Here is a confession right out of the box: I did not watch a moment of the Democratic National Convention on Monday night. Because I didn't tune in, I had to spend Tuesday morning reading transcripts and reviews. I'm not sure which is worse. 

I didn't watch the convention kickoff because I already knew what it was going to happen. Anyone who has paid attention to recent events could have predicted it. That's because the Democrats are that predictable. 

For those who might have found The Lobotomy Channel more appealing than the Democratic National Convention and did not read transcripts on Tuesday morning, I will give you a quick thumbnail of what went down:

  • Trump coddles white supremacists and is a racist. 
  • Trump caused COVID-19 and is a racist.
  • Trump destroyed Obama's economy because he is a racist.
  • Trump gassed peaceful protesters because he is a racist.
  • Trump is an authoritarian dictator and a racist.
  • Defund the police because they are racist.
  • Vote for Biden, or you are a racist.

Get the drift? It's the same old song and dance routine the Democrats trot out all the time. This time, however, the message was wrapped up in a tight little two-hour, under-produced package of less-than-inspiring surreal speeches.

The keynote speaker for opening night was none other than the queen of gloom, Michelle Obama, who wasted little time in pitching the race card.

"Now, I understand that my message won’t be heard by some people,” she said. “We live in a nation that is deeply divided, and I am a black woman speaking at a Democratic convention.”

Ah, yep. 

The woman who was never "really proud" of her country until her husband was elected president confessed that she really loves her country “with all my heart.” But Obama is troubled by what she sees, that Americans are forced to deal with injustice, racism, and pain.

“They see people shouting in grocery stores, unwilling to wear a mask to keep us all safe. They see people calling the police on folks minding their own business just because of the color of their skin,” she said. Obama's cynical speech was actually pre-recorded and not delivered live.

When it was over I was watching for the wait staff to pass out the shots of Guyana Kool-Aid.

A lackluster and listless Democrat Party failed to do what it needed to do on the opening night of the convention, which was to offer hope and positivity to a beleaguered nation. Rather than unite, the Democrats sought to further divide. Their message is one of pessimism and gloom.

The Democrats need to offer a better way forward if they want to win. They haven't begun to do that yet.

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.

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