Even stopped clocks are right sometimes, and even Donald Trump is capable of doing something to actually help the Republican Party. He did so recently when he leveled a broadside at both of the Clintons that for the first time in ages drew blood. Due just to him, a whole new generation is learning the names of Paula Jones, Juanita Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey and why they may matter. Clinton apologists say these attacks always fail, but this time seems different. And here are the four reasons why.

1. Wisely, Trump focused wholly on what may be criminal matters — groping a volunteer aide in the White House, physical rape of a business acquaintance and exposing himself to a state employee at a state conference — while leaving the consensual-sex-unfaithful-spouse aspect alone. Arguments can be made that private affairs should stay private; that many adulterers have been fine public servants; and that if a spouse accepts it, then so should the country. But no one suggests that abuse of a third party is something a spouse can forgive.