(00:00:13) And good morning. Welcome to midday of Minnesota Public Radio. I'm Gary eichten glad you could join us Minnesota. Senator. Paul wellstone has made it official. He will be running for re-election to the US Senate when his term expires two years from now now usually an announcement like this would not cause too much of a stir but Center wellstone has said on several occasions in the past that he would not be running for a third term in the US Senate that had steady would either go back to teaching or perhaps run for governor. However, senator wellstone now says that given the unusual 50-50 split in the Senate and Republican control of the White House his vote in the Senate is more than important than ever Minnesota DF ehlers are holding a rally today to celebrate Senator wellstones decision Republicans for their part or questioning senator. Integrity today on midday you get your chance to talk with senator Paul wellstone not only about the announcement yesterday, but some of the major issues that the Congress will be dealing with these next few years. We do invite you to join our conversation. Give us a call here. If you have a question or comment for senator Paul wellstone. Our Twin City area number is 6512276 thousand 6512276 thousand if you're out calling from outside the Twin Cities, the toll-free line is 1-800-222-8477 thousand or one eight hundred two, four two two eight two eight Center. Thanks for coming in. (00:01:34) Thanks for having me. (00:01:35) Now comment. That's that we've heard this announcement your decision to change your mind and run for the Senate again just proves that you're like all the other politicians say one thing to another whatever it takes. (00:01:53) Yeah, and your want me to answer that question. Well, you know Gary the only The the attack from Republicans is not so much what I need to respond to but I do think it's real important for me to speak on this show and and in general with people in Minnesota because there's a very very personal decision. And you know what I said yesterday just to give them some context is I remember visiting with Willard Monger. He was along with Eleanor Roosevelt and Bobby Kennedy and dr. King. He's my one of my four Heroes and we visited with Willard she'll and I went up to see him right before he passed away and I couldn't believe that the end of the visit. He had the strength to lift his hand and poke his finger in my chest and he said you run again. It's not about you. It's about the people you represent and we walked out. This was July of 1999 and I said to Sheila I love him, but I'm not going to run again because my plan always was two terms and then I would finish up maybe run for governor or maybe just go back to teaching but he was right up on the second part of what he said, which it is. About people and I do this was a soul-searching decision. It's been a lot of time talking one-on-one. We have children and grandchildren, but mainly she'll and I and I just decided that I see what's happened in the country. I know what the agenda in the debates going to be over this next two years. It's kind of hard to say to Democrats we've got where is the courage stand up for what you believe in when you're on your way out and it's 50/50 so much has changed its stunning the the election the result what happened in Florida George W bush his agenda the Senate 50/50. And then finally I can just say it once and I won't say it again on. Midday. I With me politics is very personal and it's very hard to walk away from people on the range right now given what's happening. I love that part of the state. It's part of my life. It's very hard for me to walk away from Farmers and Rural communities given the fact we just don't have a decent farm bill and I'm in a school every two weeks and I love it. And these little children are all under 4 feet tall and they're all beautiful and we ought to be nice to all of them and I am absolutely committed to get more resources for before kindergarten early childhood development for education. And I don't I don't feel like I should walk away from this now minnesotans will decide so what I believe I can do best for this state. I love the state and I love people in this state and I don't think I should walk away from this fight, but this will be up to people in Minnesota (00:04:32) had well two years from now. It's unlikely that the Senate will actually be split 50/50 and it's it's very unlikely just statistical right freak actually. So somebody will be in control 2 years from now. And you you emphasize yesterday the fact that there is this existing split? Yeah, what (00:04:56) part of what that was two years from now part of it. What if I can interrupt you part of what I was saying was everything has changed and everything is in balance and so much is at stake part of that is right now with a new Administration and Republicans controlling really essentially all of national government. The other part of what I was trying to say is in two years from now. My hope is the Democrats will regain the majority and if they do, you know, I not only have know the rules in The Leverage, but I'll be lucky enough to be able to share some key subcommittees and and have the seniority I'm able to do more on the issues that I think are important to people's lives and our state that's that's what I was trying to say is what I believe (00:05:35) do you think it's going to this going to be an issue two years from now and when the senate election is actually help. (00:05:43) That after the election in 90, I thought I would only serve two terms and said I wanted to give it all and then and and now I've just said that in the basis of what's happening to think I should run again, right? I think that I think probably this election will be decided on this question if people believe that as a senator I have I have been a good Center for our state and that and that I have been there when it comes to issues that are important to them their families and their communities that she'll and I are connected to communities in Minnesota and that given what's happened in