Politics Friday

On Fridays, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst discusses Minnesota politics — the latest from the legislature, election news and more. Join us Fridays at noon for interviews with lawmakers, candidates and political experts, including the MPR News politics reporting team.

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October 4, 2024 2:33 PM

Politics Friday: Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District debate

Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District is one of the most closely watched races in the nation. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst moderated a debate between Democratic Rep. Angie Craig and Republican candidate Joe Teirab on Friday, Oct. 4.

by Brian Bakst, Matthew Alvarez and Ellie Roth

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September 26, 2024 4:17 PM

Politics Friday: Poll shows Harris with narrow Minnesota lead, but what else can we glean from it?

With new candidates on the Democratic ticket and former president Donald Trump atop the Republican ticket for a third time, a new Minnesota poll shows Kamala Harris with an edge. Coming up Friday at noon, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Minnesota journalists about the poll results.

by Brian Bakst, Matthew Alvarez, Ellie Roth and Alanna Elder

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September 19, 2024 4:29 PM

Politics Friday: Know your ballot picks? It’s time to vote in Minnesota

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Secretary of State Steve Simon about early voting and election mechanics in Minnesota. Later, a look at the political landscape with two people active in their parties.

by Brian Bakst, Ellie Roth and Matthew Alvarez

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September 12, 2024 4:42 PM

Politics Friday: What to watch for with political ads on the way

The latest in our meet-the-candidates interviews offers an introduction to Democratic nominee Rachel Bohman in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Then, a chat with an expert in political psychology about political ads, their aims and what goes into them.

by Brian Bakst, Matthew Alvarez and Ellie Roth

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September 6, 2024 12:00 PM

Politics Friday: Minnesota’s Senate race is a study in contrast

From their personal style to their policy positions, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican challenger Royce White have little in common. Coming up Friday at noon, listen to conversations with the two U.S. Senate candidates looking to represent Minnesota in Washington D.C.

by Brian Bakst, Clay Masters, Ellie Roth and Matthew Alvarez

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August 14, 2024 1:49 PM

Minnesota Now: Aug. 14, 2024

Listen to the full show here.

by Cathy Wurzer, Brian Bakst, Aleesa Kuznetsov, Alanna Elder, Ellen Finn, CJ Younger, Dana Ferguson, Clay Masters and Mark Zdechlik

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August 6, 2024 12:00 PM

Special coverage: Walz picked to run as Harris’ vice presidential candidate

Tim Walz, the second-term Minnesota governor with a folksy demeanor and a swath of experience inside and out of government, gained a spot on the Democratic ticket as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential choice.

by Cathy Wurzer, Brian Bakst, Gracie Stockton, Aleesa Kuznetsov, Megan Burks, Phil Picardi and Matthew Alvarez

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July 25, 2024 5:37 PM

Politics Friday: This is not your typical summer before a ‘big election‘

Typically in the summer leading up to Election Day, average voters check out while the campaigns and hardcore political watchers jockey for position. That’s not the case this year. The MPR News politics team is here to explain.

by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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June 25, 2024 11:55 AM

Politics Friday: The stage is set for a Biden, Trump debate that could have implications on a tight race

Are you ready for a Joe Biden and Donald Trump presidential debate? It’s only June, but this week brings the first head-to-head showdown. MPR News host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about whether debates offer voters substance or are more just for show.

by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez