Joe Lieberman, the first Jewish vice-presidential nominee of a major party, has passed away at the age of 82. His journey in politics was marked by a strong sense of conscience and independence, leading him away from his roots in the Democratic Party. Lieberman, a former senator from Connecticut, died due to complications from a fall in New York, with his wife Hadassah and family by his side.
Lieberman’s political highlight came in 2000 when he was chosen as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore. However, the election ended in controversy, with the Supreme Court ultimately ruling in favor of George W. Bush. Despite this, Lieberman saw his selection as a breakthrough for Jewish Americans.
Throughout his career, Lieberman was known for his mainstream Democratic views on many issues, but he also stood out as one of the last statesmen of an era when bipartisanship seemed more achievable in Washington. In his farewell speech to the Senate in 2012, he lamented the partisan divide that had engulfed politics.
Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, Lieberman’s political stance shifted, particularly on foreign policy, leading to disagreements with his own party. He strongly supported the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, a position that set him apart from many Democrats.
Lieberman’s political evolution further distanced him from the Democratic base, culminating in his loss in the Democratic primary for his Senate seat in 2006. However, he ran and won as an independent, continuing his Senate tenure.
In 2008, Lieberman drew ire from Democrats for his support of Republican nominee John McCain over Barack Obama. Despite criticism, Lieberman remained steadfast in his views, even as they diverged from those of his party.
McCain, who later expressed regret for not choosing Lieberman as his vice-presidential nominee, eulogized his friend after his passing in 2018. Lieberman’s legacy is one of principled stands, independence, and a commitment to his beliefs, even when they led him down a different path from his party.