Former US Senator and VP Candidate Joe Lieberman Dies at 82
In a tragic turn of events, the former US Senator and vice presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman, has passed away at the age of 82.
The cause of death was complications from a fall, as reported by a family statement obtained by CBS News.
Known for his centrist views, Lieberman represented Connecticut in the Senate for almost 25 years.
He made history in 2000 as the first Jewish person to join a major party US presidential ticket when he was selected as Al Gore’s running mate.
Gore expressed deep sorrow at Lieberman’s passing, praising his dedication to building a better future for America.
During his time in office from 1989 to 2013, Lieberman was a powerful legislator whose support was highly valued in Washington.
Despite being a Democrat for most of his career, Lieberman broke ranks on various issues, including his support for the Iraq War, eventually winning his final term as an independent in 2006.
In more recent years, he founded No Labels, a centrist political group aiming to introduce a third-party presidential ticket for the 2024 general election.
The group praised Lieberman for always prioritizing the country over party politics, a sentiment echoed by the late senator himself in a recent interview.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut in 1942, Lieberman climbed the political ladder from state senator to US Senator, becoming one of the most prominent Jewish politicians in the country.
His White House bid with Gore marked a significant milestone for Jewish Americans, highlighting his commitment to his faith.
Lieberman was known for his moderate stance, often crossing party lines to find common ground on important issues.
While his vice presidential run with Gore ended in defeat in 2000, Lieberman later endorsed Republican candidate John McCain in 2008, showcasing his bipartisan approach.
Throughout his career, Lieberman championed progressive policies, such as ending the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy in the military.
In his farewell speech from the Senate in 2012, Lieberman reflected on his proudest legislative achievements, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in achieving meaningful change.
