Brazil’s presidential election Better late than never?

In covering Mr. Serra’s challenge to Dilma Rousseff, The Economist notes some possible areas of vulnerability – we will see if these become factors when she becomes President and assumes a role on the world stage.

“In the two candidates’ debates since October 3rd, an energised Mr Serra has landed some telling blows. A few weeks ago Ms Rousseff stumbled when some religious leaders criticised her former support for liberalising Brazil’s strict abortion laws. Wary of alienating a conservative electorate, she backtracked, first saying that she “personally” opposed the procedure and then pledging that as president she would not move to ease access to abortion. That allowed Mr Serra to describe her as incoherent and two-faced. Her alleged lack of ballast also features in his campaign ads, which show the candidates as Russian dolls. His opens to a recital of his record as congressman, senator, health minister, and mayor and then governor of São Paulo, revealing doll after doll. Hers is empty.”

This is part of my survey of the 30 best articles from The Economist over the past two years to gain insight into whether Brazilian attitudes towards America have declined, and global attitudes towards Brazil — comments welcome!