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
July 23, 2008 - Seven Democrats are running in the September DFL primary in hopes of winning their party's nomination to take on Republican Senator Norm Coleman in the November election. Comedian and author Al Franken is the favorite to win that primary. Franken has raised millions of dollars, he has the DFL endorsement and he's a household name throughout the state. Of all of Franken's challengers, attorney Priscilla Lord Faris appears to be putting together the most aggressive primary campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik has this profile of Lord Faris.
August 1, 2008 - A Midday MPR Special coverage program of memorial service, one year after I-35W bridge collapse. From the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis, Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota; R. T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; Sally Dyck, United Methodist Church Bishop and president of the Minnesota Council of Churches; and Father John Bauer, co-pastor of Basilica of St. Mary speak in observance of the one-year anniversary of the I-35W bridge collapse. Hour long service also includes songs, prayers and reflection.
August 5, 2008 - U.S. Senate candidates Norm Coleman and Al Franken gave similar views on key issues for rural voters on Tuesday, but offered different arguments for why they'd be better for the job. Coleman, the Republican incumbent, and Democrat Franken were joined at the annual FarmFest show by Independence Party candidates Dean Barkley and Steve Williams. All four talked up the importance of renewable fuel research and production on Minnesota's farms. Coleman and Franken, in their first joint appearance of the campaign, praised the recently passed farm bill, with both calling it a needed safety net for farmers. The forum's format didn't give candidates much chance to directly engage each other, putting the emphasis on discussion of issues.
August 6, 2008 - MPR’s Mark Steil reports on The Farmfest Congressional Forum near Redwood Falls. Two incumbents were there, Democrats Collin Peterson and Tim Walz; as well as a number of challengers from several congressional races around the state. During the forum at the annual agricultural show, the candidates spent most of their time on the federal farm program and the nation's energy policy.
August 14, 2008 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on Obama campaign focus on senior citizen votes. Report includes comments from Walter Mondale, former U.S. vice president; Josie Johnson, local civil rights leader; and Tom Steward, spokesperson for presidential candidate John McCain.
August 25, 2008 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann interviews Congressman Tim Walz, of Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, about his views on bi-partisan approach to energy policy and offshore drilling strategies, including royalty payments that would then be used to alternative energy research and environmental protection.
August 25, 2008 - As a DNC spotlight interview, Midmorning host Kerri Miller speaks with former U.S. Vice President, U.S. Senator and Ambassador Walter Mondale about the civil rights struggle of Democratic national conventions past, and his experience as a Democratic presidential nominee.
August 25, 2008 - Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar speech at 2008 Democratic National Convention supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden presidential ticket.
August 26, 2008 - Democratic National Convention: Day 2: Dennis Kucinich speech (channeling Wellstone - "wake up America!") -- 6064 5:25 long
August 26, 2008 - Democratic National Convention - Day 2: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar gives a brief speech, mentioning memories of ore-digging grandfather and highlighting the need for income growth of middle class in push for Obama and Biden presidential ticket.