the country. I shouldn't leave I should be in the Senate right now during this next debate this next period of History, then I'll really do well and if people don't believe that then I won't do as well. Just a couple more questions. I want to get to (00:06:33) Sure haulers. We've got a full bang sure. I have you personally Met George W bush had a chance to talk with him at all at (00:06:40) any length. I have not. I've never I never have I Met George W bush I certainly know some of his nominees to Cabinet positions, but I don't think that we met at (00:06:53) all. What's your based on what you've (00:06:55) heard about it. So I don't think we have I'm trying to remember I don't even think we've seen him at a gathering. Of course. We'll see him inauguration Saturday (00:07:03) based on what you've heard. You think he's going to be a good (00:07:04) president based upon what I've heard and when I see which is part of my decision personally, he may be very nice person and I look forward to getting to know him personally the agenda that is emerging is one that I am I think in profound opposition to I mean, I am very worried that we're going to see a direct I think there's no question. We're going to see a real assault on Environmental Protection. No doubt in my mind. No doubt in my mind that it's going to happen on workplace health and safety protection as well. No doubt in my mind that if he pushes 1.3 1.5 counting interest trillion dollars in tax cuts you It will crowd out any money for investment in children education and Healthcare. No doubt in my mind that will be an attack on Roe v-- Wade direct or indirect privatization of Social Security. Look there's a lot to speak up against and you know, I'm hope I'm a good Senator and doing (00:08:01) that. Hmm speaking out is one thing but a lot of Democrats are being urged to cooperate Republicans are being urged cooperate as well as everybody try to get along well and do you see that developing or do you see gridlock? Well, what what does the future hold here? (00:08:22) I'm not sure yet. But I'll tell you I just finished writing a piece about you know people in Minnesota and people in the country calling us to be bipartisan. And I think what people mean, I think it's getting confused. I don't think people are believe that there isn't going to be fundamental debate on on the important issues be it. But by the way be a domestic or foreign policy Also, I'm in profound opposition to I think a mistake and unworkable Star Wars program that I think that puts so much of Arms Control in Jeopardy much of which I've worked on in my adult life what people are saying by bipartisan. I think Gary's two things a we want to see civility you can debate but we want to see Civility and set and I agree with that and second of all, I think what people are saying is we want you to govern at the center but not the way in which the pundits are talking about this I took issue with this piece. I wrote people want to see is govern at the center of their lives. That's the politics people are interested in if you're doing something so that my parents my mom and dad have passed away. But I'm so that my parents I'm thinking of conversations with minnesotans who I don't know whether they're going to be able to stay at home or be put in a nursing home. And and how can we get support for them to stay at home or my child can get the best education or both of us are working in our children who were two and three, how can we afford good childcare or how can I keep? My farm going and get a decent price. When are we going to get a decent farm bill or on the Iron Range? When are we gonna get a fair trade policy how many more jobs do we have to lose if you're have a politics that speaks to that that's what people are for will what will happen over the next two years. I don't know yet. It depends upon I guess whether what the administration lays out will see and if George W Bush President Bush wants to govern at the center of people's lives and deal with these issues. I'll will be there with them. And if not, then I will be in opposition (00:10:14) now to sort of senator Paul wellstone is our guest this hour, and he's come by today to take your questions now don't call in right now because all you'll do is get a busy signal, but let me give you the number and as we work our way through some callers, some of the lines will open up and we'd like to get your question on 6512276 Thousand. That's our Twin City area number 6512276 thousand outside the Twin Cities 1-800 to for 22828. First caller is from Palisade Bob. Go ahead please good morning, Senator. Good morning. I first of all I want to preface my question by saying I am a Democrat. I have voted Democrat to all the years. I've been in this state I and I am a supporter of yours. I know that that you are going to take an incredible amount of heat. Just just just a sure as I'm sitting here and what I'm concerned about is the absolute certain to that you use during your last campaign of saying this is it one more term and then I am I am moving on and I think there are a lot of people who voted for you under that premise and how do you you know, it's in mean you'd you said it was a vow and I guess about me is something that is Practically sacred and inviolable something like a wedding vow or something along that line. Then it when you say I will do this and I will do nothing else. How do you counter your critic and those who are going to bring that very argument up to you? (00:11:59) Well, I don't know if I ever use word like Val Bob, but what I what I what I did say was after we won the election in 1990 after we won I said look, I think that for me it will be 70 hours a week and I'll give it everything I have for two terms and then last time around I certainly was convinced that it would be the last campaign. I don't know I talked about it a lot but I certainly said at the end that I thought this would be my last race and even took the bus up to a bus Museum. It's retired at a Greyhound bus Museum in Hibbing has a little fence around it. And the only way to the only way to