Friday, December 17, 2010

Brazilian TV clown elected to high office, passes literacy test

Brazilian TV clown elected to high office, passes literacy test: "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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