Brazil's President Is Running Scared

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, who is running for re-election in October, is starting to look desperate. Her approval ratings show why: at 37 percent they're near the lowest since she was elected in 2010. Rousseff's electoral bread-and-circus tactics suggest the brand of paternalistic politics Brazil can expect if she wins again.

Let's start with the circus. Rousseff's administration recently postponed a planned tax increase on beer and soft drinks until after hosting the World Cup next month. The president knows that the success of the global soccer tournament will affect her chances at the ballot box. Brazilians are already furious about overspending on unfinished stadiums that many feel came at the expense of social programs and public services.