As the presidential election in the United States approaches, it seems that the political landscape is becoming increasingly crowded. But amidst the usual contenders, there is one name that has raised more than a few eyebrows: Jair Bolsonaro. The announcement of his candidacy has sent shockwaves through the political world. Some are skeptical of his chances, while others see him as a breath of fresh air in a stagnant political landscape. But one thing’s for sure: Bolsonaro is not here to make friends.
After all, Bolsonaro’s track record as president of Brazil is hardly one to inspire confidence. He has been criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Brazil having one of the highest death tolls in the world. He has also been accused of authoritarianism, racism, and homophobia, among other things. When asked about his past comments about women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community, Bolsonaro simply shrugged and said, “Political correctness is for losers.”
Despite his controversial views, Bolsonaro has already gained a following among some Americans who see him as a champion of conservative values. But for the majority of voters, it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to overlook his past remarks and support a foreign candidate with no experience in American politics. But hey, who needs all that experience and expertise when you have a bold personality and a catchy slogan, right? Bolsonaro’s campaign is already in full swing, and he has wasted no time in making some bold promises to American voters.
His first order of business, he says, will be to build a “beautiful, big wall” along the U.S.-Mexico border. “Trust me, folks, nobody knows how to build a wall like I do,” Bolsonaro said in a recent speech. And that’s just the beginning. Bolsonaro has also promised to “drain the swamp” in Washington, D.C., and to “lock up” his political opponents.
But perhaps the most surprising thing about Bolsonaro’s candidacy is the support he has already garnered from some segments of the American population. Some conservative commentators have praised his tough stance on crime and his willingness to stand up to “political correctness.”Meanwhile, others have expressed concern about Bolsonaro’s authoritarian tendencies and his divisive rhetoric. “We don’t need a Brazilian Donald Trump in the White House,” one critic wrote on social media.
Only time will tell whether Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign will gain traction in the United States. But one thing is for sure: the 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most bizarre and unpredictable in history.