Walter Mondale was an American Democrat politician, diplomat, and lawyer who served as the 42nd vice president of the United States and represented Minnesota in the United States Senate.
Born January 5th, 1928 in Cleylon, Minnesota, Mondale’s political success made him one of the most notable Minnesotans. Mondale began his political career in 1960, when appointed as Minnesota Attorney General. In 1964, when Democrat Hubert Humphrey left the Senate to become vice president, Mondale was appointed to succeed him. Mondale served Minnesota as a U.S. Senator until 1976, when he was elected as vice president in Jimmy Carter’s presidential win. Mondale ran as the democratic nominee in an unsuccessful bid for President of the United States in 1984, losing to republican Ronald Reagan. Mondale's selection of U.S. Rep. Geraldine Ferraro of New York as his running mate made him the first major-party presidential nominee to put a woman on the ticket. Mondale later served as ambassador to Japan in President Clinton’s administration. Returning to Minnesota in 1996, he joined the Minnesota legal community, and enjoyed the role of elder statesman to contemporaries.
December 18, 2000 - Walter Mondale, former U.S. vice president, reflects on the 2000 United States presidential election and what lies in store for the leaders of the country and the citizens of the U.S. George W. Bush was elected after nearly-tied vote. U.S. Supreme Court rules on Florida ballot court challenge; results have Al Gore losing election, George W. Bush winning.
May 17, 2001 - With the dedication of Mondale Hall at the University of Minnesota Law School, MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki profiles Walter Mondale’s law career. Mondale has been most noted for his career in politics, virtually nothing has been written about his time at the University of Minnesota law school and how his education and contacts there shaped his future and ultimately the future of Minnesota and the nation. Segment includes numerous interviews.
May 17, 2001 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on dedication of Mondale Hall at University of Minnesota Law School, which naked its building complex after its most acclaimed alumnus, Walter Mondale. Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at the dedication and praised Mondale as a man of integrity.
June 8, 2001 - Walter Mondale's tribute to his mentor Hubert Humphrey from the ongoing 50 Years: Mondale Lectures on Public Service, held at the University of Minnesota. Program also includes speeches from Harry Davis, civil rights leader and former Minneapolis School Board member; and Norman Sherman, Hubert Humphrey’s former press secretary.
June 8, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports on political and business commentary regarding trade with Japan. Minnesota business leaders and experts on Japan convened to discuss the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Japan. The country is Minnesota's second-largest trading partner, and the state's exports to Japan are growing.
August 14, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Walter Mondale, former Vice President, U.S. senator and ambassador, about the U.S. role in the world. Topics include the Middle East, globalization, and partnerships. Mondale also answers listener questions.
November 19, 2001 - Thirty years ago the fight to improve the lives of the nation's children looked much as it does today, according to child welfare advocates. Former Vice-President Walter Mondale and a panel of experts reflected on the failed Child and Family Services Act of 1971.
January 21, 2002 - On Martin Luther King Day, former Vice President Walter Mondale joins MPR’s Gary Eichten to talk about the civil rights movement, yesterday and today. Mondale also discusses a wide range of current events.
May 2, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Roger Moe’s candidacy for governorship. A former math teacher, Roger Moe has the most political experience out of all the candidates in the running for governor. Report includes commentary from former Vice President Walter Mondale, who endorsed Moe for governor; and Becky Lourey, state senator and rival DFL candidate for governor.
May 6, 2002 - MPR’s Dan Olson provides a report on how the vice presidency changed under the Carter administration. Report includes various speaking excerpts of Jimmy Carter, Stuart Eizenstadt, Walter Mondale, and Maxine Issacs.