I think it's pretty unequivocal, this character does not get off the hook for his actions on any level.

Every little thing that people know about you as a person impedes your ability to achieve that kind of terrific suspension of disbelief that happens when an audience goes with an actor and character he's playing.

Today's actions were pretty well discounted and well telegraphed,

positive, visible corrective actions that reflect his true character.

EPA actions up to now have reduced the risk from only two out of the 125 riskiest pesticide uses on food, and have actually allowed more risk in seven cases. This is a pathetic record.

It's a pretty despicable character. So to try to get the audience on your side before the actual brutality sets in was a bit of a challenge.