I was tempted to describe former Rep. Blake Farenthold’s latest stab at salvaging his reputation as a master class in deflection, but it’s actually too ridiculous to qualify as a master class in anything at all.

As #MeToo barreled through media and politics late last year, Politico revealed that the Texas Republican had used $84,000 of taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment complaint. He maintained his innocence, but apologized for allowing an unprofessional workplace to take hold in his office and announced he would retire at the end of his term.