Remember when using Barack Obama's middle name was a big deal? Yeah, vaguely right? Well it seems like his moniker has become less of a slight and more of selling point, at least for six politicians in Brazil, all of whom have changed their names to "Barack Obama." It's not just a tribute, but a sneaky election tactic.
Brazilians have embraced the candidate enthusiastically in a country with a large population of African descendants and a corresponding minority of space in government. It's thought that by adopting the name of the Democratic candidate, the politicians will have a better chance of being elected. A quirk of Brazilian election law allows candidates to run under the name of their choice, so Obama seems a likely pick.
To see the story of one such name-switcher, read more.
One new "Barack" says "In truth it was an accident. I'd been on the television wearing a suit and people thought I looked a bit like him so they started calling me Barack Obama. They'd see me in the street and shout: 'Hey! Barack!" So I decided to register it." He's running for mayor and like Obama I, he has relatives in Kenya. The Obamas' messages are similar too, "I say the same things. I talk about political renewal, change, about transforming the city."
Unlike showing up at a party in the same dress as someone else, the newest Barack wants to be in a room with the original. He says, "It would be great if he could come and see our reality. Just imagine."
Gabor
RED Valentino
Woodhouse Clothing
Well aren't people silly?
1"Brazilian's have embraced the candidate enthusiastically in a country with a large population of African descendants and a corresponding minority of space in government."
Is this election going to be about race or not? Journalists are the only ones I see that are keeping that issue alive. This is even hinting that they only like him because he is black. Well, half black.
2Well obviously the Brazilian Election which this article is about is going to be about race?
3Maybe they never saw a successful person of color, maybe they just embrace someone with the same background as themselves, or maybe they believe what he believe.
4My question about the US election is ....Is this election going to be about sex or not? Journalists are and the McCain campaign are the ones I see keeping this on alive.
5It would be interesting to know the percentage of foreign countries who are embracing Barak Obama and that hope he is bringing to many Americans.
6I am saying nothing about Obama or his policies here guys. I am going by the way this article is worded and many others I have seen.
7And I need to add, not just on this site, but all over the media.
8I was just posing a question.
9"A quirk of Brazilian election law allows candidates to run under the name of their choice,"
wow... that's really incredible! so basically, all you have to do is change your name to that of your opponent and it throws the entire election? this can't be true.
10What name would you all pick?
11dorothy zbornak
12I would pick Anne Coulter j/k
13Grapes a Wrath
14Ivanna B. Yourpres
15Engelbert Humperdinck
or
Voute Fourmee
16GS, go with Voute Fourmee
17"Voute Fourmee"
18Amanda Hugginkiss
19Haha, those wacky Brazilians.
20Angelina Jolie
21That's...strange.
I'm sending this link to a Brazilian friend to see what she thinks.
22Yeah, I'm seeing this only now...it's an election tactic and they probably won't get elected, or maybe they will -- if they're running for major of small towns where people are known by their nicknames.
In fact, this is kind of sad...because it shows how many Brazilians tend to not get seriously the really serious things (such as an election).
23Do people like it when candidates do that?
24Hmm, maybe Chad Ocho Cinco should move to Brazil.
25Well, the ones who are educated actually laugh at them (their names and tv ads) and make jokes about it. Others get pissed off because these candidates mean wasted money and time (that could be used with the good candidates).
Some very uneducated people may vote for them though.
26Jude, if I told you about the semi-celebrities who are known for their ASSets here, that would make you think Kim Kardashian is a princess (a talented and elegant one).
27What would happen if two candidates running for the same position both changed their name to Barak Obama? How would we know who won??
28I think it's funny... they probably saw through the media how hung up people were on the name, even Michelle said she thought it was a weird name, and they decided to make light of it.
from now on my name is Melinda Gates
29(shhh....)
i guess if it's something that you can identify with then it's an ok move but for me, if you can't run as yourself, then what does that mean you stand for? it's just an interesting thing to think about. people relate to a name, and then you figure that they share the same views on things, and then you realize that you're taking on the sides of the person that you're trying to be rather than staying true to yourself. (i'm just playing the skeptic here)
30Felicia Jollygoodfellow.
31Cat - I love it.
32hello
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