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.
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 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 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 9, 1996 - As part of a special week long focus on education issues, Midday examines Minnesota's largest institution of higher education…the University of Minnesota. Guests Marvin Marshak, senior vice president for Academic Affairs; and State Representative Becky Kelso, who chairs the University of Minnesota Finance Division in the state House, discuss aspects of the state universities and answer listener questions.
October 8, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast from St. Cloud of the U.S. Senate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The three major party candidates participate: DFL U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, Republican Rudy Boschwitz, and Reform Party candidate Dean Barkley.
October 4, 1996 - As part of Meet the Candidates series, Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about recent legislation passed in Congress and the 1996 senate race. Listeners also call-in with questions.
October 3, 1996 - Midday discusses changes in the law concerning welfare reform with guest John Petraborg, commissioner at Minnesota Human Services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and what the changes mean for recipients and taxpayers is the focus of conversation. Petraborg also answers listener questions.
September 30, 1996 - A special extended Midday program about 1996 election with two debates and commentary.
September 27, 1996 - Midday discusses foreign policy issues the U.S. President will face in the next term. Guests are Martin Sampson, political science professor at the University of Minnesota; Roy Grow, international relations instructor at Carleton College; Norma Noonan, political science instructor at Augsburg College; Nick Hayes, history professor at Hamline University; and Barbara Frey, executive director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.