t-online: Mr. Bernstein, you gave a number of interviews during this election campaign and said many things. What haven’t you said yet?
Kay Bernstein (41): For me, these are the ten major measures that must be taken in the first 100 days as a presidency. I have a clear plan that I don’t want to reveal just yet. That’s what happens in my speech on Sunday.
Has your life changed since you’ve been campaigning?
No not true. I don’t see this as an election campaign. Since the beginning of April we have been working and thinking about how we can do things better at Hertha BSC. We went out very openly and transparently with our vision and our content. Unfortunately, the last few days have been less about content. For me it’s still a Kay or Frank for Hertha BSC, not against each other.
In the reports on the election campaign, you are usually only described with the term “Ex-Ultra”. How’s that for you?
It’s a bit of a shame to be reduced to that. You could also call me an entrepreneur. I’m one. Or you could call me Herthaner. A young man who sacrifices himself for his club. But of course it is polarizingly reduced to the “ultra thing”, which is the nicer story for some media. But that makes it harder for me because I have to work harder to ensure that the content is taken into account.
What feedback did you get from the fans?
I’ve noticed that the stamp “Ultra” brings with it a certain rucksack. But when I sat down with the people, listened to them and shared my point of view, I quickly spoke to them about the content. The reservations, doubts and fears are important. It would also be weird if I said “Kay Bernstein is here” and 80 percent of the members yelled “Hooray”. But when there are those doubts, I want a chance to talk about it. I’m a curve kid and I want to talk about this with anyone who has an opinion. And I believe that everyone who has dealt with me in the meantime sees me with slightly different eyes. I am more than the headlines in the newspaper.
During your time as an Ultra, you were also a capo, i.e. lead singer in the curve. A task where you are also at the head of a large crowd. Does that help for the possible presidency?
In both cases, it’s about inspiring people, setting an example and taking people seriously. You can preach things as often as you like – if you don’t live them, it fizzles out. People notice if you are authentic.