Former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman has died on Wednesday at 82.
The last of the truly moderate Democrats, Sen. Lieberman died in New York City “due to complications from a fall,” his family said.
“His beloved wife, Hadassah, and members of his family were with him as he passed. Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest,” the family added.
That's how I thought of Lieberman, too. I often wondered what would have happened if his party had nominated him instead of John Kerry in 2004, but even by that time the Democrats had drifted too far left to even consider the possibility. Two years later, they attempted to push him out with a primary challenge from Ned Lamont, only to have Lieberman run as an independent in the general election and beat Lamont by ten points. After that, he endorsed John McCain in 2008 and briefly stopped caucusing with Senate Democrats; Lieberman chose to retire at the end of that term.
Lieberman was a rarity among legislators: a true statesman. Perhaps we will see his like again, but these times will not produce one. Rest in peace, Mr. Lieberman, and thank you for your service.
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