The Mouth of Massachusetts: John Silber

John Silber has an awesome vocabulary, a tireless tongue and plenty of bile. The combination could make him Governor

Boston Globe political cartoonist Paul Szep calls him the Andrew Dice Clay of Massachusetts politics. Columnist George Will says he is the most interesting candidate in America this year. The specter of the 63-year-old bantam president of Boston University occupying the Governor's office terrifies many Bay State residents. But it exhilarates others, who believe a humorless political outsider performing triage on moribund state government can restore it to fiscal health. Either way, John Silber, who on June 2 ensured his place on the ballot for Massachusetts' September primary, makes incredible theater.

Silber has evolved from a political asterisk to serious contender...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!