Joseph Isadore Lieberman was a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as a United States Senator from Connecticut for over two decades (1989-2013). Initially a member of the Democratic Party, he became their vice presidential nominee in the 2000 U.S. presidential election. While maintaining an independent Democrat status in his last term, he continued to caucus with and lead committees for the Democrats. His career highlights his significant influence in American politics during this period.
1930: Connecticut Politics: 1930-1980
This period saw significant developments in Connecticut politics, which Joe Lieberman later documented in his book "The Legacy", published in 1981.
February 24, 1942: Birth of Joe Lieberman
Joe Lieberman was born on February 24, 1942.
1963: Joe Lieberman's Support for the Civil Rights Movement
In 1963, Joe Lieberman actively supported the civil rights movement.
1964: Joe Lieberman Graduates from Yale University
Joe Lieberman graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics in 1964.
1965: Marriage to Betty Haas
Lieberman married Betty Haas in 1965 while he was in law school.
1966: "The Power Broker" Published
Joe Lieberman published "The Power Broker", a biography of Democratic Party chairman John M. Bailey, in 1966.
1967: Renewed Religious Interest
In 1967, after the death of his grandmother, Joe Lieberman rediscovered his interest in religious observance.
1967: Joe Lieberman Graduates from Yale Law School
Joe Lieberman received his Bachelor of Laws degree from Yale Law School in 1967.
1970: "The Scorpion and the Tarantula" Published
Joe Lieberman published "The Scorpion and the Tarantula", a study of early efforts to control nuclear proliferation, in 1970.
1970: Joe Lieberman's Entry into Connecticut Politics
Joe Lieberman's political journey commenced in 1970 when he was elected to the Connecticut Senate as a Reform Democrat.
1980: Joe Lieberman's Unsuccessful Congressional Bid
Joe Lieberman's attempt to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives was unsuccessful in 1980.
1980: Connecticut Politics: 1930-1980
This period saw significant developments in Connecticut politics, which Joe Lieberman later documented in his book "The Legacy", published in 1981.
1981: Divorce from Betty Haas
Lieberman divorced Betty Haas in 1981.
1981: "The Legacy" Published
In 1981, Joe Lieberman published "The Legacy", a history of Connecticut politics from 1930 to 1980.
1981: Joe Lieberman Publishes Biography of John Moran Bailey
Joe Lieberman authored a biography of John Moran Bailey, a prominent Connecticut Democrat, in 1981.
1982: Meeting Hadassah Freilich Tucker
Lieberman met his second wife, Hadassah Freilich Tucker, in 1982 while he was running for Attorney General of Connecticut.
1983: Joe Lieberman Becomes Connecticut Attorney General
Joe Lieberman served as Connecticut Attorney General from 1983.
1986: "Child Support in America" Published
In 1986, Joe Lieberman published "Child Support in America: Practical Advice on Negotiating and Collecting a Fair Settlement", a guide to improving child support collection from delinquent fathers.
1986: Joe Lieberman's Electoral Success as Attorney General
Joe Lieberman's popularity as Connecticut Attorney General was evident in the 1986 general election, where he received more votes than any other Democrat on the statewide ticket.
1988: Lieberman's Upset Victory
In 1988, Joe Lieberman defeated Republican incumbent Lowell Weicker in a surprising victory. His religious observance, particularly his refusal to campaign on the Sabbath, played a role in the election.
1988: Joe Lieberman's Victory over Lowell Weicker
In 1988, Joe Lieberman defeated incumbent Lowell Weicker, securing his place in the U.S. Senate.
1989: Lieberman's Campaign Donations From Specific Industries
From 1989 onwards, Joe Lieberman received over $31.4 million in campaign contributions from various industries and sectors, with significant donations from the securities and investment, legal, real estate, and health professional industries.
1989: Joe Lieberman Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 1989, Joe Lieberman began his tenure as a United States Senator for Connecticut.
1991: Rebecca Lieberman Graduates Barnard
Joe Lieberman's daughter, Rebecca, graduated from Barnard College in 1991.
1994: Joe Lieberman's Re-election to the Senate
Joe Lieberman won re-election to the U.S. Senate in 1994.
1995: Legal Work for Donald Trump
Lieberman's law firm, Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, had done extensive legal work for Donald Trump since at least as long ago as 2001, including bankrupt casino restructuring and, during the 2016 campaign, threatening The New York Times over publication of a few 1995 Trump tax documents.
1995: Joe Lieberman Heads Democratic Leadership Council
Joe Lieberman's leadership role expanded when he chaired the Democratic Leadership Council from 1995 to 2001.
