It was Batista that had Miriam Cordeiro, former girlfriend of Lula, say that Lula wanted her to have an abortion. This charge was made days before election day and was never proven. But the damage was done and Lula lost the election. This news of Cardoso's campaign team was having secret meetings with Egberto Batista has created problems. Another factor that is hindering Cardoso's campaign from 'taking off' is the up-coming World Cup Soccer Matches being held in the US, beginning on June 17th.
Brazil is one of the favorites to win the Cup.
Most Brazilians are more interested in the Brazil National Soccer team than they are in what the candidates are saying or doing. This is especially true in the case of Cardoso, who is behind the front-runner, Lula, in the polls. Last week in this conference, notice was given that a group of church leaders in various Christian churches were planning to organize a forum of religious leaders in support of Lula for president. Frei Betto suggested that Sept. 7, Independence Day, be a National Day of Prayer for Brazil - Lula president. The bishop of Goias Velho, Dom Tomas Balduino is against the idea of asking votes for the PT candidate in prayer on Sept. 7th.