Former Vice Presidential Candidate and Senator Joe Lieberman Passes Away at 82

Former Vice Presidential Candidate and Senator Joe Lieberman, known for his extensive political career and stint as Al Gore‘s running mate in the 2000 presidential election, has passed away at the age of 82 in New York City.

Lieberman, who was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and represented Connecticut in the Senate for four terms, died due to complications from a fall, as announced by his family.

His involvement in the hotly contested 2000 election alongside Gore against George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, which culminated in a Supreme Court decision halting a ballot recount in Florida, marked a significant moment in his political history.

Throughout his career, Lieberman made notable departures from his party on various issues, notably his stance in support of the Iraq War, which led to him losing the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Connecticut in 2006.

Post his Senate tenure, he continued his influence on the political landscape, notably as a founding chairman of the centrist group No Labels, advocating for a third-party “unity ticket” in 2024.

In response to Lieberman’s passing, tributes poured in from figures across the political spectrum, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and senators such as Susan Collins of Maine and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

His funeral is set to take place at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, with a memorial service planned for a later date to honor his legacy.

Journalist Alan He contributed to the reporting on Lieberman’s passing, shedding light on his impactful career in public service.