Stamford, Connecticut – Former U.S. Senator and vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman passed away at the age of 82. Lieberman, a centrist figure, represented Connecticut in the Senate for nearly twenty-five years. His family reported that the cause of death was complications from a fall, as shared by CBS News, The BBC’s US partner.

Lieberman made history as the first Jewish person to join a major party US presidential ticket in 2000, when he ran as Al Gore’s running mate. His passing deeply saddened Gore, who praised Lieberman’s dedication to building a better future for America. Lieberman served as a US senator from Connecticut from 1989 to 2013 – a period in which he gained a reputation as a powerful and sought-after legislator in Washington.

Despite being a longtime Democrat, Lieberman often diverged from his party on various issues, notably his support for the Iraq War. In 2006, he won his final term in office as an independent, showcasing his willingness to break from traditional party lines. In recent years, Lieberman played a significant role as the founding chairman of No Labels, a centrist political group aiming to introduce a third-party presidential ticket for the 2024 general election.

His impact on American political life was characterized by his commitment to putting the country above party affiliations. Lieberman’s dedication to public service was rooted in his love for God, family, and America – values that remained steadfast throughout his career. His notable endorsement of progressive policies, such as ending the Pentagon’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, demonstrated his ability to find common ground among Democrats and Republicans to achieve legislative success.

From his early days as a state senator to his tenure as state attorney general and later as a US senator, Lieberman’s political journey was marked by his reputation as a moderate Democrat who was unafraid to cross party lines. His White House run alongside Gore in 2000 marked a milestone for Jewish Americans in politics, as Lieberman remained vocal in expressing his faith throughout his career. Despite facing contentious elections and challenging political climates, Lieberman’s legacy as a bipartisan leader who prioritized the greater good will endure in American political history.