President Lula on TV Globo’s Wall

By Urariano Mota

On Thursday, August 27, during TV Globo’s attempt to “execute” President Lula, the first thing to note is the disparity between the President and his interrogators.

On one side of the table sat the greatest president in Brazilian history, one of the foremost leaders of our time, respected around the world as a new Pelé—this time, a genius for his achievements and his fight against hunger. On the other side of the table were two interviewers—for lack of a better word to describe this dignified role in journalism. Two—simply employees of the television station, never known for any journalistic achievements. The journalists wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for the station’s influence, which takes them everywhere as if they were important people. They’re the celebrities of the moment, obediently following their boss’s orders.

I wonder what an interview with Ho Chi Minh conducted by them would be like.

- Mr. President, what was the secret behind turning a history teacher into a general?

- Are you referring to Giap?

- Of course—who else could I be referring to?

- It’s just that there are other teachers involved in the struggle. But as for Giap, you should know that he is one of the bravest generals in all of history.

- That’s your opinion, Mr. President. But I want to emphasize this: the extraordinary powers you hold, which allow you to appoint a general without a competitive selection process.

Ho Chi Minh smiles. And he replies:

- Do you like poetry?

- We’re talking about history.

- Then know this: the Vietnamese people have written the greatest story possible.

- But according to investigations by the Federal Police....

And so the interview would go on, one that should be called “An Interview Disproportionate to the Absurd.”

The second thing to note is that the inquisitors arrive with a predetermined verdict, but they do not listen to the defendant’s explanations. That is, they only challenge those explanations when the defendant challenges their questions. Then they speak to reaffirm what was asked earlier. It’s very clear that the “interviewers” don’t know or understand what they’re talking about. And the script doesn’t allow for changes. It would be great if they could improve the script. But how? Well, if the “interviewee” suddenly said:

- I have to go to the bathroom. Right now. I'm feeling sick.

Interviewer:

- Please, let's get back to the interview...

But getting back to what actually happened on the night of August 27, 40% of the interview focused on the accusations against the President’s son. In other words, the whole thing was staged to paint Lula as the most corrupt person in Brazilian history. It was definitely a pro-Bolsonaro agenda. This was later compounded by accusations that Lula had lied when he stated he did not know the lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger. Then the news outlets published photos of her on Instagram with Lula. Here’s one of them, as “proof” of Lula’s lie. Note that the Landless Movement cap is brand new, bought just for the occasion.

Ah, the mainstream media of big business pretends not to know that there are many photos of Lula with people whom he—who knows?—might actually know. Judging by the photos, almost all of Brazil would seem to be close friends with the president. Aren’t there pictures of Lula with millions of people? They choose the ones that suit their agenda. To destroy Brazil’s greatest president, a comprehensive investigation isn’t what matters. What matters is the “evidence.” And to hell with the truth.

But getting back to the interview, the question remains: which interview?

Urariano Mota is a writer and journalist, author of the novels "Soledad in Recife" and "Never-Ending Youth" which narrate the Brazilian dictatorship.