respond is it's just to be just virtual with people and say it was what I plan to do. It's what I thought I would do and I cannot believe the stunning changes that have taken place. I cannot believe what's happened in Washington. I cannot believe how much is at stake how much has changed and I don't think the other part of it is to have to go to coffee shops and have people who you love and believe in and you hope it's mutual say to you how could you of all people walk away from this fight? How could you walk away from these issues now given what's happening? And so you know it I understand exactly what you're saying. And you know, what is a soul-searching decision and I will be I will be it'll kill me if one Beyond political adversaries which I understand but if one person is disappointed in me because of this decision, it'll kill me I'll hate it but the other part of it is I would have been even more I would have had a would have been much more difficult for me just to have walked away from people in the state from issues that affect our country in the world from what has happened from where we are right now and in the United States Senate in politics and nation's capital, I just didn't think I should walk away. This and I just have to say that to you and say it to people in Minnesota and then say and you know, it will be your decision. It will be your decision. If you don't think the circumstances have changed if you don't think that what I do is important to you important to Minnesota and that I should not stay then then you quote one way if you think yeah, you have been there for us you are focusing on issues that are important as we look to the next couple of years. It's important that you beat ever Minnesota. You should not leave at this time. Whatever you thought ten years ago. You could have never seen these circumstances. You should stay then I'll be fine and that's going to be up to you and others (00:14:17) what circumstances of actually changed other than the the fact that Republicans have controlled the White House. (00:14:24) That's a big one. I mean if the election had been turned out differently it would have I wouldn't be be sitting here having this interview with you. For the first time in about 50 years Republicans control both the White House and the Congress. That's a big big change the 50/50 in the Senate. It means that everything is in Balance over. The next two years is the what you can get done is to what you speak for LED and which fight for and what happens in the Senate that's that's hasn't happened since the 1880s and those everything is in Balance. Now, I mean everything everything right now in DC is is very much at the most critical point. I can remember I've never seen anything like this. It's never happened in my adult lifetime. I never expected this. I remember saying once in an interview with Bill Hannah, I think about the range the only circumstances under which I would consider running again for the Senate would be if the Republicans win and can take over national government and that's what's happened at the moment (00:15:31) Rick your question, please. Hi, I was wondering if Paul had gotten a chance to hear the earlier program where a caller called in and said this isn't actually a third term. It's a second second term, but Jim ramstad, I noticed he had also made the past promise that of term limits and and he's not alone on the Republican side. It's quite a few Republicans made that promise and have decided for whatever their reasons were to have changed their minds also in with regard to the I'm glad that Paul's doing this and with regard to the cooperating the bipartisan attitude and stuff out. You know, I mean if we only have one party in this country, it's not going to be good and I think there needs to be a loyal opposition and I think the proof is in the pudding because there's been a an awfully loyal opposition to Bill Clinton for eight years now and I think it's time for the Democrats to wear the head of being the loyal opposition. (00:16:31) Thanks. Well, I appreciate it rick. And I also want to want to say to Bob again. I hope I am trying to belittle briefer in responding because there are a lot of calls and I hope I did Justice to your question and I I'll say it one more time. The best policy is just to just to say to people in Minnesota exactly why you made this decision and why you think it's the right thing to do how you think you can make the biggest impact and make our country better or to make the world better and and to do better for people in the state and just to say to people in the state. This is my analysis and if you agree, that's what I hope for and if you disagree then that makes it harder but I guess Gary. I think that people in Minnesota I work hard. I'm ready to campaign and we'll do well (00:17:17) John Ashcroft. Are you going to be able to support him for attorney (00:17:20) general? I don't know yet. I think I have had two conversations with him. I know him quite well I said on one of the Sunday shows that he gives me cognitive dissonance. How can a person whom I like and enjoy have such harsh views and the I have some concerns and they really mainly in the I would say more having to do with race and the area is and I'm going to wait till after the hearings are over. If I come out against him. He'll know first. I will call John and have a meeting with him and talk to him first if I come out for him. I come out for him. I'm going to wait till every bit of of hearing discussion and evidence is over with before making a decision. I think that's the only way to do (00:18:07) it. I see colon Powell has sailed through the Foreign Relations Committee unanimously any reservations there (00:18:12) whatsoever No, No, in fact, we'll have a vote on that. I have called him and told him I'd like to meet with them one-on-one and and we'll vote on him on Saturday. And I think it will be unanimous I have do I have any reservations? Yeah. I mean, I think that as I said earlier, I believe that Star Wars is unworkable or missile defense. This is an idea that goes back to