Brazilian TV clown elected to high office, passes literacy test

Cory Doctorow 11:07 am Fri Dec 17, 2010

Brazilian TV clown Francisco Oliveira (AKA Tiririca) has been elected to the Brazilian government, running on such slogans as "What does a federal deputy do? I have no idea — but vote for me and I'll let you know." He was required to take a literacy test (which he narrowly passed) before taking office.

He ran a humorous television campaign dressed as a clown with a blond wig and colorful costume, and spouting riffs like "What does a federal deputy do? I have no idea — but vote for me and I'll let you know."

Detractors, including several longtime lawmakers, said Oliveira was bringing Brazil's congress — known for its many corruption scandals — into disrepute, and challenged his candidacy on literacy grounds.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a former shoeshine boy and metalworker, called the demand for the test an "idiocy" disrespecting those who voted for Oliveira.

Brazil clown secures congress seat after literacy test

(via JWZ)

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