6. Vance is likely aware that the crazed, conspiracy spouting whack jobs that comprise the most ardent supporters of Trump (whose name is repeated in the Epstein files) would not respond kindly to learning about their hero’s death. Unlike most of us, they believe he is buff and hearty.
7. Vance may also have concerns about a potential palace coup by some of the nuttier members of the inner circle (I’m thinking Miller, RFK, perhaps Noem) whose entire careers are utterly dependent upon the Epstein-file-dweller, Trump. They’re not likely to be willing to accept Vance as their boss.
8. By making his remarks, and maybe even by encouraging right wing influencers to share easily debunked photos of Trump golfing (or photos of Trump looking way more haggard than in photos from when he hung out with his buddy Epstein), Vance is setting expectations for what’s to come.
9. I hypothesize that Vance is trying to set the table so he can jump to the top of the heap before others have a chance to shiv him in the back. Or cause him to die more mysteriously, as Epstein did during Trump’s previous presidency.
10. Anyway, just my reasoning. Trump being in the Epstein files doesn’t affect any of this, I just think it’s something we need to keep at the forefront.