Seis tipos de bolsonaristas

Overview

Fernando Horta presents six “ideal types” of Bolsonaro supporters. He describes them as analytical categories, not exact descriptions of individuals, and discusses how people trying to persuade voters before an election might approach each type.

Six Ideal Types

1. Hardcore supporter: Deeply committed to Bolsonaro and willing to justify aggression against opponents. Horta says persuasion is unlikely and engaging may be unsafe.

2. Supporter seeking recognition: Feels overlooked at work or in family life and finds status, an audience, and purpose in Bolsonarism. Horta argues that challenging this identity is unlikely to change the person’s vote and may be risky.

3. Convenience supporter: Is influenced by misinformation that confirms existing views, resists social change, and accepts political brutality while disclaiming responsibility. Horta says this voter is also unlikely to be persuaded.

4. Economic supporter: Has a livelihood or business that benefits from Bolsonaro-aligned networks. Horta recommends arguing that Bolsonaro’s economic policies would reduce incomes and consumer spending, citing Argentina under Milei and Chile under Kast as examples.

5. Default supporter: Distrusts the PT and fears communism or “woke” politics, but dislikes Bolsonaro’s harshness and violence. Horta says this voter may be persuaded by examples of violence against opponents and by the warning that authoritarian movements can turn against their own allies.

6. Disillusioned supporter: Is frustrated with the left’s record and may vote for Flávio Bolsonaro without embracing Bolsonarism. Horta describes this as a small, persuadable group that still rejects political violence and corruption. He argues that voting for Lula is, paradoxically, the best way for this voter to preserve a future for a non-hardline political right. He warns that a Flávio Bolsonaro victory could consolidate control over the right and destroy competing political groups.

Practical Conclusion

Horta recommends avoiding efforts to persuade the first three types, focusing on persuadable default and disillusioned supporters, and appealing to economic self-interest when speaking with the fourth type.