Former Sen. Joe Lieberman Passes Away at Age 82
Joe Lieberman, a seasoned senator hailing from Connecticut and the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2000, has passed away at the age of 82.
According to a statement released by his family, Lieberman succumbed to complications arising from a fall in New York City on Wednesday, with his wife Hadassah and other family members by his side. The statement emphasized Lieberman’s enduring love for God, family, and country, evident throughout his dedicated service in the public sphere.
Joe Lieberman’s political journey and legacy
Lieberman made history in 2000 as Al Gore’s running mate, becoming the first Jewish candidate on a major party ticket. However, despite their campaign efforts, they were defeated by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney after a controversial Supreme Court decision halted a ballot recount in Florida.
Throughout his political career spanning from 1989 to 2013, Lieberman often diverged from Democratic orthodoxy, notably in his support for the Iraq War. In 2004, he pursued the Democratic presidential nomination unsuccessfully and later secured his final Senate term as an independent in 2006. He was even considered as a potential running mate by the late Sen. John McCain during the 2008 presidential election.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close associate of both Lieberman and McCain, expressed his condolences, remarking humorously that Lieberman was now in the hands of a loving God, albeit likely receiving an earful from McCain about the state of affairs.
Tributes and reflections on joe lieberman’s passing
Lieberman’s influence extended beyond partisan boundaries; he was a founding figure of No Labels, a centrist political group aiming to foster unity through a third-party presidential ticket in 2024. In a recent interview, he underscored the need for political change, lamenting the leftward shift of the Democratic Party.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from across the globe and the political spectrum, highlighting Lieberman’s integrity, dedication to service, and principled stance on contentious issues. Former President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and various senators paid homage to his remarkable legacy.
Joe Lieberman’s funeral is scheduled for Friday at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, Connecticut, with a memorial service to follow at a later date.
