First test for Mexico’s new president? Marathon daily press conferences | U.S. & World [Video]

By Cassandra Garrison

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – There could be a live mariachi band, clips from old Mexican movies, or the photo of a journalist being scolded for their coverage: the only sure thing with outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s daily press conference is that it will be long – often upwards of three hours.

Known as the mananera, meaning roughly of the morning, this potent mix of factual updates and political theatrics has become a cornerstone of Lopez Obrador’s government, whose 60%-plus approval ratings are the envy of many Western leaders. 

The president sets the day’s news agenda, controls crises and takes down opponents – all while most folks are having breakfast.  

Now, it will fall to incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum – who takes power on Tuesday – to fill his shoes at the lectern, a task political watchers say could be a formidable challenge given her far less spontaneous style. …