Dilma's main adversary in 2014 is the media.

247 - The online newspaper Diary of the Center of the WorldIn an interesting survey conducted by journalist Paulo Nogueira, former director of Época and Exame magazines, readers were asked who would be Dilma Rousseff's biggest opponent in 2014: Aécio Neves, Eduardo Campos, Marina Silva, or… the media itself. The media came out on top. See below.

Who will be Dilma's biggest opponent in 2014?

By Paulo Nogueira

I've said several times how valuable it is for the newspaper to listen to its readers.

What do they have to say about 2014?

This was the topic of a poll that closes today. Given the strong lead Dilma has in starting her reelection campaign, the question sought to identify, in the readers' view, who she considers her biggest opponent.

Four alternatives were presented.

Aécio, that is, if Serra doesn't find a way to run again.

No"That's what the readers said."

Marina, with her new party.

Not, readers said.

Eduardo Campos.

Not, readers said.

The three of them combined only got 20% of the responses.

So who?

Sure. Potato, as Nelson Rodrigues wrote. She, the media.

Readers of the newspaper understand that the media will be, by far, Dilma's biggest adversary in 2014.

Does my opinion matter?

I agree.

I had thought, as I wrote yesterday, that Joaquim Barbosa could emerge as a Brazilian Beppo Grillo, the anti-politician who wins the hearts of voters frustrated with traditional politicians.

But no. Grillo is a true hero to millions of Italians on the streets, while JB is despised, hated, or simply ignored by the Brazilian who makes or breaks governments.

He might be elected president of the Rio Equestrian Club, or of the Millenium Institute, but let's stop there.

The media will try to remove Dilma. They will probably present compelling evidence, like the Jornal Nacional did, of things such as the paper ball attack that didn't even scratch the oceanic vastness of Serra's forehead.

Why?

Because, regrettably, the major media companies today represent the epitome of backwardness. They function not as guardians of the public interest, but of their own privileges.

That's precisely why they lost influence: nobody is very interested in listening to someone who only defends themselves while claiming to defend society.

The newspaper dreams of a Scandinavian Brazil: libertarian, happy, prosperous, where the essential drive to undertake ventures is balanced by a very strong sense of social responsibility in corporations.

Independent and non-partisan, the newspaper supports and will continue to support whoever presents the most consistent plans to shorten the long road to Scandinavia. Our commitment is to the cause, not to parties or politicians.

The mainstream media is going against the newspaper's dream.

And that's why, even more than because of the disruption brought about by the internet, it's becoming smaller.