the 50s and at first glance people like it. They say wait a minute Paul or Senator. You're telling me you're going to oppose making our country safe for our children from a North Korean missile attack. I mean, you know, it sort of sounds good. But every time you look at this as soon as you get into countermeasures, you see that offensive Weaponry can overwhelm this every single time. I think the kind of terrorist activity we're faced with including weapons of mass destruction is going to be more chemical in nerve carried in by suitcase. And I think we're talking about hundreds of billions of dollars II would disagree with General Powell on this. I've had a lot of briefings with in the defense department. I think it's not workable I think is an illusion at this time. So and I also want to I probably will be talking about Colombia. I have some very serious reservations about what's called plan, Colombia. What about (00:19:32) What's called the Powell Doctrine which seems to suggest that the US should just simply not get involved in humanitarian disasters in the (00:19:42) rest. Yeah. I've I'm not in agreement with all the Powell Doctrine either that mean they're listen there's plenty but you know there he's an example of someone as you're going to disagree but you're not going to question his stature or the it's a good (00:19:57) appointment L your comment, please yes, good morning Senator. Do you think you still have the same power of getting things done now? Since you've chosen to run again and one more additional question, do you still have your bus ready to (00:20:13) go? Well on the bus, you know, it's been retired in this bus Museum Greyhound bus Museum up in Hibbing and believe it or not. There is such a place and it's kind of a neat place. I can't imagine not campaigning in the bus. So, you know, I think it costs more money to operate that bus than a Learjet but I think I would probably want to do it exactly the same way. We always do it. I don't know how to campaign without having a lot of I mean we win by kind of Grassroots politics and having people involved and getting good turnout on the first part. Yeah. I mean, you know, what happens is I mean, I'm sort of a fire and a lot of these issues because I don't find myself more cynical but I find myself even more determined. I mean, I don't I hate when I go to when I go to White lakes and I see a thousand steel workers in their vault lost their jobs and The younger ones are worried why they're going to have any health care benefits six months from now because they lose everything and the middle-aged ones are worried about what's going to happen after a year and the retirees are afraid the company's going to file chapter 7 and walk away from their health care benefits and I see what's going on in farm country and I see what's going on and with kids in education and health care and all the we should do I you know, I don't have any I probably more indignation and more fire about it on Effectiveness. I know the rules. Well, I mean even Trent Lott we don't always agree would never say that I don't know the rules and don't know how to debate and fight hard on the floor and with added experience, you know, you're better at that. So, you know, I think I'm in a position to assuming the politics in the country will move in this direction. I'm in a position to to do well for people in Minnesota. That's what it's always (00:22:00) about Jason your comment here. Yes. I actually have a comment and two questions. I'd like to thank the Order for deciding to run again. I will support you out there. And my first question has to do with the high price of natural gas is something that is hitting everybody and wondering if there's any move afoot in the Senate to begin tracking where that money is going and basically who's getting rich off of this. (00:22:25) Yep. I'll take you had some other questions to do you want to do the same I'll do real quickly that real quickly on this one. I have been pushing hard. It's Frank murkowski is the chair. Jeff bingaman is the is the ranking minority member of the energy committee natural resources that to hold hearings. I think that you know, the it's really clear to me that deregulation is not just failed in California. It's it's failed in the midwest with natural gas and I think it's at the wholesale level because with the regulation they have no incentive to build up inventory and and then and they should have seen the demand it was we knew there would be more housing. We knew more power plants were were going to be on natural gas and if they just wait Then it's the economics of scarcity and they jack up prices and a lot of profit is being made somewhere and there ought to be really careful investigation. My next move is to push ferc really hard on this which is the regulatory body at the national level to say, you know, we want information on this they ought to answer these questions. I don't know whether we're at the point where you ask for to impose caps on these wholesale dealers as to what they can charge are not but I know this this is outrageous. It's a it's a ripoff. (00:23:36) It makes it really difficult for a lot of us to pay our (00:23:38) bills. Now if we can't go through this, okay quick second question here (00:23:42) very soon before we break for news. The other question has to do with the Senate confirmation hearings and I'm wondering how you feel about the consent portion of the advise and consent. I'm concerned that we're seeing a radical shift to the right and some of the choices that mr. Bush has made and wondering if you see that as well or what your position is (00:24:05) there. Well, I think the Senate has real role to play here. Advise and consent and I think that that that's going to happen. It's happening right now. I mean to me there are the I think of the president elects nominees the I have the most serious questions about Senator Africa Croft around. Mr. Gale Norton to be Secretary of interior on environmental issues and I have a whole set of questions on preparing for Tommy Thompson will see that that's going to we're