The recent Senate confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presented a striking scene that would confuse a time traveler from 10 years ago. Democratic lawmakers took turns excoriating a man who once embodied their ideals. Sen. Bernie Sanders, seemingly grasping for gotchas, was reduced to questioning Kennedy about baby clothing merchandise.

The issue isn’t only his troubling views but whether a complex federal agency can function effectively under his leadership.

On Wednesday, during his confirmation hearings, RFK Jr. struggled to answer questions about how he would reform Medicaid or Medicare in his bid to become the nation’s top health official.