It was a clinic. Even as the Republican Obamacare replacement was being roundly condemned by conservatives and liberals alike, Paul Ryan was predicting victory. “We’ll have 218 when this thing comes to the floor,” Ryan promised a gaggle of skeptical reporters. “I can guarantee you that.” But of course, he can’t.

Clearly projecting, Ryan assumed that the Republican conference will crumple before the White House just as quickly as he has bent to the president’s will. Specifically, Ryan must expect Trump to secure his right flank. So far, there’s no indication that will happen.