Senator Fred Thompson, Republican of Tennessee, made his debut earlier this month as the crusty D.A. on the TV series Law & Order. Thompson, who has acted in many movies, is not seeking a third term in next month's election. TIME's Douglas Waller talked to him about the differences between Hollywood and Washington.
WHAT'S HARDER, BEING AN ACTOR OR BEING A SENATOR?
There's nothing hard about acting except the long hours. I had the luxury of having it as an avocation, so I looked at it as totally enjoyable.
HOW MUCH ACTING IS THERE IN POLITICS?
Probably no more than at...