STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT – Former U.S. Senator and Democratic Party vice presidential nominee, Joe Lieberman, a stalwart of public service, passed away at the age of 82 in Stamford, Connecticut, due to complications from a fall. His death was announced by his family, who were with him during his final moments.
Born on February 24, 1942, Lieberman served as a United States senator from Connecticut from 1989 to 2013. He was the Democratic Party’s nominee for vice president of the United States in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, which was won by Republican George W. Bush. During his final term in office, he was officially listed as an independent Democrat and caucused with and chaired committees for the Democratic Party.
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said on social media, offering his condolences to Lieberman’s family: “In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one. He fought and won for what he believed was right and for the state he adored.”
Lieberman was known for his independent streak, which at times rankled many Democrats. However, his support for gay rights, civil rights, abortion rights, and environmental causes at times won him the praise of many liberals. He was known as a hawk on foreign affairs and became one of the legislative fathers of the Department of Homeland Security, which was established in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Former Republican President George W. Bush, who defeated Al Gore in the razor-thin 2000 presidential contest, praised his one-time rival’s legacy: “Joe wasn’t afraid to engage with senators from across the aisle and worked hard to earn votes from outside his party.”
In 2006, his alignment with Republican colleagues, particularly on American military policy in Iraq, cost him his party’s Senate nomination, but he was able to win reelection as an independent. In 2008, Republican John McCain considered picking Lieberman as his running mate on the GOP presidential ticket but was persuaded otherwise by Republicans worried that it would cause a rift in the party.
In his later years, Lieberman reemerged as the public face of No Labels, a political organization designed to give Americans a third option in elections, one designed to restore civility and bring unity to the process.
No Labels, which encourages cooperation across the aisle, referred to Lieberman as the “moral center” of its movement and called his death “a profound loss for all of us”.
Lieberman’s funeral was set for Friday in his hometown of Stamford, Connecticut. His passing is a significant loss to the American political landscape, and he will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the values he held dear. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.
Connecticut’s senior senator, Richard Blumenthal, highlighted Lieberman’s political legacy: “He was a fierce advocate, a man of deep conscience and conviction, and a courageous leader who sought to bridge gaps and bring people together.”
Former Vice President Al Gore, who ran with Lieberman in the 2000 presidential election, said: “It was an honor to stand side-by-side with him on the campaign trail.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, commended Lieberman’s commitment to working with “anyone regardless of political stripe”.
Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, in a statement Wednesday cited “political differences” with Lieberman but referred to him as “a man of integrity and conviction”.
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