An Upbeat Republican Convention [OPINION]

What a difference a week makes.

Last week we were lamenting about the sour and downbeat tone of the Democrat National Convention. By contrast, this week's Republican National Convention burst open with optimism and hope for the future.

The best the Democrats could offer was disdain for President Donald Trump. They provided no road map forward to a better America. The only way forward was to go back, back to a place that Americans rejected four years ago. There were misery and gloom galore but no optimism.

On the first night of the convention, the Republicans hammered home the message that Trump has kept the promises he made to the American people four years ago. They did so by presenting a wide and varied collection of speakers who have been personally impacted by Trump's actions.

The Republicans also made the case that the Democrat nominee Joe Biden is merely a puppet of the far left wing of his party and would reverse most of the gains made by middle class working Americans since Trump was elected.

They successfully raised the specter of socialism and the threat that the cancel culture poses to American society. They addressed the myth of systemic racism and the refusal of the Democrats to condemn and control the violence that has overtaken many of the nation's cities. They also defended the right of parents to send their children to the school of their choice.

The Republicans made the case that it is okay to be patriotic and to be proud of our history while continuing to strive to make America an even better place.

A Republican message of hope and optimism will bury a depressing Democrat message of gloom. Americans love their country and their history, and they do not believe America to be a racist or evil nation. They certainly do not buy into the false promises of socialism. A message that celebrates America's successes rather than its shortcomings stands a better chance of winning support in November.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.