(A generic article that can be posted daily)

In an effort to diminish damage caused by Donald Trump’s latest statement, his campaign has rallied to explain it away.

“He was just joking,” said one high-ranking official. “Also, this whole thing is a creation by the liberal media. It’s really nothing.”

“Not only that,” another announced, “but if you analyze what he said in a very specific way, you can see that it really can apply in certain limited circumstances that could possibly occur in this or other universes — so that makes it true.”

Chief campaign officials took advantage of the attention to blame Obama for things that had happened when he was a state senator, a college professor, and a child.

Fox News commentators , meanwhile, pointed out various things Hillary Clinton had said and done that were in no way similar but, when viewed in the proper light, would ignite the passions of Trump supporters. “Benghazi!” said Sean Hannity. “Benghazi Benghazi Benghazi.”

The general public, however, was astounded.

“Just when you think he can’t get any lower, he says this,” said one anonymous voter. “I can’t believe this is the best the Republicans could come up with.”

Vice Presidential candidate Michael Pence was not available for comment.