Walter Mondale

In the 22nd episode of 200 Norwegians, we tell the story of Walter Mondale, a Norwegian-American who lost one of the biggest elections in U.S. history, but still helped reshape American politics.

Mondale was born in 1928 in Minnesota, the son of a minister, and grew up in a household shaped by modest means, strong values, and a deep belief in education. Over time, he rose through the ranks of American politics, becoming a U.S. senator, a key figure in civil rights legislation, and later vice president under Jimmy Carter.

This episode follows Mondale’s journey from his Norwegian roots to the highest levels of power—and how he transformed the vice presidency into a central part of government. It also explores the honesty and integrity that defined his career, and may ultimately have cost him the presidency