The Republican National Convention has added several folk heroes to next week's event that will energize the base and draw attention to what Republicans see as issues that can help them to win in November.

The speaker's list includes Nick Sandmann, the Catholic high school student maligned by the mainstream media after being confronted by Native American activist Nathan Phillips during the March For Life in Washington, D.C. Sandmann has settled suits with several media monsters. Several others are pending.

Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the Missouri couple who took up arms to defend their home from Black Lives Matter thugs, have also been added to the list of speakers. The McCloskeys face charges for their actions but are fighting back.

Sandmann and the McCloskeys are victims of a system gone haywire. Both cases involve a national news media more interested in peddling left-wing values rather than facts.

The Republicans have also tapped South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for a speech. While blue state governors continue to struggle with COVID-19, Noem has managed the public health crisis while keeping her state's economy moving. Noem has even turned back federal aid for the pandemic.

The Republicans also plan to highlight Democrat efforts to repeal the Second Amendment and go directly at Planned Parenthood, the nation's premier abortion provider, with a strong pro-life message.

By contrast to the gloom and doom being offered up this week by the Democrats at their convention, the Republicans look to deliver a more upbeat message of hope and optimism. The Trump Administration made America's economy the envy of the world before the pandemic struck. The GOP will attempt to make the case that things can be even better, and soon, if voters just say the course.

If Republicans can make the case effectively next week, they should have little trouble defeating the Democrat ticket 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.

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