Lula tests his leverage

Barack Obama undoubtedly knows that everything he says has a greater impact per syllable than just about anyone else in the world. So let's suppose that when at the G-20 summit in London, he referred to Lula as "My man...I love this guy, He's the most popular politician on earth," he knew that everyone in Brazil would be talking about it ad nauseum.  Jo Soares, the Jay Leno of Brazilian late night TV, couldn't even get away with misquoting him as calling Lula "the man." Instantly corrected by a guest, he noted that "the man" or "my man" were virtually synonymous. Then Obama told CNN that Brazil was an important actor in the world scene.

So it was not such a surprise that Obama's man, the most popular politician on earth and the leader of an important actor on the world scene, called Obama to talk shop before the summit. He got a return call yesterday from Air Force One. According to an article in Valor Economico, Lula used his air time to urge for the United States to press for changes well beyond the easing of travel restrictions for Cuban-Americans that Obama has put forth thus far, suggesting a George Mitchell-like envoy to negotiate, and putting the possibility of ending the embargo on the table. That, according to the advisor, would force Raul Castro to "relax his regime."

Lula had recently met with Bruno Rodriguez, the Castro government's new chancellor, in Brasilia, who indicated Cuba was ready to negotiate directly with the United States.

Of course, Cuba is not at the summit, and Obama supposedly expressed concern to Lula that Cuba would come to dominate the talks.  He seems to have done away with that concern, however, by shaking Hugo Chavez's hand.

By the way, it should be noted that despite what Obama says, Lula is not the most popular politician in the world; he's not even the most popular politician in Latin America. According to a survey released Thursday, that title belongs to one President Barack Obama, with a 70% approval rating. Lula came in second, with 59%. (Chavez had just 28%, but maybe he'll get a bump with that handshake.)

http://www.globalpost.com/notebook/brazil/090418/lula-tests-his-leverage