it just occurred to me -- they're not actually incompetent --

[unblock]

it's just that they've worked so hard to become experts at obstructionism, they just can't help playing to their core strength....

[Blanks]

1. They believed that they could do it...

Trump thought "anything Obama can do I can do better" and Ryan hasn't had anyone challenge him on his claims that "he's a numbers guy".

They figured it'd be easy since they were such good leaders. The problem is they haven't done the work. Sadly, they think they worked hard to get where they're at, but they are just showman.

[delisen]

4. They eventually believed their own lies-that they are hard working, intelligent people who can wave

a magic wand and great legislation appears.

They have done so little for so many and so much for so few yet convinced themselves they are so competent. they can write complicated legislation in a few hours.

[Blanks]

8. One day they will realize...

That Obamacare is a short circuit because it is 'the Republican Plan'. It is the Heritage Foundation's 'response' to Hillarycare. It is nationwide Romneycare.

They have so demonized 'Obamacare' that they feel that they have to repeal.

This is a P.R. Battle that they've worked on for 7 years without ever really stopping to think about what they're doing.

All they are really working on is repealing the new tax, all the rest is just repeating general 'magic hand of the market' right-wing talking points.

[defacto7]

2. They forgot how.

Or they're too new to have learned from experienced politicians who knew how to negotiate for the good of many.

[lunatica]

3. I think if anyone found out what they really do they'd end up in prison.

[MFM008]

5. They are

Malicious.

[SchrodingersCatbox]

6. Corollary to Clarke's Third Law

Sufficiently advanced incompetence is indistinguishable from malice

[unblock]

7. !