going to have the hearing on Friday with with Governor Thompson, I think probably Most all of them will go through but I think it's you know, it's Our obligation to to have careful scrutiny. And and I think there are other choices the president might have made (00:24:59) another sort of senator. Paul wellstone is our guest this hour and we'll get back to more of your questions for Senator wellstone and just a couple of (00:25:07) minutes. Hello. This is Bill cling president of Minnesota Public Radio. I'm very pleased to be able to tell you that American radio works. Minnesota public radio's documentary unit has been honored with the most prestigious award in broadcast journalism last Wednesday evening at Columbia University in New York, CNN's Jeff Greenfield presented MPR with the Alfred I Dupont Columbia University Gold baton the top prize and a singular achievement. The award is for NPR's outstanding reporting from Kosovo, and I'm pleased to salute mpr's ready Works documentary team including correspondence Stephen Smith and Michael Montgomery. Along with executive producer Bill Duesenberg. I also want to Salute You the members and supporters of MPR for the support that has allowed us to produce. What is now recognized as the highest quality journalism in American Broadcasting. It's a good thing we've done together and we thank you for your part. (00:26:05) By the way. If you want to watch the award ceremonies, you can see the event on Twin Cities public television channel 17 tonight at seven o'clock. That's TPT 17 from 7282 night and we will be broadcasting that award-winning documentary on Monday here on midday. Reminder, Minnesota Public Radio relies on listeners to help pay our operating expenses. Thanks to all of you who recently made a contribution. Your membership does make a difference news headlines. Now, here's Greta Cunningham Greta. Good morning Gary the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has unanimously approved the nomination of colon Powell to be Secretary of State. The approval comes as no surprise since the retired General Breeze through his confirmation hearing, Missouri Supreme Court, Judge Roddy. White says, he doesn't think General nominee John Ashcroft is a racist but white who is African-American says the Senate should decide if Ashcroft have shown the fairness that should be required of an attorney general whites nomination to the federal bench was blocked by then Senator Ashcroft by testified at ashcroft's confirmation hearing today. George w-- Bush is vowing to be the president of everybody whether they voted for him or not. He told the national Republican Party leaders today that he's going to keep working to bring new people into the party. It's Bush's first full day of pre inaugural events in the nation's capital California is ready to spend millions of dollars on additional power, but it may not be enough to prevent another day of rolling blackouts yesterday hundreds of thousands in Northern and central California. Saw their power suddenly shut off. The fate of Congo's president could soon be confirmed to Congolese officials say the government is preparing a radio broadcast to announce Laurent kabila has death numerous foreign officials had been reporting kabila was shot and killed Tuesday in a coup attempt in the Central African nation in It was a task force is recommending Minnesota overhaul its system for caring for the elderly in a report being released today. The task force says the state must shift away from nursing homes and toward home care the report cites Minnesota's rapidly aging population and a shortage of healthcare workers. It recommends the state invest 113 million dollars now to start overhauling the system Duluth has a new bishop the pope appointed Monsignor Dennis em Schnur to the post today junior is 52 years old and is a native of Iowa. He has served as a priest in Sioux City and has worked with the Vatican Embassy in Washington scattered light snow or flurries are in the forecast for the state of Minnesota today. It'll be mostly cloudy turning colder with brisk winds highs today near 18 to 28 degrees right now in Duluth some light snow and 25. It's snowing in Saint Cloud and 28 in the Twin Cities, Cloudy Skies 26 degrees Gary. That's a look at the latest news. Thanks Greta 25 minutes before noon. This is midday on Minnesota Public Radio in our guest this our Minnesota senator Paul wellstone who announced yesterday that he'll be running. A third term in the US Senate he's come by today to talk about that decision and some of the big issues that the Senate is going to be wrestling with these next couple of years again. Let me give you the number here if you have a question for Senator wellstone, but again a counsel not to actually call because all you'll do is get a busy signal wait for a couple of minutes till we get to some more callers here 6512276 thousand or 1-800 to for to to 828 campaign financing changes. The mccain-feingold Bell. Is that actually going to pass now? (00:29:19) Yeah. Can I can I do a congratulations to Stephen Smith and Michael Montgomery washer PR really good work. I visited Kosovo and it's You know, it's my father once wrote. How did he put it my father Leon once wrote. The the world is you have this parallelism of people being able to to to be so good Humanity from man to man or women a woman and then you have the inhumanity and his question was whether the world can exist with that parallelism and in Kosovo it we'll see what happens with milosevic but there's a lot of hatred but it's it was very good work. Very good work. Well, this is a good one vote example. I mean, I'm really glad that Mark Dayton is in the Senate now because I think we are either at 60 votes or frankly. We might be 58 59 votes. In other words. We need 60 votes if it's filibustered then we're going to need 60 votes to pass mccain-feingold. We're very close. I think we can Really I've said to Russ and the John I have two amendments that I wanted introduced because there's a couple places where I hope it'll be stronger. And I know that I think Susan Collins