September 27, 1996 - Midday discusses foreign policy issues the U.S. President will face in the next term. Guests are Martin Sampson, political science professor at the University of Minnesota; Roy Grow, international relations instructor at Carleton College; Norma Noonan, political science instructor at Augsburg College; Nick Hayes, history professor at Hamline University; and Barbara Frey, executive director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.
October 4, 1996 - As part of Meet the Candidates series, Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about recent legislation passed in Congress and the 1996 senate race. Listeners also call-in with questions.
October 8, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast from St. Cloud of the U.S. Senate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The three major party candidates participate: DFL U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, Republican Rudy Boschwitz, and Reform Party candidate Dean Barkley.
October 9, 1996 - As part of a special week long focus on education issues, Midday examines Minnesota's largest institution of higher education…the University of Minnesota. Guests Marvin Marshak, senior vice president for Academic Affairs; and State Representative Becky Kelso, who chairs the University of Minnesota Finance Division in the state House, discuss aspects of the state universities and answer listener questions.
October 18, 1996 - MPR’s Bill Wareham profiles Paul Wellstone’s arrival and subsequent education on being a U.S. Senator in Washington D.C. Wareham looks at Wellstone’s personal and political history. Interviews include fellow senator David Durenberger and numerous political supporters and activists.
October 23, 1996 - Midday offers a chance to hear from candidates in the 5th and 3rd Congressional Districts. For the first half hour, 5th District DFL Congressman Martin Sabo and his Republican challenger Jack Uldrich. For the second half hour, 3rd District Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad and his DFL challenger Stan Leino.
October 25, 1996 - Midday offers a chance to hear from the candidates in the 4th and 6th Congressional Districts. For the first half hour, 6th District DFL Congressman Bill Luther and his Republican challenger Tad Jude. For the second half hour, 4th District DFL Congressman Bruce Vento and his Republican challenger Dennis Newinski.
November 1, 1996 - Midday examines the system for selecting judges for Minnesota's courts with interviews about the appointment, election process, and the role and qualifications of judges. Guests Wes Skoglund, chair of the House Judicial Committee; and Suzanna Sherry, law professor at University of Minnesota, explain the debate between merit selections vs. elections.
November 5, 1996 - Former Vice-President Walter Mondale reflects on losing presidential election in his run for the Oval Office. Mondale talks about how an individual must accept that fact that many will not vote for them.
November 8, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Roy Grow, political science professor at Carleton College, about Walter Mondale’s successful tenure as U.S. ambassador to Japan.