Joe Lieberman, Democratic senator and first Jewish VP nominee, dies at 82

Former U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, who represented his state of Connecticut for 24 years, has died of complications from a fall. 

His family released a statement following his death, praising his love of God, family and country. 

“Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest,” the family statement read.

Lieberman had a history of voting and speaking according to his beliefs, willing to criticize fellow Democrats or praise Republicans based on his convictions. 

He was the first national Democrat to criticize then-U.S. President Bill Clinton for his affair with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. While Lieberman would later vote against impeaching Clinton, he sharply denounced his behavior, calling it “immoral” and “harmful.” 

Lieberman was chosen by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to be his running mate in the 2000 presidential elections, making him the first observant Jew to be chosen for the role. 

In 2008, Lieberman supported Republican Sen. John McCain in his presidential bid, including speaking at the Republican National Convention. 

The former senator regularly called for bipartisan cooperation on important bills and in his final Senate speech, spoke about the necessity of “reaching across the aisle and finding partners from the opposite party.” 

After leaving public office, Lieberman continued his record of bipartisanship, praising then-U.S. President Donald Trump for several decisions related to Israel, such as moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem, and the recognition of Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. 

Lieberman worked hard to get the Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act passed in 1995. 

During the opening ceremony in 2017, he spoke with Christian journalist Paul Calvert and called the occasion “a celebration of the US-Israel relationship.” 

“It's a celebration in my lifetime of the growing closeness between Christian and Jewish groups about Israel,” Lieberman said. “And of course, it all comes from a very strong place, which is the Bible and shared belief in God.” 

Lieberman supported Israel throughout his lifetime and condemned Sen. Chuck Schumer’s recent call for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be replaced. 

“For a US senator – let alone the majority leader; let alone the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in Washington – to tell Israel that it’s time to get rid of Netanyahu, that’s outrageous,” Lieberman said of Schumer’s comments. 

Lieberman’s Jewish faith was a consistent and integral part of his life. Even in the busy political world of Washington D.C., Lieberman observed strict rules regarding kosher food and observing Shabbat. In rare instances when a Senate vote would take place on a Saturday, Lieberman would walk to the Senate. 

In his 2011 speech at Brigham Young University in Utah, Lieberman said his Jewish faith was the foundation of his life.

“My Jewish faith is central to my life. I was raised in a religiously observant family. Given to me by my parents and formed by my rabbis, my faith has provided me with a foundation, an order, and a sense of purpose in my life,” the former Connecticut senator said.

“It has much to do with the way I strive to navigate in a constructive way through every day, both personally and ­professionally, in ways that are large and small.” 

Shortly after the announcement of his death on Wednesday night, Netanyahu released a statement praising Lieberman. 

"Sara and I grieve with Hadassah and the entire Lieberman family on the passing of our beloved Joe Lieberman,” the statement read. 

“Joe was an exemplary public servant, an American patriot, and a matchless champion of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.” 

Netanyahu praised Lieberman for having “a deep moral sense and common sense and was fearless in the defense of truth.” 

“May the Lieberman family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem," he added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog offered his condolences and referred to as a "great statesman" with "wise counsel."

“It is with great sadness that I – and all the Israeli people – mourn the passing of former Senator Joe Lieberman. Michal and I are proud to have called him a dear friend, and I relied frequently on his wise counsel. Joe was a great statesman, a true patriot, and a steadfast friend to the people of Israel. His legacy will be one of dedication to duty, and devotion to his country, his faith, his people, and his family.” 

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, after returning from a trip to Israel, posted a long tribute to Lieberman on social media, praising him and remembering their work together. 

“I feel fortunate to have been in his presence, traveling the world in support of America’s interests as we saw it,” Graham wrote on 𝕏. 

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lieberman’s successor, said in a statement, “Connecticut is shocked by Senator Lieberman’s sudden passing. In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one. He fought and won for what he believed was right and for the state he adored.”