Lula nominated, vows defense investment and protection of rare earths

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva embraced his familiar strengths during the PT party's national convention, officially accepting his nomination for reelection. He invoked his simple language, unique personal journey, image as a champion of the poor, and a myth of political purity. However, the speech also underscored the contradictions inherent in his campaign.

Lula spent a significant portion of his address praising himself and his administration, as well as his party colleagues, including his vice presidential running mate Geraldo Alckmin. He delved into the PT's founding, its role in Brazil's redemocratization, and historical figures he has supported or opposed. This narrative served a dual purpose: to revive the PT's image and to portray Lula as a moderate, dialogue-oriented leader, a "pure" unionist who entered politics.

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The unionist "pure," as he described himself, who ventured into politics.

In Lula's portrayal, the PT evolved from a party marred by scandals into a pragmatic leftist movement. Yet, the article suggests that the party's hegemonic project and Lula's personalism have come at a cost to the left's capacity for leadership renewal. While Lula mentioned Fernando Haddad as a potential successor, he also acknowledged the challenges of winning the São Paulo governorship and hinted at other potential leaders without specifying names.

Lula urged party members to use specific arguments to persuade independent voters, distinguishing them from "Bolsonaristas" who he believes are unlikely to change their minds. The article implies that Lula's strategy relies on these familiar appeals, hoping they will resonate again against an opposition that is perceived to be making more mistakes than successes.

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Bolsonaristas are what they are and they won't change.