This Is Nashville
This Is Nashville
WPLN News - Nashville Public Radio
Lamar Alexander on his memoir, career and the politics of now
49 minutes Posted May 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
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Show notes
It takes more than 500 pages for Lamar Alexander to tell the story of his political career, and that’s understandable given his 26 years as Tennessee governor and U.S. senator.
We’ll dig into some untold stories from his new memoir, “The Education of a Senator,” which landed on the New York Times Best Seller list this week and we’ll also get his take on the current state of affairs in American politics and take your questions. So, if you’d like to ask a question or comment, join us on air at 615-760-2000 or in the chat at youtube.com/@wpln.
Then, we’ll wrap this episode with a timely update on congressional redistricting which turns Tennessee’s last remaining seat held by a Democrat into one that leans Republican.  
Guests
Lamar Alexander, former U.S. senator, Tennessee governor, U.S. Education Secretary and president of the University of Tennessee
Josh Clinton, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, Vanderbilt University
Marianna Bacallao, WPLN power and equity reporter