“This is not a failure of leadership; it’s a failure of follow-ship,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), a frequent defender of both Ryan and Trump. Second-string backingSince the defeat, Trump and Ryan have declined to say anything indicating that they blame each other. It was a mistake to come on board with the House plan rather than present Trump’s own initiative, this official said. “Of course we’re going to look at these things.”The White House also was caught off guard by the response of lawmakers who had repeatedly voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Trump and some Republicans have sought to blame Democrats for not joining their effort — a claim Democrats say is outrageous.

Source: Washington Post March 25, 2017 23:34 UTC