How to form a governing majority? Try the committee process

After the healthcare repeal bill failed, House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was proud of the bill and of the "long, inclusive, member-driven process that we had."

Freedom Caucus members chafed at this characterization.

Mark Meadows, chairman of the conservative platoon, said he was "surprised that the narrative that is out there is that this was an inclusive, member-driven initiative ... I'm surprised at that because even the members on the committees of jurisdiction would indicate that they read about the bill first when it was leaked to the press."

So who's telling the truth?

It turns out they both are. And understanding the process by which the ill-fated American Health Care Act came into being — simultaneously collaborative and centrally managed — helps give us a clue about what hasn't worked in the GOP to date.