and Jim Jeffords both Republicans are working on one of these amendments. My only worry is you know, the soft money I won't go into this great detail, but real quickly. This is the kind of unregulated money that can be come in and 200-300 thousand dollars at a time. The idea is if you just if you just restrict it to party building and then keep it out of the parties that's important, but if you don't have any restriction as to whether or not you can apply soft money to independent expenditures, then all of that money will shift to more of these independent extension or TV ads in other words. No one running will even know where it's coming from and they'll be all these attack ads with no limits. So I think we have to have some restrictions there. I hope we can do that. I think it's constitutional to do so and then and then I will go into the other Amendment but at least it would be some real progress if we could pass (00:31:27) it Steve your question, please yeah. First of all, I have a compliment about running again. I think there's no problem with that as long as somebody's effective and that's the key thing. But my question is what legislation have you sponsored in the past number of years that has become law and since I'm on my cell phone, I will stop the conversation here and listen on the (00:31:49) radio. Yeah. Well, I think the think probably the most recent example, which was not just an amendment a lot of times in the Senate the amendment you introduce become part of bills that you know, you can do an amendment on distance learning and education bill or you can do an amendment on on telework, you know where people in many rural Minnesota have the opportunity to if we're properly wired to actually stay at home and work for an information technology company metro area get that into a Department of Agriculture bill and I could go through many bills with many members, but the most recent one was it was interesting in Stephen the last Congress at the very end the major piece of legislation. That was passed that we could get agreement on was the legislation that went after the trafficking of women. I would argue children for uses of forcing women and children into prostitution or into forced labor this Sheila my wife Sheila really wrote this legislation and Sam Brownback Conservative Republican from Kansas joined forces, and we got this past. I won't go through all the details of it but it's it was the major human rights legislation passed by the Congress. I feel so good about it and had this interesting Coalition that that ranged from from Bill Bennett to Gloria Steinem, you know people on all over the political Spectrum, but it was so important and also was the violence against women act that was reauthorized that as it turns out was put together in the same conference committee those two pieces of legislation, which are major major pieces of legislation. I'm really proud of it. The most recent you would ask for example the most recent that passed with just a can I just say what I think you're I was writing about this the other day about the sort of norms and folkways it almost didn't pass because at the very end it had to go through on unanimous consent that we wouldn't spend much time with debate that people agreed we'd worked out the differences in and Tom Harkin was on the floor and John McCain were on the floor and both were angry. Tom was angry because Bonnie Campbell had been blocked by Republicans to be on the court of appeals wonderful woman and John was angry because he was trying to get something done on reform and I went up to him. I said, please don't right now do what I think you're going to do which is block everything. Let this go through it's too important been working on it for years and sometimes it's just friendship, you know, and they said, all right. All right (00:34:20) and your question, please? Yes, Senator wellstone. Thank you so much for your decision. I'm just delighted that you decided to run again and I have What did you in the past and I will in the Future? I'm From Western Minnesota and I had two questions one is about ways in which you conceive of our ability to deal with the slipshod way. The FDA is treating the Biotech Industry in terms of food safety and labeling and the second question has to do with agribusiness takeover of our agrarian culture and possibility of supporting sustainable agriculture and organic Agriculture and I say that because I live in lakes country and the runoff in the water destruction of our lakes and and so on is of primary importance. So that's a two-pronged question about agriculture. But my my other question is about Gale Norton my opposes Department of the Interior cabinet officer. Based on her record as attorney general in Colorado and some very negative decisions that she made and I wondered what you felt about (00:35:38) that. I'll do all three quickly and if I can on Gale Norton I had said to Gary that I have I have real questions about her but I would Reserve final judgment. She's just starting her hearing today and you know, she and I think you would agree deserves a full opportunity to lay out her case and we need to go through all of the questions on sustainable agriculture. I think it's the biggest part of the future of Agriculture. I think these huge hog factory farms are an assault on Rural communities. I think that the ways in which these large conglomerates have muscle their way to the dinner table and the mergers and Acquisitions that have taken place and it pushed family Farmers off the land with family Farmers having fewer fewer people to buy from and sell to is just means there's going to be no future for family farm structure of Agriculture and I think the way to bring together the consumers in the environmentalists and the family farm. I emphasize family Farmers because in the midwest we still have that structure we're fighting to hold on to it is to put an emphasis on sustainable agriculture and for people to see a direct connection between supporting family farm Agriculture and the environment and I think on what you said on FDA, I