Clinton cited Brazil's stability, its vast natural resources, and its good relations with neighboring countries.
Clinton spoke to a group of bankers in São Paulo on Tuesday, August 28. Other speakers at the meeting were former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former Brazilian President Fernando Enrique Cardoso. "Reuters" described Cardoso as the most "bearish" of the three former leaders. Cardoso was critical of Dilma and Lula for being too reliant on government stimulus of credit, as well as lacking "fiscal rigor" that he said characterized his own government.
Further coverage of this event can be found in this article from the "Economist." The "Economist" included this interesting quote from Cardoso about the possibility for instituting reform during a time of economic crisis: "When you don't have order it is easier to do something, not harder. Europe is approaching a chaotic situation … when it will be easier to impose new rules."
The "Economist" also goes into some detail about FHC's own feelings about the way his legacy has been treated by Lula: "Mr. Cardoso is generally statesmanlike, but it sometimes slips that he finds it offensive the way he was airbrushed out of Brazilian history by Lula, who had been a co-traveller in the fight for democracy during the country’s military dictatorship, and a personal friend."
As an outsider, it may be inappropriate for me to comment on Brazil's leaders, but I believe that FHC, Lula, and Dilma all deserve credit for the positive changes that have occurred there during their terms in office. FHC managed to bring hyperinflation to an end, and without that, it's doubtful that the economic and social progress that occurred under Lula would have been possible.
Sources: "Brazil Portal", "Reuters", and "Economist".
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