Scott MacKay's Commentary

By The Public's Radio

News & Politics

What's Scott MacKay's Commentary about?

Scott MacKay's weekly commentary on politics in RI & MA.

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Scott MacKay's Commentary episodes:

11.08.2020
Commentary: Meet Joe Shekarchi, Speaker-elect
Change is coming to the Rhode Island Statehouse. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay welcomes Speaker-elect Joe Shekarchi.
11.04.2020
Analysis: How Mattiello's loss could shape RI politics
As the presidential election continues to play out, The Public's Radio political analyst Scott MacKay joined host Chuck Hinman to break down the implications of Tuesday's election results in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
11.02.2020
Commentary: For Election Day this year, we'll need patience
Election Day uncertainty was once rare. That’s far from the case this week, with the official Election Day upon us. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay takes a pre-election look back and ahead.
10.25.2020
Commentary: Cranston's history is full of political diversity
Each year, the Public’s Radio explores in depth a community, its people and the decisions it faces. In this election year, we go to Cranston. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay ponders the diverse politics of Rhode Island’s second-largest...
10.19.2020
Commentary: Why Sen. Whitehouse spoke against dark money during Barrett confirmation hearings
Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse used the Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court hearing to rail against anonymous money influencing the nation’s highest court. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay explains.
10.12.2020
Commentary: From South Providence to the Biden campaign, meet Mike Donilon
Meet Providence native Mike Donilon. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says that no political operative is as close as he is to Joe Biden.
10.05.2020
Commentary: When it comes to elections, the haunting this year may happen after Halloween
The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay has thoughts on how we can all work for a safe and accurate vote tally.
09.28.2020
Commentary: Virus outbreaks at PC and URI show how the schools' main concern is money
From virus outbreaks to remote learning, higher education is fraught these days. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it's time to rethink how we invest in colleges.
09.21.2020
Commentary: With winter coming, New England’s restaurants need federal help
Every day brings more bad news about New England’s restaurant industry. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says this industry will need help to survive COVID-19 and the coming cold weather.
09.14.2020
Commentary: Good luck to the new progressive Democrats. They’re going to need it
Progressive Democrats had strong showings in Rhode Island’s recent General Assembly primaries. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says now the hard part begins in a state beset with challenges.
09.07.2020
Commentary: Where are Rhode Island’s Democratic assembly leaders hiding?
Rhode Island is facing unprecedented economic and health issues. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay wonders where the General Assembly has been.
08.30.2020
Commentary: A flashing yellow light is necessary before in-person schooling can begin
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is scheduled today to announce a plan for opening public schools. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says caution may be the best path.
08.24.2020
Commentary: Democrats hold unifying convention. How will Republicans respond?
Joe Biden and the Democrats forged an uplifting convention. Now the spotlight turns to Donald Trump and the Republicans. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says these virtual gatherings presage a rough campaign over the virus, the economy and...
08.10.2020
Commentary: The uncertainty of politics during a pandemic
From the halls of Congress to your town hall, campaigning will be different in this time of pandemic. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay parses an unpredictable election cycle.
08.03.2020
Commentary: Time to tap the brakes on in-person school reopening
From President Donald Trump on down, politicians from Providence to Pasadena are calling for a return to in-person schools this fall. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says not so fast.
07.20.2020
Commentary: Take the time to enjoy a New England summer
The lazy, hazy days of summer are here. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it’s time for some time off.
07.13.2020
Commentary: Massachusetts doing a better job with voting during the pandemic
Voting in a time of pandemic will be a challenge across the nation. Rhode Island lawmakers head back to the Statehouse today with the matter of mail-in ballots still unresolved.The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says the state should...
07.05.2020
Commentary: Kennedy vs. Markey could come down to the wire
There are just seven weeks left in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate Democratic primary campaign between incumbent Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy III. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it appears this race will go down to the...
06.28.2020
Commentary: COVID-19 isn't going away because you're tired of it
COVID-19 cases are surging again. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says the response to the coronavirus crisis appears to mirror all that’s wrong with our political climate.
06.22.2020
Commentary: It's way past time for police reform
From New Bedford to Napa, policing is getting new scrutiny in the wake of protests against police misconduct. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says calls for change have a new sense of urgency.
06.15.2020
Commentary: Threats to voting are threats to our democracy
Voting is the bedrock of self-government and democracy. The most practical way of ushering change in our country comes through the ballot box. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says what's happened there locally and nationally in recent times...
06.07.2020
Commentary: Will protesters channel anger into action?
Last week’s protests were both convulsive and heartening. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay ponders what’s next for the latest movement against racism.
06.01.2020
Commentary: Amid a flawed mail ballot system, we’re lucky this election has low stakes
Rhode Island’s presidential primary is Tuesday. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says voters are lucky this election is much ado about not much.
05.25.2020
Commentary: Restaurants grapple with the new abnormal
Today is Memorial Day, when we honor fallen soldiers and kick off summer with celebrations that often involve food. Rhode Island’s restaurants would normally expect to be packed. But The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says COVID-19 has made...
05.18.2020
Scott MacKay's message to the COVID Class of 2020
It’s graduation time for the class of 2020, which will be known as the COVID-19 class. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says this may be a good time for graduates to put the brakes on a rush to...
05.11.2020
