In Tucker Carlson's recent interview with Catherine Fitts, he asked her a question that is related to this. I can't remember the exact context but something she said stuck out to me and it was you have to be willing to look yourself in the mirror and say "OMG, I'm the patsy." It is an ego play and it is very hard for people who are considered otherwise smart to come to terms with it. But intelligence really isn't the issue as much as denial to avoid the uncomfortable feelings of shame.

(I am not saying they don't take responsibility for their actions, but once they come to terms with the fact they are being used as pawns, it gets a lot easier.)