It seems all of us, the Trump administration included, underestimated the number of people who genuinely believed that Trump hung out with Epstein so as to "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." I think we all thought that was bad faith but it turns out some folks were just that gullible, and even they have a limit.

(They'll forget about it in a week, probably, but it's been interesting to observe.)

Stages of grief

1.) Denial

2.) Bargaining <--- chuds are here

3.) Anger

4.) Depression

5.) Acceptance