I always assumed that NeverTrump fever would subside among most conservative pundits by the time the election came.  Declaring oneself outraged or in fear of the possibility that Donald Trump could become commander in chief was quite popular for many months.  It got one favorable MSM publicity, and no doubt invitations to swell cocktail parties.

But face it: a big part of the image Donald Trump sports in the public mind is caricature, mostly by his enemies, but in part by Trump himself, in his past life as a television celebrity.  But once you concede that Trump is a rational businessman, and look at the reality of a Hillary Clinton presidency, complete with the utter corruption of law enforcement, voter registration, and the IRS, the lesser evil soon becomes apparent.

But having adopted a posture of superiority to the unwashed Trump and his supporters, it is very difficult to back down.

So we get interesting coyness like this, from Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard:

I recently received a long email from an old friend, someone whose judgment I very much respect, making the case for Trump. I can't say I'm convinced, but I thought his argument interesting and eloquent enough to ask him for permission to share it. Here are substantial excerpts from his missive.

I am willing to presume that this is genuinely from a friend, not like the letters to advice columnists that describe “a friend’s” problem with her husband.  The actual argument presented by Kristol’s friend is less noteworthy than the fact that Kristol deigned to publish it.

Then there is this column from Bret Stephens of the Wall Street Journal, presented with a wry note:

What follows is a draft of a speech Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. We haven’t confirmed its authenticity because, like the rest of the corrupt media, we’re totally dishonest.

The actual ghostwritten speech by Stephens for Trump to deliver is excellent and written in his voice – it would work like gangbusters for Trump if he delivered it.

The tectonic plates are shifting beneath the conservative movement.