Ben Wilson

You know, you've accepted his premise that he's a war hero, and you now are curious of what he has to say.

Yeah, why did you come into conflict with the government?

If you're a fundamentally obedient person, you've kind of accepted his premise.

So it's an excellent moment of pathos, of relating to the audience, sharing their perspective.

In his speeches, he takes full personal responsibility for the putsch, but with a crucial twist.

Responsibility, yes.

He says, I am responsible.

but not guilty.

He never admits to guilt.

Standing in the dock, he declares, quote, he, speaking of Lutendorf, has no responsibility.

I alone bear it.

I alone wanted the matter in the end.

The other gentleman only acted with me.

I am convinced that I did not want anything bad.

I bear the responsibility and will also bear all the consequences.

But I must say one thing.

I am not a criminal because of this, and I do not feel like a criminal because of this.

On the contrary."

And then came the line that really crystallized his entire political identity.

This is the end of his opening speech.