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
September 3, 2008 - The Republican Party came in for some criticism today from what might seem like an unlikely source. Two former Minnesota Republican governors and a sitting Republican congressman headlined a discussion on whether moderates still have a place in their party. Minnesota Public Radio's Curtis Gilbert was there and has this report.
September 4, 2008 - As part of MPR special convention coverage, Gary Eichten broadcasts live from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the site of the 2008 Republican National Convention. As the RNC comes to a close, Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., prepares to accept his party's nomination. Eichten is joined by Todd Rapp, a Democrat political analyst; and Tom Horner, a Republican political analyst.
September 4, 2008 - Republican National Convention Day 4. MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks to the RNC.
September 8, 2008 - Former Republican Govs. Al Quie and Arne Carlson and retiring U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minnesota., recently shared the stage at the St. Paul College Club for a symposium titled "Minnesota's Progressive Republican Tradition: A History of Investing for Real Prosperity" sponsored by Growth & Justice, a progressive economic think tank.
September 10, 2008 - Democrat Al Franken launches his general election campaign today with a rally in St. Paul. Franken cruised to an easy victory over a half dozen DFL rivals in yesterday's primary.Republican Senator Norm Coleman easily defeated his lone GOP challenger. And it will be Dean Barkley who will represent the Independence Party in the November election.
September 17, 2008 - A day before his 85th birthday, former Republican Gov. Al Quie joins Midday to reflect on his years in office, as Governor and in Congress, as well as discuss the future of the Republican Party.
September 23, 2008 - Governor Tim Pawlenty traveled the state today (tues) to discuss education initiatives he'd like to see pass during next year's Legislative session. Most of the proposals are aimed at getting a force of even-better qualified teachers in classrooms. Some of the ideas are familiar because Pawlenty has pursed them before. Critics say the proposals are small potatoes that don't address what really needs to be addressed: Funding. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Weber reports.
October 2, 2008 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews DFL 1st District Congressman Tim Walz about bailout bill making its way through Congress. He says the bill passed by the U.S. Senate is better than the one the House rejected earlier this week, but he's still planning to vote against it.
October 9, 2008 - MPR’s Sea Stachura reports on Democratic Representative Tim Walz facing off against his challenger Republican Dr. Brian Davis in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District race. The two provided a stark contrast in style and approach in their first debate. Walz and Davis disagreed on energy, social security and healthcare.
October 13, 2008 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Roger Moe, former DFL Majority Leader, about Allan Spear, former President of the Minnesota Senate, who died at the age of 71.