As he created the Shakespeare in American Life radio documentary, producer Richard Paul spoke with three veterans of American politics—Walter Mondale, Alan Simpson, and Janet Reno—about the connections between Shakespeare and political life in Washington.
These wide-ranging conversations included many perspectives on how Shakespeare’s insights apply to modern politics, ranging from discussions of specific passages to an account of reading King Lear at the Justice Department. Along the way, the interviews also explored more personal connections to Shakespeare, including the lifelong influence of a Wyoming high-school teacher.
Walter Mondale
Vice President of the United States, 1977 to 1981
Favorite Shakespeare lines
Shakespeare and human nature
A lifelong interest in Shakespeare
Alan Simpson
United States Senator from Wyoming, 1979 to 1997
The “king is but a man” speech from Henry V
Shakespeare and political life
Shakespeare and Mrs. Winona Thompson
Janet Reno
Attorney General of the United States, 1993 to 2001
Reading Lear at the Justice Department
Shakespeare and the human condition
