First Months of 1965
The first months of 1965 saw a strange Brazil flourish. The trauma of Jango's death has increasingly created a myth among Brazil's poorest and most rural sectors. The image of the beautiful widow speaking that her marriage to all Brazilians remained. Maria Thereza Goulart had become a symbol.
President Mazzilli had a discreet but firm performance. Much more moderate than Jango, Ranieri served to appease the moods between the remnants of military support and Leonel Brizola's increasingly sonorous voice. Despite fears that Mazzilli might be a retrograde democracy, the new President secured his support for the institutional pillars that were the winners in 1964.
One of the biggest challenges of the brief Mazzilli Government would be the fight against inflation, which continued to grow. And, of course, ensure that the one elected in October took office.
Campaign movements had already begun. With the death of João Goulart, former President Juscelino Kubitschek officially announced, after the mourning period, that he would run for a new term of office at the head of the country.
Former President Juscelino Kubitschek, favorite to win in 1965
JK's candidacy was already starting as the favorite to win the election on Oct. 3. In second place in the surveys appeared Leonel Brizola, that counted on the important support of the widow of Jango.
Juscelino even offered Leonel Brizola the position of vice president in a union ticket of the country's two most popular politicians, but the proposal was rejected by Jango's brother-in-law.
Leonel Brizola, brother-in-law of Jango and candidate in 1965
By the opposition, the UDN launched the candidacy of Olavo Bilac Pinto, with few chances of victory.
Brazil seemed normal at the time. But deep down, it was strange times. The military coup was so close, but at the same time so far. Two Democrats were the favorites to win the election, but the fear still hung in the air. And the country's destitute population had already chosen its symbol, its strength, its muse: Maria Thereza Goulart.
Some wondered: why did the people fall in love with her? Was it the beauty of that 25 year old girl? Or stolen innocence? That glamor? Or just the popular Brazilian imagination that yearned for his Jackie Kennedy, for his Grace Kelly, and especially for his Evita?
No one would dare answer that at that moment. That widow had conquered Brazil, first as the beautiful and demure first lady. And now, like a warrior widow, defender of the rights of the people. In those years of 1965, no one could predict the future.
Maria Thereza Goulart: more than a widow, a symbol