Time and again, the GOP smartly takes advantage of White House arrogance and runs circles around the administration, knowing that the Obama team will only engage when the fight is practically done.

In this case, the repeal efforts will go nowhere now, but the GOP is laying the groundwork to repeal health care if it eventually gains the power to do so—and to justify possible attempts to choke off funding for parts of the law. In the meantime, Republicans will stage political theater to keep misrepresenting the legislation.

In the December Washington Post poll, Obama enjoyed a strong preference among voters on who they trusted most to handle health-care reform and help the middle class. Obama dominated on health care 51-38, and edged Republicans on the middle class question, 53-48. Obama made a universally praised speech in Tucson. But rather than using the credibility conferred by public support to expose this repeal circus for what it is, the president is apparently going to sit this one out.

So much for the bully pulpit.