Veteran Journalist Judy Woodruff Sees Hope Amid Divisive Times in the U.S.

Woodruff to deliver Baker Memorial Lecture at University of Tennessee, calling for more empathy and common ground in politics.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Veteran journalist Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, will deliver the Baker Memorial Lecture at the University of Tennessee on Tuesday. Woodruff, who has covered American politics for decades, says the country appears more divided than ever, but she still sees pockets of people trying to find ways to resolve problems and talk to each other. She believes leadership, the media, and citizens' willingness to keep an open mind are key to bridging divides and strengthening democracy.

Why it matters

Woodruff's lecture comes as the U.S. prepares to observe its 250th birthday, and she believes this is a critical time for the country to reflect on the founders' intentions and work towards a 'more perfect union.' She sees the growing divisiveness and lack of mutual respect in politics as a threat to democracy, and hopes to inspire the younger generation to value the importance of a government that respects the people's voices and equality.

The details

In a Zoom interview, Woodruff said she has been working on a project talking to groups across the country trying to bridge divides. She believes finding common ground is key to resolving the divisions that currently dominate much of the political and social dialogue in the U.S. Woodruff said the opportunity to speak at the lecture named for the late Tennessee Sen. Howard Baker was appealing, as Baker was known for his ability to listen to and respect the other side.

  • Judy Woodruff will deliver the Baker Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
  • The U.S. will observe its 250th birthday this year.

The players

Judy Woodruff

A veteran journalist who is the senior correspondent for the PBS NewsHour. She has covered American politics for decades.

Howard H. Baker Jr.

The late Tennessee senator who was known for his ability to listen to and respect the other side in politics.

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What they’re saying

“Having said that, you can find pockets of people in parts of this country that want to find a way around that, that want to be able to resolve problems and talk to each other.”

— Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent, PBS NewsHour (Zoom interview)

“He was always seen as someone who listened to and respected the other side. That's the voice, that's the message that we need to be sharing more than any other.”

— Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent, PBS NewsHour (Zoom interview)

What’s next

Woodruff's lecture at the University of Tennessee on March 3, 2026 will be an opportunity for the public to hear her perspective on bridging divides and strengthening democracy.

The takeaway

Judy Woodruff's message of finding common ground, showing mutual respect, and valuing democracy is especially timely as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary. Her call for citizens, the media, and political leaders to work towards a more united country could inspire meaningful dialogue and action during this divisive era.