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.
September 8, 1992 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Walter Mondale, former U.S. vice president and presidential candidate, who reflects on political colleague Quentin Burdick, North Dakota U.S. senator. Burdick passed away on September 8th, 1992.
September 19, 1992 - MPR’s Jim Wishner interviews Steven Gillon, author of " The Democrats' Dilemma: Walter F. Mondale and the Liberal Legacy." Gillon discusses and reads form is book.
November 3, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Walter Mondale, former vice president and U.S. senator, about what it feels like to be a candidate on Election Day.
March 11, 1993 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale shares his thoughts on the early days of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s administration.
June 11, 1993 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Tom Hamburger, Star Tribune correspondent, about announcement from the White House rose garden that Walter Mondale has been nominated to become next U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
June 12, 1993 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on Walter Mondale’s nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Mondale comments on the trade dispute with Japan.
July 28, 1993 - MPR’s Hanna Gutmann reports on Walter Mondale nomination to become next U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
July 1, 1994 - A Midday interview with Jim Ulland, Minnesota state commerce commissioner, shares his thoughts on Walter Mondale being U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Ulland sees Secretary of State as a much better role for Mondale.
January 3, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks Walter Mondale, U.S. ambassador to Japan and former U.S. vice president. Mondale discusses Japan, and the greater Asia Pacific region. Mondale also answers listener questions.
January 5, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten speaks with Walter Mondale, U.S. ambassador to Japan, on news that Tomiichi Murayama is stepping down as Japanese prime minister, and the potential ascension of Ryutaro Hashimoto to the position.