Gore Picks Lieberman As Running Mate

Updated 7:12 AM ET August 7, 2000

By RON FOURNIER, AP Political Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Al Gore has selected Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman to be his running mate, rounding out the Democratic ticket with the first Jewish vice presidential candidate in American history, the Associated Press has learned.

Gore planned to offer Lieberman the job in a telephone call later Monday, according to several Democratic sources familiar with the vice president's thinking, all speaking on condition of anonymity. Lieberman has indicated he will accept.

The sources said Gore made his decision after discussions late Sunday night and early Monday morning with top advisers, including former Secretary of State Warren Christopher, who headed up his search process, his brother-in-law Frank Hunger, his wife Tipper and campaign chairman Bill Daley.

The vice president and his running mate will appear together at a noontime rally Tuesday in Nashville, the sources said.

Lieberman, 58, beat out five other finalists: Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, John Edwards of North Carolina, John Kerry of Massachusetts; House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri and New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.

The Gore campaign hoped Lieberman's selection would be a bold stroke heading into next week's Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. He trails rival George W. Bush in polls after last week's GOP convention.

One Democratic ally said Gore was driven in part by a need to make a pre-convention splash, which Lieberman's religion provides. The source said the vice president has been disturbed by polls giving Bush a double-digit edge and he fears the election will slip away unless he uses this critical two-week period to gain significant ground, particularly among independents and women.

A Democratic centrist, Lieberman would amplify Gore support of fiscal discipline and middle class tax cuts, the sources said. Gore considers his pick a respected voice of independence and integrity, and the sources drew a contrast to the GOP ticket's ties to special interests.

Gore will also contrast the tickets as New Guard vs. Old Guard politics, the sources said.

Lieberman was an outspoken critic of President Clinton's conduct during the impeachment controversy. One of the sources said his choice will help make the ticket more appealing to independents and swing voters who favor Clinton's policies but were turned off by his personal conduct. Polls show Bush benefiting from the so-called "Clinton fatigue."

Gore's selection of an Orthodox Jew is a first.

Because he and his wife Hadassah observe the Jewish Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, Lieberman is ostensibly prohibited from working.

The senator has interpreted this to mean he may still work during that time, but only to promote "the respect and protection of human life and well-being." He has said he will vote on legislation and participate in important meetings on the Sabbath - but won't campaign. He skipped one of his state nominating conventions because it was held on the Sabbath.

Picking the moderate Democrat and self-styled moral crusader as his running mate signals an effort by Gore to win over independent and Republican voters and distance himself from Clinton's controversies.

While critics brand Lieberman as a liberal who votes for abortion rights, gun control and tax hikes, Democrats say he's more conservative when it comes to issues such as defense spending and family values.

"This election is a battle for who wins the American middle," Senate Minority Leader Thomas Daschle before Gore made his choice. "With the Gore-Lieberman ticket, you see a real opportunity for Democrats to pick it up."

As rumors of a Lieberman pick swirled during the past few months, the senator kept the vow of silence he pledged to Gore, a friend he has called the "most responsible vice president in our history." Not since John F. Kennedy was elected as the nation's first Catholic president has religion been much of an issue in a White House race. The sources close to Gore noted that Kennedy was nominated 40 years ago in Los Angeles. Lieberman may have galvanized his role as the conscience of Congress two years ago when he was one of the first senators to criticize Clinton for his tryst with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

"Having criticized Clinton gets him points from the other side," said Howard Reiter, a political science professor at the University of Connecticut.

His colleagues agree.

"A lot of problems Gore is having in attracting white men and suburban women come from the connection to the Lewinsky situation," said Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana.

But his condemnation of Clinton's behavior may have been more of a personal move than a political one; he was criticizing a friend. Lieberman and Clinton are Yale Law School graduates, and Clinton worked on Lieberman's state Senate campaign. In 1992, Lieberman returned the favor by being the first politician in the Northeast to endorse the Arkansas native's presidential bid.

In 1998, Lieberman and conservative former Education Secretary William Bennett began handing out "Silver Sewer Awards" to single out and shame producers of sexually explicit and violent films, music, television programs and video games. However, in his most recent financial disclosure forms, Lieberman listed holdings of Fox and CBS stocks - two companies awarded "Silver Sewer" status.

Although he carved a niche for himself as a liberal reformer during his 10 years as a state senator, Lieberman's move to the middle gives him appeal among Republican voters and politicians, some say.

