Lula is the face of hope, Bolsonaro is the face of fear!

By Roberto Moraes 

The best and most powerful antidote against the "digital electoral onslaught" of the last 24/48 hours by Bolsonaro's far-right is the streets. Visiting homes, talking in squares and supermarkets in neighborhoods where Bolsonaro's influence, lies, and fear have had the most impact. There are still many people in doubt or unsure about their vote for the second round.

The main goal is not to target the bubble of voters who already have a defined position, but rather the fringe of voters who are still undecided and wavering between one side and the other. This does not mean that the digital efforts that expose the contradictions and misgovernment of Bolsonaro and his group, in the form of videos, images, and "memes" in the field of "memefication of politics," should not also be used in the daily effort against the far-right.

However, it's important to understand that this digital tool is – and always will be – more effective for conservatives, authoritarians, and proponents of militarism and authoritarianism. Our conversation is more difficult, but it needs to be preceded by an investigation into "what resonates" that leads voters to choose fear over hope.

This isn't about voluntarism. Organization and a methodical approach are necessary. And dialogue can't be achieved through mere talking. I repeat, listening is essential. It's pointless to talk about everything; dialogue should primarily focus on what's "important" for our interlocutor, in areas such as values, religion, economics, and even politics. The person we're conversing with should define the scope of the dialogue.

Elections are about hoping for better days, not this crazy idea of ​​accepting what is already very bad in order to avoid the worst, driven by the ideology of fear that Bolsonaro's candidacy tries to impose by force and often with enormous violence.

This "collection" of information in homes, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and other city spaces is what has yielded the best results in the struggles against the authoritarian far-right. We all know it's easier said than done (here on social media). But it's necessary to know what to do to achieve better results.

The situation favors Lula, and we're close to winning, but we need to fight for positions in society against all the threats looming over our lives. We've completed the first stage well, as far as possible; now we're moving into the decisive final stretch. Lula is the face of hope. Bolsonaro is the face of fear.