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Former senator Joe Lieberman dies at the age of 82

2024-03-28 20:41:38, Kosova & Bota CNA

Former US Senator Joe Lieberman, who was very close to the post of Vice President when he ran with Democrat Al Gore in the 2000 election, has died, according to a statement released by his family.

Mr. Lieberman died in New York on Wednesday of complications from a fall, a statement said. He was 82 years old.

The Democrat had often voted against party positions.

Over time he left the Democratic Party, becoming an independent Senator. This and his criticism of the Democratic candidate for President Barak Obama, during the 2008 election race, angered quite a few Democrats. However, his support for LGBTI rights, civil rights, abortion rights, and environmental protection have earned him the respect of many liberals over the years.

Mr. Lieberman was a close second for the Vice President in the 2000 presidential race that was decided by a margin of 537 votes in favor of Republican George W. Bush in Florida. This was done after a recount, legal challenges and a Supreme Court ruling. He was the first Jewish American in the presidential race as the candidate of a major party.

Mr. Lieberman caused controversy in 1998 when he berated President Bill Clinton, his longtime friend, for "disgraceful behavior" in a Senate speech, as the scandal over the President's relationship with Monica Lewinsky was at its height. However, Senator Lieberman later voted against impeachment charges against President Clinton.

Mr. Lieberman sought the party's nomination for president in 2004, but withdrew after poor results in internal elections. Four years later, while an independent politician, he was the front-runner to be chosen as the vice-presidential candidate for the Republican presidential candidate, Senator John McCain. He and Mr. McCain were close friends who shared similar views on military and national security issues.

Mr. McCain was keen to pick Mr. Lieberman to run alongside him in the presidential election as the 2008 Republican convention approached. He chose then-Alaska governor Sarah Palin at the last minute after heavy criticism from conservatives over the positions. Mr. Lieberman's liberals, according to Steve Schmidt, who managed Sen. McCain's campaign.

He defended his decision to leave the Democratic Party as a matter of conscience, saying he always had the best interests of the voters of his home state of Connecticut at heart. Critics accused him of pursuing narrow self-interest.

In announcing his departure from the Senate in 2013, Mr. Lieberman acknowledged that he "didn't always align with party lines" and felt that his first responsibility was to serve his constituents, the state and the country, not his party. his political

During his final speech on the Senate floor, Mr. Lieberman urged Congress to look beyond partisan divisions to overcome gridlock in Washington.

"You have to look to the other side to find partners from the opposite side," said Senator Lieberman. "This is what is sorely needed in Washington."

Harry Reid, who served as Senate Democratic leader, had said that while he didn't always agree with Lieberman, he respected him.

"Despite our differences, I have never doubted Joe Lieberman's principles or his patriotism," Mr. Reid said. "I respect his independent streak, as it stems from strong convictions."

Some Democrats, however, were often less sympathetic to Senator Lieberman's attacks on the party, which they saw as disloyalty. He left his party and became an independent after losing a 2006 Senate primary in Connecticut.

His strong support for the war in Iraq damaged his popularity nationwide. The Democrats rejected Mr. Lieberman and in the 2006 intra-party election a political newcomer and anti-war candidate, Ned Lamont.

Defying Democratic leaders and friends, Mr. Lieberman successfully ran for re-election as an independent and won support from some Republican allies.

After re-election in 2006, Senator Lieberman decided to join the Senate Democrats, who in return chose him to chair a committee. Democrats needed his vote to help retain control of the Senate, where they held a narrow majority.

Despite the Democrats' decision to let him join their caucus as an independent, Mr. Lieberman was an enthusiastic supporter of Senator John McCain in the 2008 presidential race.

Senator Lieberman's speech at the 2008 Republican convention criticizing Mr. Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, angered many Democrats.

Mr. Lieberman was known in the Senate for his tough views on foreign policy, his tendency to support the military and his strong support for environmental causes. He played a key role in the legislation that created the Department of Homeland Security.

Joe Lieberman grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, where his father owned a liquor store. He graduated from Yale University. As Connecticut's attorney general from 1983 to 1988, he was a strong pro-consumer and environmental advocate. Mr. Lieberman entered the Senate by defeating moderate Republican incumbent Lowell Weicker in 1988.

After leaving the Senate in 2013, Mr. Lieberman joined a New York City law firm.

He leaves behind his wife, Hadassah, and their four children./ VOA