Robert Watson

Latest Articles

The next Scott Brown?

John J. Loughlin’s suddenly high-profile campaign to oust Patrick Kennedy
Republican Scott Brown's victory last month in the race for the late Ted Kennedy's Senate seat has every two-bit GOP hopeful in the Northeast claiming the mantle of the pick-up truck populist.
By DAVID SCHARFENBERG | February 10, 2010

McCain’s crooked talk on torture

Critics, including a local former army interrogator, say he’s trying to play both sides of the issue
It might surprise some that McCain’s record in opposing torture and the Bush administration’s terror-war approach is more complicated than his comments suggest.
By IAN DONNIS | September 18, 2008

Dark days on Fountain Street

With a parting shot, MacKay joins the exodus from the once-mighty BeloJo
There are black umbrellas in the poolside Pernod and grapefruits at Casa Diablo upon our having learned that ace reporter Scott MacKay has taken the Urinal’s buyout package.
By PHILLIPE AND JORGE | August 27, 2008

The 11th Annual Muzzle Awards

Silencing free speech
Freedom of expression may be guaranteed by the Constitution. But it’s an idea we have to fight for every day.
By DAN KENNEDY | July 05, 2008

The battle of the smallest state

The Rhode Island wields a rare impact as Clinton and Obama go head to head
Clinton bathed in the intense affection of an adoring crowd, her every statement punctuated by wild applause, chants, and a rising sea of blue signs touting her campaign.
By IAN DONNIS | February 29, 2008

The hippest guy in state government

State Rep David Segal brings some youthful cool to the general assembly
The idiosyncratic crowd indicated just how different this event was from your standard legislative money-maker.
By IAN DONNIS | September 26, 2007

How high can Gordon Fox go?

The progressive practices a balancing act in the socially conservative RI legislature
Although House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox considers himself a Red Sox fan, he hopes the Yankees win the World Series this year.
By IAN DONNIS | May 09, 2007

Who’s afraid of medical marijuana?

Opponents’ fears go unrealized with the impementation of rhode island’s law
Two hits of marijuana in the morning, and two in the evening before he goes to sleep.
By TE-PING CHEN | May 02, 2007

How will speaker Murphy use his power?

A brain drain, looming deficits, and other challenges await solutions
It was no big surprise when House Speaker William J. Murphy recently presented his wife, Stacey, with a bunch of roses — as thanks, he said, for the nights he had missed dinner while working late at the State House.
By IAN DONNIS | January 10, 2007