The Ghost of Snapped Shot

The lastest Obamamania political fad! Can't win an election on merits? No experience? No effective policies?

No problem!

Just change your name to "Barack Obama"*!

Walk into a polling station in Belford Roxo, an impoverished city on the fringes of Rio de Janiero, on October 5 and you will be faced with an historic choice. You could vote for Alcides Rolim, the Workers' Party mayoral candidate promising a "city for all" or Elizeu Pitorra, a local communist who believes it is "time for a change". Most voters, however, will probably opt for Barack Obama, a 39-year-old Brazilian who, until recently, was known as Claudio Henrique dos Anjos.

In the not too distant future, you may be able to vote for Barack Obama. Or, if you don't like his policies, you could cast your vote for Barack Obama. But if you feel like taking a chance on a newcomer, you could choose Barack Obama!

Now even Brazil's politicians are lining up for their piece of the pie. Due to a quirk of Brazilian law, candidates are allowed to run under the name of their choice. As a result, at least six Brazilian politicians have officially renamed themselves "Barack Obama" in a bid to get an edge over their rivals in October's municipal elections.

*Only available in impoverished or uneducated regions where citizens generally vote for whoever promises "change" without specification. Subjected to some conditions, such as reverse-discrimination, political ignorance, or plain stupidity. Offer for a limited time only.

  Daily Fodder