Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82
Associated PressApr 02
Former US Sen. Joe Lieberman Passes at 82
Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Former US Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who was Al Gore's running mate on the Democratic ticket in the 2000 presidential election, died Wednesday in New York City from complications from a fall at 82.
Prior to his win over Republican Lowell P. Weicker for his US Senate seat in 1988, Lieberman served as state Senate majority leader and Connecticut Attorney General. He stepped down from the Senate in 2013.
The Spin
Left narrative
Lieberman leaves behind a long and accomplished but mixed legacy. Early-career accomplishments as a champion of progressive causes were completely wiped away by his late-life lurch to the right. He was steadfast in his support of the disastrous invasion and occupation of Iraq, and he nearly killed the Affordable Care Act. While he continued to caucus with Democrats as an independent, he too often aligned himself with Republicans on key issues to be remembered as any type of hero to the left.
Right narrative
Lieberman was a New Deal Democrat who was concerned with liberal social policies and civil rights, but he was willing to take unpopular stands in his party. Despite Democrats' intolerance of his support for the Iraq War, he held firm to his beliefs, knowing how crucial it was for the US to fight terrorism abroad. He endorsed Republican John McCain in the 2008 presidential race and even had nice things to say about former Pres. Donald Trump — proving there can be a middle ground in US politics. He has an important political legacy.