Former Senator Joe Lieberman, a distinguished representative from Connecticut who was the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2000, passed away on Wednesday in New York City at the age of 82.
Lieberman, who served in the upper chamber from 1989 to 2013, succumbed to complications resulting from a fall, as stated by his family.
“His beloved wife, Hadassah, and members of his family were with him as he passed,” the statement said.
“Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest.”
Lieberman took different line from his fellow Democrats on several issues, most notably his support for the Iraq War. He secured his final term as an independent in 2006.
His funeral is scheduled for Friday at Congregation Agudath Sholom in his hometown of Stamford, with a memorial service expected at a later date.
He supported gay rights, civil rights, and environmental causes.
In the 2000 election, Lieberman was Al Gore’s running mate.
In 2000, he almost became vice president, but George W. Bush won by a tiny margin in Florida. Lieberman would have been the first Jewish vice president on a major political party ticket in the United States.
Later, he tried to run for president in 2004 but dropped out.
He became independent and almost joined John McCain as his running mate in 2008. McCain were friends and had similar views on war. McCain wanted to pick Lieberman but changed his mind because many Republicans didn’t like Lieberman’s liberal views. McCain chose Sarah Palin instead.
He was also the first Democrat in 1998 to criticise President Bill Clinton for his affair with a White House intern. He caused a stir when he scolded Clinton for his behaviour during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. But he later voted against impeaching Clinton.
Lieberman was one of the first to say Iraq’s leader should be removed after the 9/11 attacks.
He grew up in Connecticut, went to Yale University and later became a lawyer. Lieberman and his wife Hadassah had four children.
After leaving the Senate, he worked for a law firm in New York City.
