Joe Lieberman, a notable figure in American politics and the former Democratic nominee for vice president, passed away at 82 following complications from a fall, his family announced.
Mark Levin, a conservative radio host, paid homage to Lieberman, describing him as “the last of the moderates.” Lieberman made headlines recently for his strong criticism of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for early elections in Israel, labeling it “outrageous” and a “mistake” during a time of conflict with Hamas.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, Lieberman’s career was marked by his education at Yale, his role as Connecticut’s attorney general, and his time in the state legislature. His commitment to his Orthodox Jewish faith was evident in his observance of the Jewish Sabbath and his authorship of a book on the subject, “The Gift of Rest.” In the Senate, where he served for twenty-four years, Lieberman was known for his principled stance on various issues, including his opposition to gay marriage and his vocal criticism of President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
Lieberman’s moral clarity was also apparent in his selection as Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, a historic choice that marked the first time a Jewish individual was nominated for one of the top two offices in the United States. Despite winning the popular vote, the Gore-Lieberman ticket was defeated in the Electoral College following a contentious recount in Florida.
Post-9/11, Lieberman was a staunch supporter of the war on terror and the Iraq War, positions that eventually led to his estrangement from the Democratic Party. Facing a primary challenge in 2006, he ran as an independent and won, showcasing his continued support among Connecticut voters.
In his later years, Lieberman founded No Labels, a group advocating for moderate, nonpartisan solutions, and expressed support for President Donald Trump’s pro-Israel policies. He believed that backing for Israel should transcend party lines, a stance he reiterated during the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem in 2018.
Lieberman’s critical view of the Democratic Party’s shift towards the left was vocalized in his comments to Breitbart News, where he differentiated between traditional liberalism and the far-left, arguing that the latter’s approach was not in line with the broader American populace.
Joe Lieberman’s legacy is survived by his wife Hadassah, his former wife Elizabeth Haas, and his children and grandchildren.