Joseph Lieberman, a moderate retired Connecticut senator and onetime Democratic vice presidential nominee, passed away. He was 82 years old.
His family reported he passed away in New York City on Wednesday as a result of complications after a fall.
The statement read: “His beloved wife, Hadassah, and members of his family were with him as he passed away. Senator Lieberman’s devotion to God, his family, and America remained constant throughout his public service career.
In 2000, as Al Gore’s running mate, Lieberman became the first Jewish American to appear on one of the two major party presidential tickets. Four years later, Lieberman failed to run for the Democratic presidential nomination himself.
About the Joseph Lieberman
Lieberman was a centrist who frequently offended Democrats. Despite losing a Democratic Senate primary in his native state in 2006, he won reelection as an independent. In 2008, he backed Republican John McCain’s losing presidential campaign.
When he announced his decision not to run for a fifth term as senator in 2011, he stated, “I have not always fit comfortably into conventional political boxes — Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative.” I’ve always believed that my first obligation is to serve my constituents, my state, and my country, followed by working across party lines to ensure that good things happen for them.”
Lieberman’s continuing support for the Iraq War infuriated many Democrats. Ned Lamont, the socialist whom he defeated in the 2006 Senate race, is now the governor of Connecticut. He alluded to Lieberman’s support for the war in a statement made on Wednesday. It says, “While the senator and I had political differences, he was a man of integrity and conviction, so our debate about the Iraq War was serious. We agreed to differ based on principle. We remained friends after the race, as is typical in American democracy. “He’ll be missed.”
In recent years, Lieberman was the founding chairman of the moderate group No Labels, floating a “unity ticket” for the 2024 presidential race. This endeavor has been criticized as a potential spoiler for the major parties.
In a statement, No Labels stated that Lieberman’s “unexpected passing is a profound loss for all of us.”