mean, I think that there are when it comes to a biotech and a lot of concerns about engineered crops, I think to me you go with the science and and you you really you don't scare people by the same token. You want to make sure that consumers have the right to know what's in the product and that you are always looking out for Consumer safety. That's my framework (00:37:09) Emily. You're up next. Yes. I have a question about your environmental positions when you were first elected. I saw you as a liberal and as a progressive and we still need that voice in our Congress today. And I think it's too important for us to elect somebody who doesn't still stand on that type of record what I'm concerned. That is whether you still qualify as a liberal and Progressive and in my own experience in working with environmental activist. I'm an environmental activist to save many Hyde Park a park with us. I sent letters asking you to mediate the issue, please I sent I called your office in Washington frequently. I called your local officer. I never received any kind of a response and I didn't think asking you to mediate it was a big deal because I was told that you're not interested in those kind of issues. Does that what are you planning to do as far as legislation to protect the environment if you're (00:38:04) elected, well, I appreciate the question the the on the question of contact with people one thing. I didn't mention earlier which had something to do with thinking through whether to run again is usually what I hear Emily on the Minnesota office is the opposite. I think probably if anything the the Outreach the work that people do in the office is I think almost with people Talk to me the most about it a state fair. Thanks for helping out and it's really people in the office. So I'm disappointed to hear that there wasn't any contact. I hardly ever hear that on my overall environmental record. I can only smile and say to you that it's it's unfortunate and I think whatever organization to look at League of conservation voters Sierra Club you name it? It's I just trying to figure out how to not come across as like a bragger but it's it's a really good record. (00:39:01) Well, I was that article in Mother Jones magazine which suggests that you've become so concerned with getting along and and dealing with the with the Senate learning the way the Senate does business and learning the rules on that. You basically turned your back on on the Grassroots Progressive activists who you said you were going to focus on (00:39:28) that's probably the silliest. I've ever seen the people in Washington are kind of laughing because it's kind of the opposite record there. I mean you could talk to both Democratic and Republican leaders. I don't think my reputation is anything other than coming to the floor and fighting it out and almost always connected the Grassroots politics and is the thesis of the article is that is that somehow abandoned Progressive politics because I did not from the time. I was elected travel all around the country all the time building of social movement. I'm a senator from Minnesota Gary. I can't travel all around the country building a movement. I work in the Senate and she'll not come back and we're in communities in Minnesota. I do some national work, but my connection is the people in the state. It's just the silliest (00:40:13) thesis. Now last summer though. You did say I think it was right after the convention the Democratic Convention. You said that what's really needed in this country after the election. You said you would be spending some time trying to build more liberal political movement. Maybe get the sum of the That's together with the nadir people and challenge the sort of the Centrist philosophy going to do (00:40:36) that. Well, the there's that's a different story. I mean the thesis that you should travel around the country building the movement forgets what it is to be a senator from Minnesota. I'm a senator from Minnesota. Now, this is a different question. This is not a silly question. And again, I wanted to find I had one of these fun moments with Robert Novak, you know back and forth debate in which he talked about the center and I said, I'm all for governing at the center of people's lives. I'm serious about that. All this labeling is ridiculous either you have a politics in your a senator that focus on issues that are important and connect to the concerns and circumstances of people's lives or you don't I feel like this has been my work we are there is going to be a very important conference at the end of February which is going to bring together a lot of environmental labor consumer farm community organizing people and it's all around Um, just trying to do more Grassroots politics around the country that's very important for people to do that organizing and once in a while I can travel and go somewhere and validate it and support it and I will but I can't organize the United States of America did Ralph Nader (00:41:45) crossed Al Gore the election. Are you? (00:41:48) Well, when you mention Ralph's name it was you know about sort of I don't know where we're fits in there's a lot of anger. I mean I what I don't understand, you know, I was in a lot of these debates and I remember saying to Jim Hightower whom I enjoy like a lot from Texas who was supporting Ralph Nader look go for it in Texas. It's not closed but when the states where it's closed for crying out loud don't tell me their differences don't make a difference on the environment on Roe v-- Wade on the what is going to be the future Supreme Court. What's the federal Judiciary going to look like and on and on and on so my argument is I didn't understand the time that Ralph spent in the states where it was all going to be so close. I didn't understand why I kept going why he focused on those Was he ultimately the reason well that begs the question as to why it was so close in the first place and there were other issues as well. I don't think you can blame it all on Ralph Nader. I think Ralph Nader was wrong that the difference is didn't make a