Politics Friday

Politics Friday podcast art
Politics Friday
MPR News

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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Politics Friday: Trump’s path to the White House began at the Iowa Caucuses
MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters looks back on the 2024 election campaign for the Iowa Caucus to election events leading up to this week when President-elect Trump stepped back into the White House.
Politics Friday: The voters have spoken, but sent a muddled message for Minnesota’s Legislature
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the Minnesota Legislature and how the state will govern in 2025 with both chambers split virtually down the middle.  
Politics Friday: Minnesota campaigns, parties gear up for Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, so how might it shake out? MPR News host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the closing days of the 2024 campaign and what to watch for when the results come in on election night. 
Politics Friday: The race to lead the Minnesota Legislature
Minnesota’s Capitol could have a far different feel next January, or the cast of state leaders could be much the same. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with DFL and Republican lawmakers about what’s on the line for the state Legislature in the Nov. 5 election.  
Politics Friday: The 2024 election will determine who presides in Minnesota courtrooms, remember there are judges on your ballot
There are about 100 races on Minnesota’s election ballots that won’t get that much attention, and they’re all about judgeships. MPR News politics editor and his guests talk about judicial elections and why they’re different here than in other states. 
Battle to shore up bases remains as Election Day nears
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guest talks about deadly conflicts in the Middle East and how those have factored into domestic politics. Plus, we follow up with two Generation Z voters about how they’re approaching the election.
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.
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.
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.
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.