Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist

Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist discuss politics at Middle Tennessee State University on Oct. 19, 2026, in Murfreesboro. 

 Photos: Hamilton Matthew Masters

Sitting on stage at Middle Tennessee State University on Monday, former Sen. Bill Frist and former Sen. Lamar Alexander light-heartedly reminisced about their decades in politics — while voicing concern about the potentially harmful effects of strident partisanship. 

During the event, the Republican Party duo interviewed each other about their careers and their eventual rises in Congress.

Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist - 2

Lamar Alexander answers a question from Bill Frist at Middle Tennessee State University on Oct. 19, 2026, in Murfreesboro.