In Connecticut, Lieberman has gained admiration from Republican Gov. John G. Rowland, who recently called the senator "a great friend of mine" while endorsing Lieberman's Senate rival.

While Lieberman is allowed to continue his Senate race while campaigning with Gore, a promotion to vice president would require resignation from the Senate - assuming he is re-elected - and mean Rowland would be able to appoint Lieberman's successor to serve until the next state election in 2002.

As state attorney general in the 1970s, Lieberman focused on consumer rights issues. His Senate record on the environment, education, defense, foreign affairs and economic development are cited by his advocates in Gore's inner circle.

The sources said Lieberman satisfies Gore's criteria for vice president: He can assume the presidency at a moment's notice; Gore trusts him; and he shares Gore's commitment to fight for American families.

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), August 07, 2000

Answers

http://news.excite.com/news/ap/000807/07/news-gore-veepstakes

link

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), August 07, 2000.

If true I retract my viscious attacks, go Jew veeps!

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), August 07, 2000.

The same story was just reported on the "Today" show, for what that's worth.

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), August 07, 2000.

Now, if Lieberman was the Presidental CAndidate, then the Dems might actually have a chance. But he isn't, and they don't.

Buh-bye Dems... Hello Bush/Cheney!

M

-- Not now, not like this (AgentSmith0110@aol.com), August 07, 2000.

It's also on CNN.

LINK

-- (hmm@hmm.hmm), August 07, 2000.

My initial reaction to this announcement is that the Dems have handed the race to the Bush ticket.

I've known too many people who, upon learning I was raised Jewish, would say politely (after their eyes had rolled back into their heads and forward again) "we won't hold that against you. You're a decent fellow." Exagerration, but you get my drift.

The reactions I have received over the years are mind-boggling. It's like my forked tongue slithers out uncontrollably and licks the tips of their noses! "Yes, Martha, the man has devil's blood coarsing through his veins but at least he doesn't go around with a beanie on his head. And there have been no reports of children being found dead with their blood drained. Yes, they killed our Savior, but all of them aren't evil - are they?"

A Jew on a Presidential ticket? Gore is screwed, sad but true, IMO. He must be pissed that he was stuck with Lieberman.

I sure hope I'm underestimating the decency of the American people. Somebody please convince me I'm wrong.

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), August 07, 2000.

Bingo, although I am Irish with an early Roman Catholic upbringing, my oldest and dearest friend of over 50 years is Jewish. I spent a good deal of my younger days in a quasi Jewish atmosphere, lived for a spell in a predominately Jewish neighborhood in Detroit, and became some what immersed in the culture. Oh, I always heard the jokes but hey, us Micks got our fair share too:>). As Ive stated before, I would not want to see Al gore as our President under any circumstances. I think Senator Joe was selected in part FOR his ethnic background, not in spite of it. It seems only yesterday that there was no way that JFK, a Roman Catholic, would reach the White House.

BTW, I was at the Dodger game last night and afterwards we went downtown to get some vittles. Im here to tell you that TPTB are ready for trouble this week. Should be a good show.

-- Ra (tion@l.1), August 07, 2000.

Thanks for the bit of background, R1. I admit my pessimism reagrding humanity in general comes shining through in the above post. How else can I formulate a solid opinion but through analyzing my own life experiences? Those life experiences were routinely negative. As the the cliche goes...didn't kill me, made me stronger..and also cynical.

Best,

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), August 07, 2000.

I don't think the problem with Liberman is so much that he's Jewish, but that he's an orthodox Jew. My Democratic Jewish neighbors are wincing at the news.

An orthodox of any faith is scary.

-- (don't@know.what.to.think.of.this.ticket), August 07, 2000.

If I don't vote for algor does that make me an antisemite?

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), August 07, 2000.

No, Lars. This does not make you one. It does reveal your staunch anti-semitism, however. PC social mores dictate Gore/Lieberman win unanimously.

Kidding, my friend. Trying to find some balance here. Struggle continues.

Pining Away in Virginia,

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), August 07, 2000.

Bingo:

The choice for Gore's vice-president hasn't changed any minds in THIS house.......YET. I have yet to research this Lieberman, but I find it hard to believe he can be worse than the other party candidates. If he has any charisma, he won't be playing in the background. It seems I now have homework.

