October 10, 1996 - Midday presents a rebroadcast of the vice-presidential debate between Vice President Al Gore and his republican challenger, former Congressman Jack Kemp. The debate was held at St. Petersburg, Florida. Debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer, host of PBS’s NewsHour.
October 15, 1996 - Midday looks at crime initiatives in the Minnesota Legislature with guests Democratic representative Wes Skoglund and Republican representative Rich Stanek. The two discuss various crime proposals, crime rates, and answer listener questions.
October 16, 1996 - Martin Sabo, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th District, reflects on colleague Jim Rice, who passed away after having a heart attack at the State Capitol.
October 17, 1996 - Midday presents a rebroadcast of the second and final Presidential debate between President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger Bob Dole. The townhall debate was held at Shiley Theatre, University of San Diego. Debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer, host of PBS’s NewsHour.
October 17, 1996 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's election coverage, we're presenting profiles of candidates. Today, we'll hear about Rudy Boschwitz. During his two terms in the U. S. Senate, Republican Rudy Boschwitz's party controlled the White House, but not Congress. Boscwhitz was a loyal Reagan-Bush supporter in the Senate. His former colleagues say Boschwitz's intelligence and business background helped him understand complex government programs and propose reforms. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has more. TV viewers remember the plaid shirt. But long before Rudy Boschwitz's folksy ads touting Plywood Minnesota, the family business, Boschwitz was a familiar name to many. His friend Jerry Pappenfus, a Winona-based radio executive, says Boschwitz was active in the early '70's raising money for the Cancer Society.
October 17, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on growing political involvement in Hmong community. 20+ years after the first Hmong refugees arrived in Minnesota, Hmong voter ranks have grown steadily, and more are involved in politics than ever before.
October 18, 1996 - As part of Midday's "Meet the Candidates" series, guest Dean Barkley, Reform Party candidate for U.S. Senate, talks about his campaign, state of Reform Party, and answers questions from Minnesota Public Radio listeners.
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 21, 1996 - As part of MPR's week-long focus on tax and spending issues in the election, Midday discusses the tax and spending priorities for the next session of the Minnesota Legislature with studio guests House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Ember Reichgott Junge. The two also answer listener questions.
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.