PBD Podcast Episode Summary: “I’ll Be Arrested After This Airs” - Jair Bolsonaro EXPOSES Lula, de Moraes & Brazil Corrupt Courts | Ep. 551

Introduction

In Episode 551 of the PBD Podcast, titled “I’ll Be Arrested After This Airs,” host Patrice O'Neal engages in a comprehensive three-hour interview with former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The episode delves deep into Brazil's current political climate, spotlighting Bolsonaro's allegations against former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (commonly known as Lula), Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and the purported corruption within Brazil's Supreme Court. Bolsonaro draws parallels between his political struggles in Brazil and former U.S. President Donald Trump's experiences, emphasizing the influence of the "Deep State" in both nations.

Section 1: Bolsonaro and Trump – Common Struggles Against the Deep State

Bolsonaro begins by highlighting similarities between himself and Donald Trump, asserting that both leaders are loud, strong, and face significant opposition from established political entities.

• Quote [00:14]: Jair Bolsonaro: “We have one more thing in common. I was stabbed and he was shot. The Deep State works to remove opponents from the left. And I am here in Brazil at the moment, the only right wing leader, just as Trump is in the United States.”

• Quote [00:36]: Patrice O'Neal: “If in the US the establishment, the left, could silence Trump to not be able to run in 2024, they would have done exactly the same thing they did to you.”

Bolsonaro emphasizes that despite different political landscapes, both leaders are targeted by deeply entrenched political forces seeking to undermine their influence and careers.

Section 2: Politicization of Brazil’s Supreme Court

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Brazilian Supreme Court's alleged politicization. Bolsonaro criticizes Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes, suggesting that the court is biased against right-wing leaders.

• Quote [00:47]: Jair Bolsonaro: “Our Supreme Court here is completely politicized. If Mother Teresa of Calcutta were to take an interest in most of them, she would be convicted by our Supreme Court.”

Bolsonaro argues that the judiciary in Brazil oversteps its bounds, interfering excessively in political matters and being a tool for the left to eliminate opposition.

Section 3: Allegations Against Lula da Silva

Bolsonaro accuses Lula of corruption and collusion with leftist and dictatorial regimes, painting him as a figure detrimental to Brazil's democratic institutions.

• Quote [02:11]: Jair Bolsonaro: “They accused me of everything. Xenophobic, homicidal, pedophilic, everything. If I say what I know, hours after you put this on air, I will be arrested.”

Bolsonaro alleges that international actors like the CIA and organizations funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) played roles in ensuring Lula's electoral victory over him.

Section 4: International Influences and USAID's Role

Bolsonaro discusses the alleged involvement of USAID and other international entities in Brazilian politics, suggesting that external forces have funded efforts to discredit him and support Lula.

• Quote [43:36]: Jair Bolsonaro: “If it weren't for USAID, I would be the elected president in 2022.”

He references statements from Mike Benz, a former U.S. Department of State official, who claims that USAID funded initiatives aimed at undermining populist movements like Bolsonaro's.

Section 5: Economic Policies and Tax Reforms

Bolsonaro reflects on his previous administration's economic policies, crediting them for improvements in Brazil's economy during his tenure. He contrasts these with Lula's administration, which he claims has led to economic decline and increased corruption.

• Quote [73:54]: Jair Bolsonaro: “I eliminated the federal fuel taxes. I eliminated the import tax on many items. I reduced taxes by a third on 4,000 products.”

Bolsonaro argues that reducing the tax burden spurred economic growth and made Brazil a more attractive destination for business investments, a stark contrast to the current administration's policies.

Section 6: Strategies to Overcome Judicial and Political Barriers

Facing a Supreme Court he deems antagonistic, Bolsonaro outlines his strategies to regain political power. He emphasizes building popular support, reforming the electoral system, and leveraging alliances within the political landscape.

• Quote [24:57]: Jair Bolsonaro: “What do some people say. I have no doubt that if I become eligible, I am president, right?”

Bolsonaro plans to register his candidacy once legal obstacles are cleared, anticipating widespread public support to secure his return to power.

Section 7: Media Manipulation and Censorship

Bolsonaro criticizes major Brazilian media outlets, particularly TV Globo, accusing them of biased reporting and censorship aimed at discrediting him and supporting Lula.

• Quote [77:04]: Jair Bolsonaro: “The most control, the one who influences the population is TV Global.”

He recounts instances where media support dwindled during his administration, impacting his ability to communicate his policies effectively.

Section 8: Corruption in Brazil and Historical Context

The conversation touches on Brazil's long-standing issues with corruption, attributing recent scandals to the Workers' Party (PT) and contrasting it with his own administration's integrity.

• Quote [116:25]: Jair Bolsonaro: “Corruption with the Workers Party came to a huge level of intelligence and quantity.”

Bolsonaro asserts that his administration was free from corruption, unlike subsequent governments, which have been plagued by numerous scandals and economic mismanagement.

Section 9: Future Outlook and Hope for Brazil

Despite facing potential legal repercussions, Bolsonaro remains optimistic about Brazil's future. He encourages the Brazilian populace to maintain hope and continue striving for a prosperous nation free from corruption and political manipulation.

• Quote [168:51]: Jair Bolsonaro: “Do not give up, do not lose heart, do not throw in the towel. Do not prejudge people as if they were all the same.”

He underscores the importance of unity and resilience among Brazilians to overcome the challenges posed by the current administration and judiciary.

Conclusion

This episode of the PBD Podcast provides an unfiltered platform for Jair Bolsonaro to voice his grievances against Brazil's Supreme Court, Lula da Silva, and international influences affecting Brazilian politics. Through a series of detailed allegations and policy critiques, Bolsonaro seeks to rally support for his political resurgence, emphasizing themes of corruption, judicial overreach, and economic mismanagement under Lula's leadership. The interview also highlights Bolsonaro's enduring belief in the Brazilian people's potential and his commitment to restoring what he perceives as the nation's rightful path towards prosperity and democratic integrity.

Notable Quotes Highlighted:

• [00:14] Jair Bolsonaro: “We have one more thing in common. I was stabbed and he was shot. The Deep State works to remove opponents from the left. And I am here in Brazil at the moment, the only right wing leader, just as Trump is in the United States.”

• [00:47] Jair Bolsonaro: “Our Supreme Court here is completely politicized. If Mother Teresa of Calcutta were to take an interest in most of them, she would be convicted by our Supreme Court.”

• [43:36] Jair Bolsonaro: “If it weren't for USAID, I would be the elected president in 2022.”

• [73:54] Jair Bolsonaro: “I eliminated the federal fuel taxes. I eliminated the import tax on many items. I reduced taxes by a third on 4,000 products.”

• [24:57] Jair Bolsonaro: “What do some people say. I have no doubt that if I become eligible, I am president, right?”

• [116:25] Jair Bolsonaro: “Corruption with the Workers Party came to a huge level of intelligence and quantity.”

• [168:51] Jair Bolsonaro: “Do not give up, do not lose heart, do not throw in the towel. Do not prejudge people as if they were all the same.”

This structured summary encapsulates the core discussions and viewpoints presented in the podcast, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the episode’s critical political insights and allegations.