Providing Perspective on Primaries

Sao Paulo

Eugene Robinson speaking via videoconference to a group of political reporters from print, broadcast and electronic outlets.

Journalist Fabio Cervone from R7

In response to continuing requests by Brazilian journalists to hear perspectives from American political commentators on the ins and outs and ups and downs of the Republican primaries and candidates, the U.S. Consulate in Sao Paulo invited Washington Post columnist and MSNBC commentator Eugene Robinson to speak via videoconference with a group of political reporters from print, broadcast and electronic outlets.  Mr. Robinson’s discussion with a dozen journalists from Sao Paulo and several more from Recife, which is part of post’s yearlong effort to explain the U.S. electoral process to media and academic audiences,  addressed the impact of the economy, the latest polling on the candidates, and President Obama’s approval rating. 

The reporters from both cities broadened the conversation to how foreign policy issues such as Syria, Iran and China might have an impact on the 2012 elections.  They were also interested in immigration issues as well as the use and effect of social media.  In an answer to questions about why Brazil is not mentioned at all by any of the candidates, Robinson noted that historically Latin America has never been an issue in elections but ultimately it is the economy that is the driving factor in any national elections with foreign policy playing a relatively minor role.

This was the second in a series of American speakers on topics associated with the elections.  The Consulate is planning more speakers for the end of March and April which will be accessible through the internet.