If Republicans don’t repeal ObamaCare, they’ll feel sick next election

In 2009, Republicans were quick to point out the lies underpinning the passage of ObamaCare:

1. “If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period.”

The truth was that ObamaCare forced many doctors out of plans.

2. “If you like your healthcare plan, you’ll be able to keep your healthcare plan, period.”

Truth was that many insurance companies cancelled plans.

3. “We’re going to lower your premiums by up to $2500 per family per year.”

Truth was that many Americans saw their insurance premiums and deductibles soar — some by over 100 percent.

4. “No family making less than $250,000 a year will see their taxes increase.”

The truth was that ObamaCare contained 18 new or increased taxes.

{mosads}In 2016, Republicans universally ran on the “repeal and replacement” of ObamaCare. The 2016 GOP Platform contained the following language:

“Any honest agenda for improving healthcare must start with repeal of the dishonestly named Affordable Care Act of 2010: ObamaCare. We agree with the four dissenting judges of the Supreme Court: “In our view, the entire Act before us is invalid in its entirety.”

Republicans went on to say a Republican president would immediately “use legitimate waiver authority under the law to halt its advance and then, with the unanimous support of Congressional Republicans, will sign its repeal.”

The replacement bill would “simplify the system for both patients and providers.”

The GOP proposal would “reduce mandates and enable insurers and providers of care to increase healthcare options and contain costs,” by returning “the states their historic role of regulating local insurance markets, limit federal requirements on both private insurance and Medicaid, and call on state officials to reconsider the costly medical mandates, imposed under their own laws, that price millions of low-income families out of the insurance market.”

The Republican bill was built on “consumer choice” and promised “portability of insurance coverage that can go with them from job-to-job.”

And this is what the American public voted for in November.

However, Republicans latest strategy of repealing ObamaCare and providing a two- to three-year transition to allow replacement is a risky strategy. The plan presumes the American people will allow the GOP to retain majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate beyond the midterm elections to allow for a slow replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

But, what about Republican promises of 2016?

What about Republicans vowing to “repeal and replace ObamaCare” and to “provide a better healthcare system that will reduce healthcare costs, increase access and restore completion in the marketplace”?

The American people gave Republicans all the power and majorities they needed and the White House yet still they are unable to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

What will the American people do in 2018 if Republicans fail to deliver on promises made?

I am pretty sure I know the answer.

Bradley A. Blakeman was a member of President George W. Bush’s senior White House staff from 2001 to 2004. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and Fox Business Channel.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.