in protests. Evangelical sectors express worship of Israel for theological reasons. By including the symbol on top of a book, the former first lady highlights her philo-Semitism and creates a representation for her religious discourse.
‘I love you’ in pounds
Next to the Star of David, also on top of a book, there is a replica of a hand making the “horn gesture”: thumb, index and little finger raised, keeping the ring and middle finger lowered. In Libras, the Brazilian Sign Language, the gesture means “I love you”. Upon becoming First Lady, Michelle became notable for defending the inclusion of people with disabilities, including articulating projects aimed at this segment of the population. At her husband’s inauguration, in 2019, she gave her speech in sign language.
PL Mulher map
At one point in the video, it even shows, in old photos, that Flávio was well received at events in the party sector. In an infographic, the map of Brazil appears painted in pink, exposing the capillarity of PL Mulher. Then, Michelle appears with a replica of that map. At PL Mulher, she developed her strategy of giving more visibility to conservative women and bringing them into the Bolsonarist segment.
Bic Pen
Just above the PL Mulher map, Michelle’s gestures are articulated around a Bic pen, a blue ballpoint pen. This is a mention of the former president who, during his term, used the object in official events to suggest simplicity. The prosaic nature of the Bic pen thus contrasted with the expensive pens from famous brands, normally used for signing important documents. In another vein, by claiming ownership of the pen for herself, Michelle suggests power and proximity to Bolsonaro.
Honors and decorations
In the background, like a set, a series of honors received by the former first lady over the last few years are displayed on the wall. It is not possible to see the framed documents in detail, but they are diplomas, certificates and decorations. The scenario attributes authority to whoever is speaking.
Biblical sayings on the shirt
The political strategy was also reflected in clothing. The shirt Michelle wore was embroidered with the Fruits of the Spirit, found in the Book of Galatians: “gentleness”, “joy” and “self-control”. In this way, Michelle reaffirmed her Christian identity.
