Peter Hakim, member of the Advisor board and president emeritus of the Inter-American Dialogue:“Lula’s meeting with Biden provided a welcome opportunity to celebrate their triumphs over the recent challenges to democratic rule and free elections suffered by both nations. Biden deserves credit for persistent U.S. efforts to convince the Brazilian armed forces to stay out of their country’s electoral process and resist any post-election shenanigans. U.S. military and intelligence officials carried that message on various missions to Brazil. Also, Biden congratulated Lula by phone just minutes after official confirmation of his victory—and soon after, the Washington visit was scheduled. Biden did what he could to keep the Brazilian election honest. The White House visit left no doubt that the two presidents would welcome a more cooperative and productive bilateral relationship. Is that likely? Despite their mutual commitments to democracy, neither Brazil nor the United States can…”