package gcc-8-base:amd64 8.2.0-1ubuntu2~18.04 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration

[Paul Sargent]

adding software repositories

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 18.04
Package: gcc-8-base:amd64 8.2.0-1ubuntu2~18.04
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 4.15.0-45.48-generic 4.15.18
Uname: Linux 4.15.0-45-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.20.9-0ubuntu7.2
Architecture: amd64
Date: Sun Feb 3 22:50:11 2019
Dependencies:

ErrorMessage: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
InstallationDate: Installed on 2019-02-03 (0 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS "Bionic Beaver" - Release amd64 (20180725)
Python3Details: /usr/bin/python3.6, Python 3.6.5, python3-minimal, 3.6.5-3ubuntu1
PythonDetails: N/A
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.19.0.5ubuntu2.1
 apt 1.6.3
SourcePackage: gcc-8
Title: package gcc-8-base:amd64 8.2.0-1ubuntu2~18.04 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)