Lula has the campaign of his dreams with Flávio on the ropes

President Lula's campaign is described as a "dream campaign" due to the apparent weakening of his main rival, Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro's party convention saw him isolated, with the centrist bloc declaring neutrality, signaling openness to alliances that could further benefit Lula. This fragmentation of the right-wing political landscape is seen as advantageous for Lula, potentially paving the way for his fourth term in office.

Recent polling data suggests Lula's advantage over Bolsonaro has grown, with some surveys indicating he is close to securing an absolute majority. However, the article points out a significant paradox: while Lula leads the race, his government's performance is viewed negatively by a substantial portion of the electorate. A notable percentage rate his current term as "bad" or "terrible," a figure higher than those who express satisfaction, indicating a disconnect between his electoral prospects and public approval of his administration.

The piece also questions the stagnant performance of other potential presidential candidates, such as Ronaldo Caiado and Romeu Zema, who remain in single-digit polling numbers despite the availability of issues like public security and foreign policy that could define a candidate. The article suggests that Caiado's perceived regional focus and Zema's monotonous style might be hindering their campaigns, despite the potential for them to offer a more "normal" country or a focus on deliverable promises rather than marketing-driven initiatives.

Adding a layer of international context, the article notes the appearance of Argentine President Javier Milei at Bolsonaro's event, characterizing it as a potentially detrimental "bear hug." Milei's own image, it is suggested, has been tarnished by Argentina's performance in the World Cup, making his endorsement less valuable for Bolsonaro. The article also briefly touches on the political maneuvering surrounding Senator Tereza Cristina, who is reportedly facing increased pressure to enter the presidential race, though she may prefer to pursue a leadership role within the Senate.