-- Anita (Anita_S3@hotmail.com), August 07, 2000.

As rumors of a Lieberman pick swirled during the past few months, the senator kept the vow of silence he pledged to Gore, a friend he has called the "most responsible vice president in our history." Not since John F. Kennedy was elected as the nation's first Catholic president has religion been much of an issue in a White House race. The sources close to Gore noted that Kennedy was nominated 40 years ago in Los Angeles. Lieberman may have galvanized his role as the conscience of Congress two years ago when he was one of the first senators to criticize Clinton for his tryst with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

NOW LETS SEE. This great choice for a NEW VP calls the old one "the most responsible ....in our history?"

SO. By the New VP own's words we should ask WHAT was algore RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WHEN? WHAT CAN ***ANYONE*** name that algore did? The spinners in the WH tried to claim in 1999 that "behind the scenes agore was deeply involved in FIXING Y2k" BUT with 700 megs of data I CAN"T FIND ONE SCRAP OF EVIDENCE much less "proof" that algore did a damn thing about Y2k ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, either in awareness or remediation. MAYBE he was responsible for see that John Koskinen's COFFEE WAS WARMED but that is *conjecture* on my part about "the Most Responsible VP in US HISTORY".

The Internet? Did he or did he not create it?

The MonicaGate? What was this "responsible VP's" position? Was it "just politics"??

The Arkansas Bar's decision to DISBAR A SITTING PRESIDENT !!! Not a word from "the most responsible VP in history" about THAT!!!

Rack off the usual rest.

Did algore give us the current economy?

Clintstone is taking credit for all the economic prosperity etc (thought the growth of High Tech and the Net created most if not all of the jobs lost to the downsizing).

How about WhiteWaterGate?

-- cpr (buytexas@swbell.net), August 07, 2000.

Bingo1: "Someone convince me I'm wrong." Ahh if only it were that easy. Some people just plain bite. ;-) In my very own house my foster father use to call me "guinea" (sp?) something to do with being Italian, constantly. So I would never tell anyone I was Italian because I thought it really was a bad thing to be. I suppose no matter what you are, there's always someone waiting to hate you for it. Now I could care less, they can all "bite me." ;-)

M

-- Not now, not like this (AgentSmith0110@aol.com), August 07, 2000.

More on Lieberman

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/veepstakes000807.htm l

-- (in@the.news), August 07, 2000.

"The spinners in the WH tried to claim in 1999 that "behind the scenes agore was deeply involved in FIXING Y2k" BUT with 700 megs of data I CAN"T FIND ONE SCRAP OF EVIDENCE much less "proof" that algore did a damn thing about Y2k ONE WAY OR THE OTHER,"

Well now, get a grip on yourself CPR. Since y2k was mostly FUD, at least on the internet, wouldn't you think that trying to appease the masses by saying that he "was on top of it" was the sensible thing to do? Why should he have done anything about Y2K one way or another, when countries like Italy who didn't do a damn thing got the same results we got here in the states?

Is thinking rationaly only appropriate when it serves your purpose, CPR?

-- (results@speak.for.themselves.no?), August 07, 2000.

Some people just plain bite

Yes they do, Mar. And what's worse, they reproduce and teach their offspring to "just plain bite."

-- Bingo1 (howe9@shentel.net), August 07, 2000.

Lest we forget, here is another one of Al Gore's bullshit fabrications:

'Al misled us on Love Story connection'

Vice President Al Gore acknowledged Sunday a "miscommunication" on his part in leading reporters to believe he and his wife were the model for the 1970s hot romance novel "Love Story." The author, Erich Segal, told The New York Times he was "befuddled" by the comments in the first place. He said he called Gore, and the vice president said it was a misunderstanding.

On Sunday, Gore spokeswoman Ginny Terzano borrowed a line from the book in offering Gore's apology. "If love means never having to say you're sorry, then politics means you have to say it all the time," Terzano said. "We apologize if there was a miscommunication with reporters in an off-the-record conversation where they did not take notes."

Segal told the Times he got to know both Gore and his roommate -- actor Tommy Lee Jones -- during his 1968 sabbatical at Harvard. Jones got his acting break with a small part in the film version of Segal's book.

When creating Oliver Barrett 4th, the book's romantic hero, Segal said, Jones inspired the side that was "the tough, macho guy who's a poet at heart." Gore was the basis for the side that had a controlling father and was pressured to follow in that father's footsteps, he said.

