A star is born during the Rhode Island pandemic crisis. Each day as viewers tune in to watch the latest news on COVID-19 from Governor Raimondo and her team, the presence of Margie O’Brien of Capitol-TV has become the buzz of Rhode Islanders around the state. O’Brien, no stranger to local TV news, is a local TV veteran anchor and reporter of both CH 6 and CH 10 but nothing compares to the amount of air-time she has received the past few weeks during the Raimondo press briefings. O’Brien, who normally does friendly interviews with folks on Smith Hill for Capitol-TV, as emerged as Governor Raimondo’s media questioner since the press briefings went to a remote system with reporters. O’Brien stands stage left (to the right of Governor Raimondo) and proceeds to read the reporters questions off a teleprompter to the Governor who answers them as if O’Brien had asked it. Margie has a professional demeanor and delivers the questions in a pleasant-sounding almost sultry tone. O’Brien does not enter the briefing screen until the Governor has finished her remarks and is prepared to take questions.
With all three locals TV stations carrying the Raimondo COVID-19 daily briefing, O’Brien has seen her popularity rocket to that of a Patrice Wood status. Consistent comments about O’Brien include ” classy” “flawless” and ” so professional.” O’Brien exudes confidence, credibility and seems to complement and enhance the speaking style of Raimondo. The John DePetro Radio Show has received dozens of questions in emails from listeners asking:
“Who is she?’
“Where did she come from?”
“Is Margie the LT. Governor?”
“Is she the daughter of Salty O’Brien?”
“Is her mother Marjorie Sundlun?
“Is she single?”
“Is she a doctor?”
-Vinny from Johnston wrote, “After being cooped up with my girlfriend for the past few weeks, I wait around for the update just so I can see Marjorie.”
-Marie from Cranston wrote, “She is gorgeous and so classy, I told my daughter to watch her for her style.”
We will reach out to Margie to confirm but believe she is married (O’Brien Reed) has children, lives in Barrington, is not a doctor or related to Salty or Bruce Sundlun.
