I’ve always been told that Hitler was a masterful public speaker; that his support can largely be explained by his compelling, if not mesmerizing hold on crowds. This narrative is not common, it’s universal.
Sometimes I think this is emphasized over how much the crowds approved of the content of his speech.
How do native German speakers feel when they view footage of Hitler? Do you think the reputation is earned?
I want to believe we have gotten better and “wehrhafte Demokratie” is not just a throwaway slogan. In sum, “only” about 25% are voting populist, be it put of protest, spite, for your own benefit ot out of crooked conviction. That means 75% are still somewhat reasonable and I want to see this as a positive thing.