difference (00:42:44) Joel your question, please. Hi. Are you there? Yes, you're on the air. Okay. I'm a republican used to be a Democrat. But now I'm a Republican and I think that any Republican who betrays a trust would be just as wrong as a Democrat but Senator wellstone Charlie Brown walked up to Snoopy one time at it with his typewriter and said what you doing Snoopy said I'm writing a book about Theology and said how interesting you have a title Snoopy said I have a perfect title and he said have you ever has ever occurred to you that you may be wrong? I think it's a principle of whether it's politics or theology principle of humility that we should always entertain the notion that we could be wrong. I grew that and and what that means to me is as a republican, I think that not only are you betraying A trust that you under without any duress made, but you're doing it to do a cause to fight for a cause that I consider to be wrong and oftentimes ill-advised now, we can honorably disagree about that. But what if when you come before the bar of Truth finally you have you were actually wrong and you betray the trust and broke a (00:43:49) promise. Well, I don't know exactly what this bar of truth that I come before his but but but I will but but I if I can respond I will absolutely agree with you that if any of us think that we have a corner on the truth and that we could never be wrong. We're making a big mistake and and I can tell you this it won't I can tell Joe from the tone of your question. I'm not going to persuade you but I can say this to you absolutely cross my heart and hope to die. I don't live my life in such a way that I don't that I think I'm always right. Of course. I could be wrong only thing you can do is make the best decisions try try to do what you think is right. What you believe is right this decision. I made run again. I could never do it. If I didn't think it was the right thing to do and how I could best help people and how I can make a biggest difference for my state and people I believe in but people will get to make this decision come the election. There's no question about it. It's not my decision to make is the people Minnesota's decision to make (00:44:49) Jessica your Question, please. Hi, I thank you for taking my call. I'm new to Minnesota and very happy to be here partly because of the of our of Senator wellstone and and would be thrilled to vote for him again or in the next election. However, I have some questions about I'm very concerned about the Democratic party as a whole right now. And the reason for this is I respect Senator wellstone statement that he would have to listen to the hearings before he could make a judgment on the Ashcroft nomination. However, I've been following this very closely. I certainly don't need to rehearse the extremes and many of the bills more and more of which the partial birth abortion bill which was unexamined in today's national papers. I don't need to rehearse those. Okay. Well we're getting short on time. Well as a Democrat, I'm looking at this nomination and if it is confirmed it will be confirmed because of my party. We can't we have an option of a filibuster with only four. Votes and I'm looking I feel a sense of terrible betrayal that I'm afraid is about to happen that my party is going to allow this confirmation to go through and I'm going to have to leave my party. (00:46:05) That's a tough tough. Question Jessica. I am I first of all the first part of what I said and I appreciate the way what you said. I mean, I really do believe that just call a courtesy to people that people you and others who are in profound opposition to John Ashcroft and there are lots of people that are should absolutely speak out organized and make it clear to people like me and others that are senators and representatives. We want you to vote against him for me. I think being in the Senate right now. I I should wait till this is all over and and and evaluate everything that's been said to try to be as Fair as possible. I have questions about John Ashcroft as well. I've stated those and as Whether or not he gets ultimately confirmed we'll just have to see the hearings not over. I don't I don't know whether they'll be a filibuster. I don't know whether a filibuster would succeed and we're just going to have to see I don't know the final result yet. I think it's I think it's a little premature to know. I think most people are predicting that he will ultimately be confirmed and that may be true. But I think you got to wait till the end and I will only I can promise you is I'll you know, I'll make his true a decision as I can. I am concerned as I said about several different issues and when I didn't mention is I personally think the line of questioning I'll take 30 seconds that I have been most interested in is from Pat Leahy which basically says to John Ashcroft as a US attorney as I'm sorry attorney general you're in the key position your kind of like the traffic cop for judicial nominations and go In by your past actions as to how you judge different people who came before the Senate. It looks like you use this ideological test that basically precluded a lot of people. I mean, if you're going to be in the position of affecting who's going to be on court of appeals federal district judges and Supreme Court judges, I have real questions about that. You will use this standard you have before that I think is a key key point at least in my mind as to how I finally vote Center we're out of time, but I (00:48:18) appreciate your coming by today. And (00:48:20) did I filibuster? I'm sorry. If I did know just okay shorter speeches than usual today. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for having me and I said to you when we were before that when I made a decision would be on thank you. (00:48:33) Thanks for coming by Minnesota. Senator. Paul wellstone joining us this first hour of midday. Thanks to all of you who have been listening this hour, especially those of you who called in or tried to call in with your questions and comments five minutes now before 12 o'clock.