Here is the one public policy question I am asked more than all others put together: What’s wrong with the Republicans? Today I will give the answer.

For the past seven years, Republicans have condemned Obamacare in virtually every speech. They have voted to repeal all or parts of it on 60 occasions. They have promised their own voters an alternative—again and again. But when their turn came—with Republicans in charge of both Houses of Congress and a Republican president—they weren’t ready.

It’s worse than that. In seven years, they have not held a single hearing on the matter. They have called no witnesses. They have conducted not a single seminar or briefing worthy of the name. They have neglected to reach out to the think tank community and health policy scholars for suggestions and advice.

Why is that?