Gov. Tim Walz has divided attention these days as his political past, present and future all collide.

A new book offers details of the vice presidential run that turned him into a national figure. Ongoing issues with fraud in government programs and efforts to combat gun violence have him at loggerheads with legislative Republicans. And he’s in the early days of a run for an unprecedented third, four-year term.

Walz talked with MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst about all of it.

Later, a conversation about the state of speech in current times as political leaders, companies and everyday Americans assess the way we communicate.

Guests:  

•  Tim Walz is a second-term Minnesota governor and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate.  
• Jane L. Sumner is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota. She is the author of “The Cost of Doing Politics: How Partisanship and Public Opinion Shape Corporate Influence.” 
• Thomas C. Berg is the James L. Oberstar professor of law and public policy at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.