Paul Wellstone cut his political teeth working the rural power line issue in the late 1970s. In 1981 Carleton College professor Wellstone appeared on Channel 2 to talk about energy issues and what he called "the first battle in America's energy war." Note the professor's happening hair style
Paul Wellstone cut his political teeth working the rural power line issue in the late 1970s. In 1981 Carleton College professor Wellstone appeared on Channel 2 to talk about energy issues and what he called "the first battle in America's energy war." Note the professor's happening hair style.
The early 1980s in Minnesota were noted for a simmering farm crisis. In 1984 a KTCA crew prepared a report for the MacNeil-Lehrer Newshour on farm foreclosures in Stearns County. A group of activists there was challenging local bankers. The report featured a young protestor who would go on to be a national political figure. In this his first national TV coverage, Carleton College professor Paul Wellstone caused quite a stir.
Saturday, June 7, 2008 - 1:07 pm
The demonstrations of support are over. The candidates have wrapped up their pitches. Now the voting begins. I'll update this blog post as the ballot counts come in.
Unlike the Q & A this morning, the controversy came up. In his speech, Al Franken told the crowd he's had a tough week and "it kills me, the things I said and wrote" and he went on to say "I'm sorry for that." He said some of his jokes were not funny and some "downright offensive."
Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer said "we choose hope" and he concluded with a nod to Wellstone asking "When do we send another professor to Washington?"
Both Franken and Pallmeyer took on Norm Coleman. Both showed passion and emotion. Both got the crowd roaring. The applause, t-shirts, signs all seem pretty even here in the hall.
The demonstrations of support are over. The candidates have wrapped up their pitches. Now the voting begins. I'll update this blog post as the ballot counts come in.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - 12:52 pm
We in the press aren't exactly sure how to describe why Al Franken had a big rally at the Capitol today. It seemed to be what we call a "pre-act" — that is reacting to an event before it happens. The event he's pre-acting to is Sen. Norm Coleman's campaign kick-off tomorrow. Much of the speech was devoted to Coleman. The "re-launch" aspect seems to be him almost re-starting his campaign with Ciresi out of the way.
It was a half-an-hour address that felt a lot like a convention acceptance speech. It was a well-crafted and keenly delivered speech. The moment the cameras loved was his closing comments when Franken got choked up, held back the tears saying: "Paul Wellstone said, 'The future belongs to those who are passionate and work hard.' I am so passionate about what we can achieve together. Are you ready to work hard alongside me?"
Speaking of "pre-acting," Republican Party Chair Ron Carey was ready with a pre-act pointing out Franken's problems paying workers compensation and now disability benefits to staffers. Carey thought it was ironic Franken was "standing with working men and women ... when he doesn't take care of people who work for him."
We in the press aren't exactly sure how to describe why Al Franken had a big rally at the Capitol today. It seemed to be what we call a "pre-act" — that is reacting to an event before it happens. The event he's pre-acting to is Sen. Norm Coleman's campaign kick-off tomorrow. Much of the speech was devoted to Coleman. The "re-launch" aspect seems to be him almost re-starting his campaign with Ciresi out of the way.
We end our look at a half century of Minnesota political history with a collection of our favorite bloopers and humorous moments.
Paul Wellstone explains his opposition to the Iraq War Resolution in his first debate with Norm Coleman. Tim Pawlenty shares a defining moment from his childhood. Past governors discuss Pawlenty's potential and offer words of advice. Amy Klobuchar tells Mark Kennedy she wants a debate her mother would be proud of. And a campaigning Governor Pawlenty pledges his commitment to Minnesota.
In the wake of scandal, Jon Grunseth drops out of the governor's race two weeks before the election. KTCA airs its most-watched governors debate. In one of the most memorable moments in Minnesota debate history, Eric Eskola mediates Paul Wellstone and Rudy Boschwitz's heated exchange. Dave Durenberger discusses his controversial book deal. And Eugene McCarthy makes his fifth and final bid for president.
Walter Mondale gives his first interview after losing the 1980 election. A young Paul Wellstone causes a stir at a farm-foreclosure protest. Almanac cameras capture a 1985 gathering of Minnesota's seven living former governors. And Rudy Perpich, the first governor to participate in an Almanac debate, squares off against Cal Ludeman.
