One Big Question: Does It Matter that Lula and Flávio Refused to Debate?
One Big Question: Does It Matter that Lula and Flávio Refused to Debate?
“This debate would have been an opportunity to stir up enthusiasm. But it’s so close, [they] opted for caution,” says AS/COA VP Brian Winter.
With just three days until Brazilians vote in the October 4 first round, TV Globo was set to host a final presidential debate. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro had originally planned to participate, but withdrew after learning his opponent, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, would not attend. With the frontrunners out and the Supreme Court questioning the debate rules, TV Globo canceled. Lula instead appeared on one of Brazil’s most popular podcasts and spoke to a live audience of young voters. Meanwhile, Flávio went live on social media to reinforce key campaign messages, such as criticism of the Supreme Court.
That means Brazilian voters will go to the polls without having watched a direct exchange between the two frontrunners, who are running neck and neck.
We asked Americas Quarterly Editor-in-Chief and AS/COA Vice President Brian Winter for a reflection on the debate debacle.
- To speak with an expert on this topic, please contact mediarelations@as-coa.org.
From poll trackers to podcast episodes to key facts, our guide tracks Latin America’s largest election this year.
The president and Bolsonaro scion Flávio are in a deadlock ahead of the October 4 vote in a race marked by corruption, security, and economic worries.
