I though HN has reached conclusion he was going for incompetence defense, and all these public appearances were to bolster that premise? Going against lawyers (maybe, maybe not) would likewise be seen as “too booksmart to live”.
The thought of jail has to rattle him, I’m sure his parents (both lawyers) have his ear.
Personally, I think the guy believes his own mythology - that he's a genius and his judgement is better than the judgement of everyone else. He's delusional.
The thought of jail has to rattle him, I’m sure his parents (both lawyers) have his ear.