Overview
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not attend TV Globo’s pre‑first‑round debate and his campaign framed the absence as a deliberate strategic choice to avoid 'incontrolable' debate formats.
- Instead of the televised forum, Lula confirmed an appearance on the Flow podcast at the same hour, repeating a tactic of scheduling controlled internet appearances during rival events.
- Campaign advisers say Lula has favored long-form podcasts and targeted YouTube channels since late July to limit quick viral cuts and reduce exposure to hostile, bite‑sized edits.
- Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed he would attend the Globo debate, making him the principal target in the televised arena while Lula’s team says the president would debate Flávio only in a possible second round.
- The decision deepens a tactical split in campaign styles by trading broad, moderated TV exposure for platforms that energize core supporters and may struggle to reach undecided voters who could decide the first round.