` ` He always stood up for the underdog , '' Julian 's mother said . In an interview with CNN affiliate Seven News last year , he described his stepson as a `` sharp kid who always fought for the underdog . '' Assange 's mother said she was concerned he had become ` ` too smart for himself '' The US State Department recently slammed Brazil 's ` ` policy of irresponsible , '' dangerous actions . Assange : ` ` It is my role to be the lightning rod ''
` ` He always stood up for the underdog , '' Julian 's mother said . Assange 's mother said she was concerned he had become ` ` too smart for himself '' The US State Department recently slammed Brazil 's ` ` policy of irresponsible , '' dangerous actions . Assange : ` ` It is my role to be the lightning rod ''