Joe Lieberman, former U.S. senator and vice presidential nominee, dies at 82
HARTFORD, Conn. — Former U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, a former vice presidential nominee and longtime giant in Connecticut politics, died Wednesday following complications from a fall.
Lieberman, 82, died in New York City as his wife, Hadassah, and other family members were with him, according to a family statement that was released by longtime aide Dan Gerstein.
“Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family and America endured throughout his life in the public interest,” the family said.
Lieberman’s funeral is scheduled for Friday at Congregation Agudath Sholom in his hometown of Stamford. Another memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Lieberman’s friends and former colleagues — from senators to other top leaders — were stunned by the news Wednesday as word spread quickly among his former staff members and associates.
Lieberman had been in good spirits recently and had spoken to the Hartford Courant in an interview lasting about 30 minutes in late November.
He talked about being in Israel on Oct. 7 — the day Hamas terrorists burst across the border and started killing civilians in a surprising attack. Lieberman traveled to Israel on one of his many trips to visit family and friends, and he heard the sirens blaring.
“We were there that Saturday, October 7,” Lieberman told the Courant. “Oh, man, the sirens went off. Everybody went to the shelters and the safe rooms that they have in their houses. It seemed unreal, but as the day went on, it got painfully real.”
As the attacks continued, Lieberman was far enough away in Jerusalem, which is about 50 to 60 miles from the Gaza Strip.
“A couple of times we heard some booms,” Lieberman said. “But there were no missiles or bombs that fell on Jerusalem. The booms, we were told, were probably Iron Dome batteries that are placed around Jerusalem that probably were activated to shoot down some missiles that were coming in elsewhere. It’s a society that is, unfortunately, trained for moments like this, and they all did what they have to do.”
Lieberman made history in 2000 as the first Jewish person to be nominated on a major political ticket when Democrat Al Gore chose him to be the vice presidential nominee. Even years later, Lieberman said he was amazed at the high-profile people he met while on the campaign trail.
Lieberman’s evolution over the years brought him a series of new friends and supporters, including former U.S. Sen. John McCain, President George W. Bush, and Fox News commentator Sean Hannity. It also brought him a small army of political enemies who coalesced around a previously unknown anti-war candidate named Ned Lamont to defeat Lieberman in the 2006 U.S. Senate primary.
As word spread quickly Wednesday, colleagues mourned Lieberman.
“Joe Lieberman was my friend for over 50 years,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. “On world and national stages, he helped to define and frame an era of history. He was a fierce advocate, a man of deep conscience and conviction, and a courageous leader who sought to bridge gaps and bring people together.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., tweeted, “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.”
Lamont, who is now serving as governor, said, “While the senator and I had our political differences, he was a man of integrity and conviction, so our debate about the Iraq War was serious. I believe we agreed to disagree from a position of principle. When the race was over, we stayed in touch as friends in the best traditions of American democracy. He will be missed.”
Lieberman is survived by his wife, Hadassah; children Matthew, Rebecca and Hana Lieberman; stepson Ethan Tucker; sisters Rietta Miller and Ellen Lieberman; and 13 grandchildren.