River in Brazil’s largest city Sao Paulo has turned green as severe drought in the country continues
Associated PressSEP 2024
Brazil: Mayoral Candidate Attacks Rival with Chair on Live TV
Above: Pablo Marcal (C), poses for a picture with a supporter during a campaign rally in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 3, 2024. Image copyright: Nelson Almeida/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Well-known for his aggressive behavior in debates, Marçal is ultimately responsible for this one descending into chaos. An assault was to be expected when he decided to refer to serious allegations that have already been dismissed — he deliberately provoked another candidate.
Narrative B
Marçal is the victim here, and there should be no room to blame him for anything. If he can be called a thug for overturned convictions related to charges dating back to when he was 18, so should he be able to remind other candidates about their troubled past.