"That was the conflict, to keep up the family tradition. Albert Gore Sr., Albert Gore Jr., Oliver Barrett 3rd, Oliver Barrett 4th -- you have to change some things," Segal said.

Segal said he knew Mrs. Gore, then a Boston University student, but she wasn't the basis for his female love interest, the hip, flip Jenny Cavilleri. Segal has previously said she was inspired by a woman he dated at Harvard.

Terzano said the Love Story character "is an endearing footnote" in Gore's life. "Love Story buffs should not blow it out of proportion, nor attempt to write a new sequel to this American classic," she said. The controversy grew from a Time magazine report about Gore's musings aboard Air Force Two following a three-city tour of Texas last month. Gore spoke of an old Tennessee newspaper account that said he and his wife, Tipper, were the models for Oliver and Jenny.

Segal said Gore told him he only told the reporters the article made an erroneous connection.

-- Ra (tion@l.1), August 07, 2000.

I should mention that this story came out some time back and is not new news.

-- Ra (tion@l.1), August 07, 2000.

I think this is a good choice. Lieberman might give Gore a shot at the NY vote which he badly needs. Very few people will vote against him merely because he is Jewish.

Lieberman is NOT the 1st Jewish candidate for a national office. Barry Goldwater (1964 Republican Pesidential nominee) was part ethnic Jew, although not a religious Jew. (Bingo, sometime I'd like to hear you weigh in on the old issue of whether Jeaishness is a religion or an ethnicity or both?). Was Sammy Davis a Jew?

Paricia, apparently Lieberman is a fundie. I didn't know that. SHOULD not a fundie Democrat be an oxymoron?

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), August 07, 2000.

Bingo1: "Yes they do, Mar. And what's worse, they reproduce and teach their offspring to "just plain bite." "

Only sometimes. I grew up in that hell hole for 13 years and never do I hate/dislike anyone for what they look like or who they worship... hell, there are plenty of reasons to not like some *jerk* without having to resort to those measures... ;-)

Am I right? I think I am.

M. ;-)

-- Not now, not like this (AgentSmith0110@aol.com), August 07, 2000.

Bingo,

I may be forced to eat my words a few months from now, but my sense is that the masses care more about economy and will vote for the algore unit in hopes that things will continue as they are. I don't foresee religion becoming an issue anymore than Chaney's gay daughter -- media sideshows, certainly -- but not enough to turn voters away.

Bingo, I have Jewish relatives (by marriage). People don't seem to have a problem with their religion in this part of the Midwest. I guess people are used to Amish and Mennonites.

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), August 07, 2000.

Lars, ("Paricia, apparently Lieberman is a fundie. I didn't know that. SHOULD not a fundie Democrat be an oxymoron?"), you are just never going to let me live that one down are you?!?! [G]

Yes, in fact, it SHOULD be an oxymoron :-)

Like Anita, I have homework to do.

(P.S. Doesn't matter how old you are, you ARE a curmudgeon ;-) Not that that's a bad thing, you understand.)

Mar, shouldn't that be "byte me"? And re your last statement, yes, you are right.

Did anyone else catch this little tidbit at the end of the original post: "...he shares Gore's commitment to fight for American families...". Um, don't the Republicans have the same "rallying cry"? So, what's the difference between the two parties again? (Wrong thread; I know.)

(Come to think of it, is there a candidate out there who's fighting AGAINST "American families"?)

-- Patricia (PatriciaS@lasvegas.com), August 07, 2000.

Thanks Patricia, I knew I could count on you!

And yes, I'd like to meet a candidate who is ANTI family and FOR crime...

come on...

;-)

M

-- Not now, not like this (AgentSmith0110@aol.com), August 07, 2000.

Bingo,

FWIW I'd much rather vote for Lieberman if *Gore* wasn't on the ticket, not the other way around. At least if Mr. Lieberman is religiously observant you have *some* idea of what he considers important.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), August 07, 2000.

FWIW I'd much rather vote for Lieberman if *Gore* wasn't on the ticket, not the other way around.

Well, if you vote for Gore now and he wins, and then you vote for him again in 2004 and he wins again, then you'll be able to vote for Lieberman in 2008.

There ya go.

-- (hmm@hmm.hmm), August 07, 2000.

