In a response to Joel Pinheiro da Fonseca's recent column, the author contends that the candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro was not a foregone conclusion, but rather a product of the failure of the Brazilian right's moderating strategy over the past three years. The author highlights that this moderation, previously advocated by Pinheiro, did not yield the expected results and ultimately led to the marginalization of traditional right-wing governors, who aligned themselves with Jair Bolsonaro's controversial policies in hopes of gaining support that did not materialize.

The author critiques the notion that Flávio Bolsonaro's actions can be compared to those criticising the Supreme Court ministers, suggesting that this perspective is overly simplistic and deflects from the reality of political dynamics within Brazil. The piece emphasizes that the shift towards a more rigid bolsonarism has been a direct consequence of the inadequacies of moderate strategies championed by figures like Pinheiro. As such, attempting to rationalize the bolsonarism identity now appears misplaced and futile.

Overall, the article warns against the dangers of adapting to a political environment dominated by extreme factions and calls for a reassessment of the traditional right's approach in Brazil. The implications of this are significant for the future of political discourse in Brazil, especially as the country grapples with its identity and the path forward in a polarized political climate.