Lieberman brought out the best in us

Joe Lieberman is a political treasure, and we had to say goodbye to him this past Friday. But the goodbye was truly beautiful, thanks to the inspiration of our governor, both senators, former Sen. Chris Dodd and former Vice President Al Gore, as well as his children and Rabbi Daniel Cohen. The beauty of the service was living proof that even in his death, Joe Lieberman continued to bring out the best in us.

What an absolute privilege it was to be in Congregation Agudath Sholom last Friday morning. Joe’s roots in Stamford and New Haven were evident, and his service to Connecticut and the country were real, impressive and powerful.

When I was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly, Joe was already a powerful political force, having been elected state senator from New Haven after successfully confronting an entrenched political machine, and eventually serving as the Senate’s majority leader. And yet as significant as his victory and newly won power was as the Senate leader, he was unusually humble, and consistently kind to everyone, regardless of party.

As a newly elected Republican moderate state representative, I was able to amend the state budget, causing a bit of a stir, and candidly some disruption with the majority’s budgetary agenda. When the budget bill went back to the Senate, Joe could have refused to accept the amendment, but he told me the amendment had merit, and accepted it, in spite of my status as a freshman member from the minority party. What mattered to him, and ultimately the only thing that mattered to him … the amendment had merit. That was my first encounter with Joe, but thankfully there were so many more.

I never met with Joe without leaving feeling better. He bought out the best in us, because he always spoke to our higher purpose. And he always put his community, the state and our country before party … always. That was who he was.

My contacts with Joe, during his service as a state senator, Connecticut attorney general, and finally as our United States senator, always felt comfortable and meaningful. He was passionate, but calm, a thoughtful listener, who conveyed respect, which in turn earned him respect.

When he lost the Democratic Primary for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, and then got elected by Connecticut voters as an independent candidate, it was not hard to understand why. With no disrespect to his opponents, Joe Lieberman had earned support, over many years, not just from Democrats, but also from Republicans and Independent voters. And I was gladly one of them.

As the service was concluding, I looked across at Hadassah, Joe’s beautiful, intelligent and savvy wife, who was silently trying to absorb the reality of Joe’s sudden passing, and thought about what a remarkable person she is. Much like Joe’s Jewish faith, she was his anchor, a refuge, and a source of wise counsel. While Joe’s mission was her mission, her mission was also Joe’s mission. Joe may have had the titles, but they were true partners in their successful effort to make our country and the world a better place. God bless you Hadassah.

I will miss Joe Lieberman, his voice, his political service, and his meek and his compelling love of his Jewish faith, manifested in his quiet devotion, but I know Joe’s memory will be a continual blessing.