Over the decades, MPR has presented the many different perspectives of Minnesota politics and politicians. This collection is home to a multitude speeches, interviews and debates on the issues of the day. Important topics of civil rights, environment, crime, budget, legislation, and campaigns are addressed.
Click on link to these well-known figures to see audio segments directly related to them: Michele Bachmann Arne Carlson Keith Ellison Hubert Humphrey Amy Klobuchar Eugene McCarthy Walter Mondale Tim Pawlenty R.T. Rybak Jesse Ventura Paul Wellstone
January 24, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with State Senator Ted Mondale about his decision not to run for legislative seat. Mondale describes what he thinks of the job.
January 25, 1996 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton about what is taking place at Mayors' Conference in Washington D.C. Interview topics include professional sports teams obligations to cities, education funding, and crime.
February 8, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, a day after she gave her State of the City address. She talks about the condition of Minnesota's biggest city, with topics including mayoral role, violent crime, Minneapolis police, community programs, elementary education, and street drugs. Sayles Belton also answers listeners questions.
February 9, 1996 - Midday guest Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, answers listener questions on topics such as vouchers, discipline policies, all-day kindergarten, graduation standards, site-based management, and the other educational changes being discussed at the State Capitol.
February 12, 1996 -
February 20, 1996 -
February 21, 1996 -
February 23, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, who previews his State of the City Address. Coleman discusses the current conditions and future prospects for the city of St. Paul. Topics include local crime, riverfront development, taxes, and reinvestment. Coleman also answers listener questions.
March 5, 1996 - On precinct caucus day, Midday speaks with Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate. Guests include Bert McKasy, attorney and former state commerce commissioner; Roy Terwilliger, bank president; and Steve Young, attorney former dean at Hamline University Law School. The candidates discuss their views and and running against DFL incumbent Paul Wellstone. They also answer listener questions.
March 5, 1996 - MPR’s John Rabe interviews Eugene McCarthy on Democrat caucus history and his concern of how they are controlled through ongoing rule changes. McCarthy also discusses the Republican presidential campaign and quotes a poem.