Chapter 10: The Game Has Changed

Still in September, Gustavo Andrade continued his marathon of political debates, now more experienced and confident than ever. With his campaign already gaining momentum and support from major public figures, he knew that the upcoming debates would be decisive in consolidating his position in the presidential race. Lula and Bolsonaro, his main opponents, were clearly uncomfortable with Gustavo's unexpected rise. Both had been trying in every way to discredit him, using traditional strategies of personal attacks and raising external issues to try to destabilize him.

The scene was set for yet another debate, this time broadcast in prime time by Globo. The debate stage was grand, with each candidate on a well-lit podium, and the entire country watching with anticipation. Among those present were Lula, Bolsonaro, Ciro Gomes, Simone Tebet and, of course, Gustavo Andrade. Everyone knew that this would be a decisive moment for their campaigns.

As soon as the debate began, the moderators addressed topics such as the economy, education and corruption. From the very beginning, both Lula and Bolsonaro began to direct their criticisms at Gustavo, trying to bring up personal and professional issues that had no direct relation to their government proposals. It was a common tactic: when you can't attack the message, you try to destroy the messenger.

Bolsonaro was the first to try to destabilize Gustavo. He looked at him with his typical defiant look and said:

"You, Gustavo Andrade, may have been a good police officer, but you have no political experience. How can someone who has never been a deputy, governor, or even a city councilman think he has what it takes to govern a country like Brazil? You are an adventurer, just like many others who have tried and failed before."

Gustavo listened patiently and waited his turn to respond. When the moderator gave him the floor, he took a deep breath and said:

"Bolsonaro, Brazil has had career politicians for decades and look where we are. The question here is not who has been in office the longest, but who has the competence and the will to do what is right for the country. Your experience, unfortunately, has only brought us setbacks. As for my work in the Federal Police, it was a 20-year career dedicated to fighting crime and protecting our country. You, with all your political experience, left Brazil more divided and vulnerable than ever. The difference between us is that I have always done my job with efficiency and integrity. And that, Mr. President, is something your administration has very little of.

The public on social media exploded. Comments like "Gustavo said it all" and "Finally someone with the courage to face these career politicians" began to appear en masse on Twitter and Instagram.

Lula, realizing that Bolsonaro had not managed to destabilize Gustavo, decided to join the discussion. He had another strategy: instead of directly attacking Gustavo's experience, he tried to associate him with the elite and the lack of connection with the people's social problems.

— Look, comrade, it's very nice to talk about fighting crime and protecting the country. But the reality is different. The Brazilian people are suffering from hunger and unemployment, and you seem much more concerned with police operations than with the people who are dying of hunger in the streets. You may be a great police officer, but that does not make you a leader capable of dealing with Brazil's deepest social issues.

Gustavo, once again, waited patiently for his turn to answer. When the moderator called on him, he looked directly at Lula and answered:

— Lula, during your government, Brazil had the chance to become a global power, but what happened? The rampant corruption that you and your party allowed destroyed the foundations of trust in our economy and our people. The money that should have gone to combat hunger and create jobs was diverted into the pockets of corrupt businessmen and politicians. I agree that the Brazilian people need more opportunities, but these opportunities were stolen from us. You speak as if you were defending the poor, but your history is marked by the corruption scandals that have sunk the country.

Once again, social media was flooded with comments. "Gustavo doesn't give us any room!", "Gustavo destroying Lula and Bolsonaro in the same debate", "This guy is the future". Gustavo's performance was increasingly gaining the public's trust.

Ciro Gomes, who had been observing the exchange of barbs, tried to join the conversation, but without much success. He was visibly bothered by not being able to steal the spotlight in the discussion between Gustavo, Lula and Bolsonaro. Simone Tebet, in turn, tried to maintain a more neutral discourse, but it was clear that the audience had already chosen their main opponents in the debate.

The moderator then brought up a new topic: corruption and fighting organized crime. Gustavo knew that this was his specialty, and was ready to respond, but before he could speak, Bolsonaro tried once again to bring up his career in the police force.

— Gustavo, you talk a lot about fighting crime, but do you have the moral authority to talk about corruption when you worked directly with politicians and government figures while you were in the Federal Police? How can we trust that you weren't just protecting the same corrupt individuals you now criticize?

It was a low blow, but Gustavo was prepared.

— Bolsonaro, I worked for 20 years in the Federal Police, in the Tactical Operations Command, in the security sector for dignitaries and in the intelligence sector. My job has always been to defend Brazil, both from common criminals and from corrupt individuals in power. I took part in joint operations with the FBI, the CIA, and ABIN, and always with a single objective: to protect Brazil. Meanwhile, your government is embroiled in scandal after scandal. You talk about morality, but your own children are being investigated for corruption. What I did was serve my country with honor and integrity. What you did was benefit from the system you so criticize.

Once again, the public on social media spoke out. Comments such as "Gustavo unmasking Bolsonaro live", "This guy is different, he is not afraid to tell the truth" and "Finally someone who puts these corrupt people in their place" took over the online discussions.

As the debate drew to a close, it was clear that Gustavo had won the night. Lula and Bolsonaro, although they still tried to counterattack, were already clearly at a disadvantage. Gustavo had shown not only his competence, but also his ability to confront his opponents with solid and direct arguments, without letting himself be shaken by personal attacks.

At the end of the debate, Gustavo received applause from a large part of the audience and his campaign team knew that he had emerged victorious once again. Every day, more Brazilians began to believe that perhaps Gustavo Andrade was the change that Brazil so desperately needed.

On social media, the comments continued to flow:

— Gustavo put Lula and Bolsonaro in his pocket! — This guy has courage, he says what everyone wanted to say. — Finally, someone with proposals and not afraid to confront the corrupt.

The marathon of debates was just beginning, but Gustavo was already consolidating his name as one of the favorites in the presidential race.