He has a way of saying things, a way of putting things, that takes complex legal concepts and puts them in common-sense terms that can gather consensus and persuade.

No, he would not be entitled to counsel to challenge his detainment,

The tone of that speech is much more consistent with the person who I worked with for eight years.

This kind of advocacy can be an academic exercise, but John always wanted to make sure he could explain his arguments in real-world terms. He's not the kind of guy who makes up his mind right away. He goes through cases brick by brick.

in no way dependent on a declaration of war.

Brian: ALF wouldn't eat lucky, would he?
ALF: I'm not saying nothing until I speak to my attorney.