Republicans have an Epstein problem

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Eighteen years after his first conviction and seven years after his controversial death, the ghost of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is suddenly unable to escape again.

He was the subject of many midterm campaign ads, each more lurid than the last. one second A bill requiring the release of Epstein documents is currently before Congress. House Democrats on Monday released a new report alleging that the Justice Department helped cover up details of Epstein’s relationship with President Donald Trump and calling for — so eagerly! – Conduct an independent criminal investigation.

Of course, no one really expects Trump’s attorney general to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Trump administration. A White House spokesman criticized the report in a statement as “a desperate attempt by demented Democrats to distract Americans.” (The timing is just one week before the midterm exam, which does seem coincidental.)

The 50-page document draws on public accounts and staff interviews with an unknown number of survivors, including a former beauty queen who claims Trump raped her in 1993. The woman had previously accused Trump of sexually harassing her, which a Trump spokesman dismissed as “false.”

When it comes to Epstein, however, Democrats don’t need much new material to damage Trump. The scandal and his administration’s handling of it continue to cast a long shadow over Republicans.

Frankly, this amazes me because even the decades-long dealings of very despicable sex offenders have no impact on the daily costs or experiences of Americans. Trump has been able to shrug off many other unsavory behaviors and associations.

But the Epstein story has become engraved in the minds of some of the voters who helped elect Trump — including young voters whose growing disillusionment could have a major impact on next week’s election.

Political analyst Rachel Janfaza recently told Vox that many young voters “are unhappy with Trump basically becoming part of the establishment” and see the Epstein dossier as evidence. Trump’s campaign promise to release documents from the government’s investigation into Epstein and his about-face after taking office also angered some.

Democrats sense an opportunity and are working to address the issue. So ruthless. According to data from the tracker AdImpact cited by NBC News, more than 500 campaign ads currently airing across the country contain the word “pedophile” or “predator.”

Many of them cited Epstein or so-called Epstein documents, and three-quarters of them were backed by Democrats. A recent ad featuring Epstein survivors targeted Republican Roger Marshall of Kansas, slamming the current senator for his September 2025 vote to block a procedural measure that would have released Epstein documents. (The Senate later unanimously agreed to release the documents.)

Another ad in Maine claims that Epstein’s “business associates” funneled $3 million to Sen. Susan Collins’ super PAC. (Importantly, the connection between Epstein and this alleged partner was so tenuous as to be non-existent.)

Of course, these ads will disappear after Tuesday. But you haven’t heard the last word yet. If Democrats win control of either chamber, they will gain temporary power to subpoena witnesses and documents more Epstein investigation.

Some Democratic leaders in the House are already salivating at the prospect.

➨ Ask better questions than “What do you do?” Small talk is usually mostly about traffic, the weather, or work. To really get to know your conversation partner, try asking questions that pique their interest: for example, what a friend of a friend is reading, or what the barista’s favorite drink is. You can even draft a list of frequently asked questions ahead of time to deploy in conversations when needed. Just don’t think of the exercises as a checklist. The real key to better small talk is to stay curious.