It's a juvenile display, the whole act, and pathetic; but it's something Iunderstand
Something childlike in the commander, which is disturbing given the amount of power and control he has. Recalling her previous life with Luke, with others, old America.
"I thought you were enjoying it," he says lightly, watching me, however,with intent bright eyes. If I didn't know better I would think it was fear. "Iwish you would."
She keeps saying that she knows to see through his intentions and the lack of love that she has realised come through with the Commander. Juxtaposed with "Right now I almost like him."
"Yes," he says. "Poor girl." He means Cora
She clarifies that he means Cora because she also pities the girl that came before her, which is a reflection of what Offred will eventually be. This is a lack of understanding on his side.