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
March 27, 2017 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with MPR’s Brian Bakst about Congressman Tim Walz’s announcement that he is running for governor. They discuss how this shakes up the 2018 Minnesota political landscape.
May 10, 2017 - As part of MPR Day in Mankato, All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Minnesota's 1st District Congressman Tim Walz at the historic Kato Ballroom. Topics include the unique aspects of his district, Affordable Care Act, and Trump’s firing of FBI director.
October 27, 2017 - MPR’s Tim Nelson takes a look at Dai Thao, a St. Paul city council member and a former Hmong refugee, who is running for mayor. Thao shares his personal history and political platform.
November 8, 2017 - On Tuesday, NOV 7th, 2017, voters elected two out transgender candidates to the Minneapolis City Council, marking the first such victories for transgender people in a major American city council race. Report includes an interview with then-candidate Andrea Jenkins.
November 8, 2017 - MPR’s Peter Cox profiles Melvin Carter, who won in his election for the mayoral seat of St. Paul. Carter received more than 50% of the vote in a field of ten candidates.
November 9, 2017 - MPR’s Matt Sepic takes a look back at the tenure of Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, whose four year term left contradictions. It included key reforms in the police department and championing of a two-decade park maintenance plan that's centered around racial equity, yet also was marked by two high-profile officer-involved shootings, communication problems, and strife with the police chief.
November 9, 2017 - MPR’s Brian Bakst interviews Rep. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, about her complaints to House leaders about harassing text messages within the legislature.
November 17, 2017 - Host Tom Crann talks with MPR’s Tom Scheck about reporting on accusations of inappropriate behavior by Minnesota State Representative Tony Cornish. Details on text messages sent by Cornish are discussed.
April 20, 2018 - As part of the Meet the Candidates series, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews DFL Congressman Tim Walz, who has become a candidate for governor. Topics include state education, transportation, rural communities, gun control, environment, healthcare, and faith in government. Walz also answers questions from listeners.
June 12, 2018 - MPR’s Brian Bakst reports on efforts by 1st District Congressman Tim Walz to refocus his gubernatorial campaign. Walz spent much of this year as the DFL favorite for governor, had the most money, topped a precinct caucus straw poll, and honed a message toward winning back moderate voters who have fallen away from the party. Then came a state convention that turned out poorly for Walz, and a new entrant in the race who threatens to cut into his primary election base.