Commentary: Red ink is coming for Rhode Island. How Raimondo handles it will be her legacy
Massachusetts has suffered more than other New England states from COVID-19. But the Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says Rhode Island government’s financial troubles may be the region’s worst.
05.04.2020
Commentary: Let's flash a yellow light on re-opening
We all want this to end. But The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says we need to put patience before politics and the economy.
04.27.2020
Commentary: Time for RI hospitals to get back to the merger table
Rhode Island’s two big hospital systems have been slammed financially by COVID-19. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says the virus is renewing calls for a Lifespan-Care New England merger.
04.20.2020
Commentary: Early voting and mail ballots now a necessity
Among the grueling challenges facing the government is how to conduct honest and accessible elections in this year of pandemic. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay has some thoughts on ensuring that voters don’t have to risk their health...
04.10.2020
Scott MacKay's insights from covering Bernie Sanders for almost 50 years
Vermont's Bernie Sanders has now folded his presidential campaign. The Public's Radio political analyst, Scott MacKay used to cover politics in Vermont and has known Sen. Sanders for 50 years.
04.06.2020
Commentary: Newport has survived recessions, wars and the departures of the navy, but nothing like this
Newport, Rhode Island is famous as a summer playground for the rich and powerful.The city has known hard times before. But The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says its tourism-fueled economy is ill-prepared for a pandemic.
03.30.2020
Commentary: Coping With COVID-19
Spring has sprung in precarious times. Even as the news gets darker, the days are getting lighter, the world is getting greener, and New Englanders are rising to the occasion. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay muses on how...
03.23.2020
Commentary: Coming Economic Downturn Threatens To Upend State Budgets
The coronavirus pandemic has changed everyday life as we know it, with no end in sight. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says the coming economic downturn threatens to upend state budgets in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
03.09.2020
Commentary: Warren Had A Plan For Everything, But Won Nothing
When it comes to the presidential campaign, America has become a country of old men. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay parses Elizabeth Warren’s failed bid for the White House.
01.27.2020
Commentary: Beware Claims That State Spending Is Easy To Cut
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s $10 billion state budget plan for next year has received a rocky reception at the General Assembly. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay punctures some of the state's taxing and spending myths in this...
01.20.2020
Commentary: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.
On the day we celebrate the life of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says the best way to honor King’s legacy would be to embrace his commitment to a just...
01.06.2020
Commentary: Time For RI's General Assembly To Raise Minimum Wage
The 2020 Rhode Island General Assembly session kicks off on Tuesday. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott Mackay says this would be a good year to make life better for working people.
12.16.2019
Commentary: Firefighters Need Better EMS Training
Rhode Island firefighters are fighting back against a report from The Public's Radio and ProPublica on misplaced breathing tubes that have cost lives. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it’s time for fire officials to face reality and...
12.09.2019
Commentary: Time For The General Assembly To Take More Active Role In RI Hospital Policy
A multi-million dollar river of red ink is coursing through Rhode Island’s largest hospital system. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay parses the latest bad news from Providence-based Lifespan.
12.03.2019
Commentary: Voters Ought To Know Where Political Money Comes From
Rhode Island’s campaign finance laws are under attack from a conservative interest group. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says a successful legal challenge to the law requiring disclosure of donors would be a blow to government transparency.
11.25.2019
Commentary: In The Spirit Of Thanksgiving, Let's Set Aside Political Divides
It’s Thanksgiving season, a time to count our blessings and celebrate with a feast. It’s long been a holiday that emphasized family and unity, but The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay worries that national political division may make...
11.22.2019
Scott MacKay Commentary: It's Thanksgiving Season
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let's chill the political divides
11.18.2019
Commentary: Do Past Impeachments Provide A Roadmap For Today?
For the fourth time in American history, Congress is ensnared in the process of impeaching a sitting president. Scott MacKay has more in his commentary for The Public’s Radio.
11.12.2019
Commentary: Time To Invest In Trains Between Providence & Boston
Before Americans fell in love with cars, trains provided reliable and quick transportation among New England cities. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says its past time for better train connections between Providence and Boston.
11.04.2019
Scott MacKay's Commentary: The Democratic Medicare For All Trap
Health care has emerged again as a hot button issue in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay wonders how the Medicare For All debate will affect Democratic chances of recapturing the White...
10.28.2019
Scott MacKay's Commentary: Hiring A Diverse Teaching Force Must Be A Priority In Providence Schools
As the state prepares to take over Providence’s faltering schools, The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says a big focus must be on teachers.
10.19.2019
Scott MacKay's Commentary: Time For Rhode Island Gambling Companies To Compromise
Rhode Island’s two gambling companies are locked in a nasty joust over millions of state dollars. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it’s time to ratchet down the rhetoric and seek a solution.
10.18.2019
Commentary: Ratchet Down Rhetoric And Find Solution For RI's Gaming Contract
Rhode Island’s two gambling companies are locked in a nasty joust with each other over money and control of millions in state money. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it’s time to ratchet down the rhetoric and seek...
10.14.2019
Scott MacKay's Commentary: Time For RI To Follow Mass. On Teaching Civics
Massachusetts has it all over Rhode Island in student achievement as measured by test scores. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay points to another public school issue where Rhode Island should catch up.
10.07.2019
Scott MacKay's Commentary: Providence And Boston Nowadays Are Nothing Like Their Pop Culture Reputations
The Buddy Cianci play is boffo at the box office for Trinity Reperatory in Providence. The most popular story on the Boston Globe’s web site recently was about the whereabouts of Whitey Bulger’s longtime gal pal. The Public’s Radio political...