Well, I'm sure this will be the most unpopular opinion of all, but when have I let that worry me. Frankly, I preferred Ralph Nader, but was going to vote for Gore rather than just lose my vote. But this changes things, and I am not anti-Semitic. In fact, I admire the Jewish people much more than most people do. I had a Jewish Rabbi for my Old Testament class in college and I thought the world of him, as did all his students. He was raised Orthodox, rejected it, and became a reformed Jew or something to that effect. A very tolerant fellow. After what they've been through, how can you help but admire them.

Now having issued my disclaimer, here's why I don't like Lieberman, and I wouldn't care if he were an atheist or Baptist, etc., I disliked his holier-than-thou stance concerning Clinton. I am so sick of hearing the words "family values," I could puke. It's a mantra that should be called what it is, "pandering." Children look to their families for values, not politicians.

Al Gore has done this to distance himself from Clinton so he can appear more pure than pure. Bull Shit. He and Lieberman are not the moral judges on this earth. Clinton was a stupid fool for falling for the old honey-trap bait, which has undone plenty of worthy men, but he was not a criminal.

Lieberman didn't like his actions, fine. He didn't have to run him down. These moral Orthodox types always want to inflict their moral values on everyone else, just like the religious right. I'd rather have a horn-dog president any day, that gets things done, than some rigidly moralistic, by-the-book type that just holds the office and blathers about family values. Gore's beginning to sound like that idiot Bauer.

-- gilda (jess@listbot.com), August 07, 2000.

Lieberman was Clinton's big buddy--right? With a friend like that you don't need any enemies. Lieberman and Linda Tripp would no doubt get along fine, considering their lofty moral perches. Maybe Gore should recruit her too.

I also haven't forgotten his teary-eyed speech about his sister dying from lung cancer from those awful cigarettes. Guess the Gore's growing tobacco didn't count.

-- gilda (jess@listbot.com), August 07, 2000.

It gets worse. Now on TV we get the tale of the telephone.

It seems that during the call between algore and the Senator, they "prayed". Now, I have no doubt that the Senator is for real but it should be clear from this that algore is now on "algore, version 8.5.25 rev. 08/07/2000". I can see it now, when algore is with the Clintstone they will smoke cigars and when he is with The Senator they will pray. HINT: so should we all.

-- cpr (buytexas@swbell.net), August 07, 2000.

I'm wondering how the Middle East would react with an Orthodox Jewish person as VPOTUS. My guess is that it would thrown U.S.-Middle Eastern relations in a tizzy & perhaps more suicide bombers/hijackings against U.S. citizens...

Sen. Lieberman may be the best person for the position, and an outstanding person, but IMO, he could be disasterous for U.S. Foreign Policy, if elected, just because of the turmoil in the Middle East.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), August 07, 2000.

Deb, I had equal concerns when Madeline Albright became S of S, considering she would have the direct interface with the Middle East leaders. Given their attitude towards women in general, I felt that she would be an affront to them. My fears were unfounded. However, she did turn out to be an affront to Americans who deserve better representation IMHO. Im not one bit concerned about Joe Lieberman because Al Gore will never sit as President of the United States.

-- Ra (tion@l.1), August 07, 2000.

Ra,

"...Al Gore will never sit as President of the United States."

Agreed! This is just one more nail in the coffin, so to speak.

A few nitpicky :-) points though:

I understand about Middle Eastern treatment of women, however the difference between treatment of women vs. Orthodox Jews, is very much different - say exponentially more violent and disrespectful. Non- Jewish women are thought of as children or as a commodity to be used, Jewish persons are usually thought of as mortal enemies, "minions of evil". A big difference in treatment.

Madeline Albright, as I understand, had Jewish lineage, but actually is a practicing Christian, not an Orthodox Jewish person. A small difference, but perhaps explaining why Muslim countries "tolerated" her. I don't think that that same hospitality would be extended to Sen. Lieberman, if he were elected.

Anyway, like you said, Al Gore won't be elected, which is probably the best thing to happen to us right now.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), August 07, 2000.

Just saw a C-SPAN show from Feb. Lieberman speaking to a very small crowd..I admit I only watched for a few minutes but his speaking style was not very interesting..I could care less if he's Jewish or not but he may be even duller than Al which is very hard to imagine...

-- george (jones@choices.com), August 08, 2000.

I like lieberman I don,t like Al Gore!That is the way I vote!

-- ET (bneville@zebra.net), August 09, 2000.