Inside Politics

Actor ‘depressed’ by discourse tone

Legendary screen actor and director Robert Redford on Sunday likened America’s political discourse to a “war zone,” with Republicans and Democrats seemingly unable to discuss their ideas without shouting over one another.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Mr. Redford said he is “depressed” that the nation has reduced itself to playing political “games” while serious changes remain unconfronted.

Mr. Redford, who portrayed journalist Bob Woodward in the classic 1976 movie “All the President’s Men,” said today’s journalism bears little resemblance to the craft Mr. Woodward and colleague Carl Bernstein practiced decades ago when uncovering the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Nixon.

“The system has changed so drastically because of the Internet,” he said.

Mr. Redford appeared on the show to promote his upcoming movie, “The Conspirator.”

TENNESSEE

Clinton, Gore attend memorial service

NASHVILLE | Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore remembered Ned McWherter, who served as Tennessee governor from 1987 to 1995, as a politician with a special way of connecting with people.

They attended a public memorial service Saturday for Mr. McWherter, also a longtime House speaker from western Tennessee. He died April 4 of cancer at the age of 80.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, as well as several former state governors and lawmakers, also attended.

Mr. Gore, a former Tennessee senator, said Mr. McWherter “always kept a connection to working people and the rural poor.”

Mr. Clinton called him a “fabulous politician” who “made us dream, and think and act.”

A second service was set for Sunday afternoon on the front lawn of Mr. McWherter’s Dresden home.

IDAHO

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