At some point in her life, every woman will attempt to talk another woman out of a bad relationship. We want other women to be treated with dignity and respect, but we know that some women project their hopes and dreams onto jerks and deadbeats. It’s painful to watch, and any decent woman will do her best to grab her friend by the shoulders, sit her down, and attempt to tell her the truth before it’s too late.

To judge by Politico’s thoroughly depressing piece about the women who have fallen in love with Donald Trump, a lot of women could use the political equivalent of this kind of intervention. Just try to listen to the women the article quotes without feeling sorry for them.

Sue Lynch, former president of the National Federation of Republican Women: You say, “I have known politicians for over 35 years and I have never had a more kindhearted one look me straight in the eye and talk to me about the United States of America.” Sue, Sue, Sue. You’re adorable. Have you never met a con man before? That’s his whole game: Getting you to trust him, to like him, to go along. He could be selling America or a timeshare in the Caymans or a place in his “university”—it doesn’t matter. His goal is to take you for everything you’re worth. One look, and he can tell you’re an easy mark.