What's Scott MacKay's Commentary about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Scott MacKay's Commentary episodes:

Commentary: Meet Joe Shekarchi, Speaker-elect

Analysis: How Mattiello's loss could shape RI politics

Commentary: For Election Day this year, we'll need patience

Commentary: Cranston's history is full of political diversity

Commentary: Why Sen. Whitehouse spoke against dark money during Barrett confirmation hearings

Commentary: From South Providence to the Biden campaign, meet Mike Donilon

Commentary: When it comes to elections, the haunting this year may happen after Halloween

Commentary: Virus outbreaks at PC and URI show how the schools' main concern is money

Commentary: With winter coming, New England’s restaurants need federal help

Commentary: Good luck to the new progressive Democrats. They’re going to need it

Commentary: Where are Rhode Island’s Democratic assembly leaders hiding?

Commentary: A flashing yellow light is necessary before in-person schooling can begin

Commentary: Democrats hold unifying convention. How will Republicans respond?

Commentary: The uncertainty of politics during a pandemic

Commentary: Time to tap the brakes on in-person school reopening

Commentary: Take the time to enjoy a New England summer

Commentary: Massachusetts doing a better job with voting during the pandemic

Commentary: Kennedy vs. Markey could come down to the wire

Commentary: COVID-19 isn't going away because you're tired of it

Commentary: It's way past time for police reform

Commentary: Threats to voting are threats to our democracy

Commentary: Will protesters channel anger into action?

Commentary: Amid a flawed mail ballot system, we’re lucky this election has low stakes

Commentary: Restaurants grapple with the new abnormal

Scott MacKay's message to the COVID Class of 2020

Commentary: Red ink is coming for Rhode Island. How Raimondo handles it will be her legacy

Commentary: Let's flash a yellow light on re-opening

Commentary: Time for RI hospitals to get back to the merger table

Commentary: Early voting and mail ballots now a necessity

Scott MacKay's insights from covering Bernie Sanders for almost 50 years

Commentary: Newport has survived recessions, wars and the departures of the navy, but nothing like this

Commentary: Coping With COVID-19

Commentary: Coming Economic Downturn Threatens To Upend State Budgets

Commentary: Warren Had A Plan For Everything, But Won Nothing

Commentary: Beware Claims That State Spending Is Easy To Cut

Commentary: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

Commentary: Time For RI's General Assembly To Raise Minimum Wage

Commentary: Firefighters Need Better EMS Training

Commentary: Time For The General Assembly To Take More Active Role In RI Hospital Policy

Commentary: Voters Ought To Know Where Political Money Comes From

Commentary: In The Spirit Of Thanksgiving, Let's Set Aside Political Divides

Scott MacKay Commentary: It's Thanksgiving Season

Commentary: Do Past Impeachments Provide A Roadmap For Today?

Commentary: Time To Invest In Trains Between Providence & Boston

Scott MacKay's Commentary: The Democratic Medicare For All Trap

Scott MacKay's Commentary: Hiring A Diverse Teaching Force Must Be A Priority In Providence Schools

Scott MacKay's Commentary: Time For Rhode Island Gambling Companies To Compromise

Commentary: Ratchet Down Rhetoric And Find Solution For RI's Gaming Contract

Scott MacKay's Commentary: Time For RI To Follow Mass. On Teaching Civics

Scott MacKay's Commentary: Providence And Boston Nowadays Are Nothing Like Their Pop Culture Reputations