The recent passing of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman marks the end of an era for a true independent voice in American politics. Lieberman, who served as a Senator from Connecticut from 1989 to 2013, defied strict partisan categories throughout his long career. Before there was Kyrsten Sinema, there was Joe Lieberman.
While nominally a Democrat for most of his time in office,
Lieberman was never afraid to buck his party's consensus when his own
conscience and principles directed him elsewhere. His support for muscular
foreign policy positions like the Iraq War put him at odds with many in his
party. Yet he worked across the aisle extensively, exemplifying the ability to
debate respectfully with those of differing viewpoints.
Lieberman's independence was cemented in 2006 when he lost
the Democratic primary but went on to win re-election as a third-party
candidate. He was truly answerable to no party apparatus, only to the people of
Connecticut who kept sending him back to Washington.
For those of us who valued substantive, civil policy
discourse over partisan tribal warfare, Lieberman represented a breath of fresh
air. Even when you disagreed with his positions, it was hard not to respect his
thoughtful approach and willingness to engage ideological opponents. I had the
privilege of shaking his hand once when he was campaigning for his friend John
McCain's 2008 presidential bid, and Lieberman left an impression of class and
decency.
In today's environment of intense polarization, the loss of
a figure like Joe Lieberman is sorely felt. He reminded us that adherence to
principles need not come at the cost of good-faith dialogue. His was a
critical, independent voice that often cut through the partisan noise to focus
on what he believed were the best policies for the nation he served honorably
for so long.
We may not see his like again for some time. But the example
of Joe Lieberman's career insistence on civil, substantive discourse across
ideological divides is one to which we should still aspire. Rest in peace,
Senator. You were a true independent.
