September 29, 2006

What If We Have a Debate, and Nobody Shows?

Last night I watched with great interest the presidential debates. The big news was that President Lula, up for election, did not show.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Lula boycotts pre-poll TV debate

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pulled out of a final TV debate with other candidates fighting Sunday's presidential election.

He withdrew hours before the live broadcast, saying other candidates would launch personal attacks on him.

Lula is still well ahead in the polls, but his lead has narrowed amid claims of dirty tricks and corruption.

On Sunday night, his decision to avoid this debate will look like either a masterstroke or a huge tactical error.

Several items made this especially interesting:

1. Lula is famous for bullying people during debates, leveling accusations and personal attacks. It would appear that he can dish it out, but cannot take it.

2. Lula made the announcement just shortly before the debates were to begin. He then proceeded to attend a huge rally of his own supporters.

3. The Globo TV network (the biggest and most influential media company in Brazil) is hopping mad. They took great pains to show Lula's empty chair throughout the debate. (see picture below).

The empty chair

It is possible that this will take the elections into a second round. If this happens, there will be a debate between the two main candidates, which it will be very hard for Lula to escape.

Between now and Sunday (election day), Lula can count on some VERY bad press. If he should happen to win the election, he can count on bad press for the duration of his second term. Ticking off Globo was not a good idea.

Posted by Andrew on September 29, 2006 10:23 AM.