Joe Lieberman, the first Jewish American to be nominated on a major party’s ticket, passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from a fall. Lieberman served as a Senator from Connecticut for 24 years and was chosen as Al Gore’s running mate in the 2000 presidential election. He was known as a hawk on foreign affairs and was one of the legislative fathers of the Department of Homeland Security. Lieberman’s penchant for aligning with Republican colleagues led to him losing his party’s Senate nomination in 2006 but winning reelection as an independent.
In 2023, Lieberman became the public face of No Labels, a political organization aimed at providing Americans with a third option in elections to restore civility and unity to the process. Throughout his career, Lieberman was known for his deep integrity, affable personality, and willingness to work across party lines for the good of the country. He was a staunch supporter of strong national security policies, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Lieberman served in the Connecticut State Senate for a decade before becoming the state’s attorney general. In 1988, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming known for his independence of mind, civility of spirit, and fidelity to causes he believed in. As an Orthodox Jew, Lieberman observed the Sabbath, which he viewed as a centering factor in his life. He was a liberal on some issues but also supported conservative causes, such as combating sex and violence in media.
Lieberman was chosen as Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, offering a contrast to the scandals of the Clinton era. After the 9/11 attacks, he played a key role in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and supported Bush’s efforts to combat terrorism. Despite his support for the Iraq War and other Republican policies, Lieberman continued to caucus with Democrats in the Senate.
In 2006, Lieberman lost the Democratic Senate primary but won reelection as an independent. He continued to be a voice for bipartisan cooperation and unity in a divided political landscape. Lieberman made an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2004 and supported McCain over Obama in 2008. After leaving the Senate, he joined the American Enterprise Institute and became a vocal supporter of Israel and opponent of the Iran nuclear deal.
Lieberman’s legacy as a respected statesman who worked across party lines for the good of the country was evident in the tributes that poured in following his passing. Colleagues remembered him for his deep integrity, dedication to serving his country, and his efforts to bring people together. His work on national security, homeland security, and bipartisan cooperation left a lasting impact on American politics.