1995: Lieberman Co-Sponsors Amendment to Eliminate Filibuster
In 1995, Lieberman collaborated with Senator Tom Harkin to co-sponsor an amendment aimed at abolishing the filibuster. He argued that the filibuster damaged the credibility of the Senate and hindered progress.
1997: Rebecca Lieberman Graduates Law School & Ethan Tucker Graduates Harvard
In 1997, Joe Lieberman's daughter Rebecca graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and his stepson Ethan graduated from Harvard College.
1998: Joe Lieberman's Public Criticism of Bill Clinton
In 1998, Joe Lieberman took the notable step of publicly criticizing President Bill Clinton for his actions in the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
August 2000: Lieberman Selected as Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee
In August 2000, Joe Lieberman was chosen by Al Gore as the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States. This historic selection marked Lieberman as the first Jewish candidate on a major party ticket.
August 2000: Joe Lieberman Selected as Al Gore's Running Mate
Vice President Al Gore chose Joe Lieberman as his running mate for the 2000 presidential election in August 2000, making Lieberman the first Jewish candidate on a major U.S. party presidential ticket.
2000: "In Praise of Public Life" Published
Joe Lieberman published "In Praise of Public Life" in 2000.
2000: Joe Lieberman's Vice Presidential Nomination
Joe Lieberman was nominated as the Democratic Party's candidate for Vice President of the United States in 2000.
June 2001: Lieberman Becomes Chairman of Governmental Affairs Committee
In June 2001, when Democrats gained control of the Senate, Joe Lieberman became Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee, taking on oversight responsibilities for various government activities.
2001: Legal Work for Donald Trump
Lieberman's law firm, Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, had done extensive legal work for Donald Trump since at least as long ago as 2001, including bankrupt casino restructuring and, during the 2016 campaign, threatening The New York Times over publication of a few 1995 Trump tax documents.
2002: Lieberman's Role in the Creation of the Department of Homeland Security
In 2002, Joe Lieberman, as the chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, played a key role in advocating for and proposing the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. His proposal, which included organizing various agencies under the new department, was ultimately incorporated into the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
January 13, 2003: Lieberman Announces Presidential Candidacy
On January 13, 2003, Joe Lieberman announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in the 2004 election.
January 2003: Lieberman Returns to Ranking Minority Member Role
In January 2003, with Republicans regaining control of the Senate, Lieberman returned to the role of ranking minority member on the committees he had previously chaired.
December 2003: Gore Endorses Dean, Lieberman Continues Campaign
In December 2003, Al Gore, Lieberman's former running mate, chose to endorse Howard Dean's presidential candidacy instead of Lieberman's. Despite losing Gore's support, Lieberman persisted in his campaign but ultimately withdrew without securing any victories.
2003: "An Amazing Adventure" Published
In 2003, Joe Lieberman published "An Amazing Adventure: Joe and Hadassah's Personal Notes on the 2000 Campaign", reflecting on his vice presidential run.
February 3, 2004: Lieberman Withdraws from Presidential Race
On February 3, 2004, Joe Lieberman withdrew from the 2004 presidential election after failing to secure a win in any of the primary elections or caucuses. He acknowledged that his stance on the Iraq War was a significant factor in his loss of support from voters.
2004: Joe Lieberman's Unsuccessful Presidential Bid
Joe Lieberman made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2004.
2004: Lieberman's Presidential Campaign
Lieberman's 2004 presidential campaign highlighted his governmental experience and centrist and hawkish political stances, but he struggled to gain support from liberal Democrats, who held significant influence in the primaries.
March 2005: Hadassah Lieberman's Work at Hill & Knowlton
Starting in March 2005, Hadassah Lieberman worked for Hill & Knowlton, a lobbying firm based in New York City, as a senior counselor in its health and pharmaceuticals practice.
July 2006: Lieberman Expresses Support for a Democratic President
In July 2006, Joe Lieberman publicly stated his preference for Democrats to regain a majority in Washington and elect a Democratic president in the 2008 election.
August 8, 2006: Lieberman Concedes Democratic Primary, Announces Independent Candidacy
On August 8, 2006, Joe Lieberman conceded the Democratic primary election to Ned Lamont but declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the November election for his Senate seat.
August 9, 2006: Reactions to Lieberman's Independent Candidacy
On August 9, 2006, Hillary Clinton affirmed her support for the Democratic primary winner, Ned Lamont, while Howard Dean called for Lieberman to end his independent run. Lieberman criticized Lamont's position on Iraq, comparing it to George W. Bush's stance, leading to further political debate.
August 17, 2006: Conservative Support for Lieberman's Independent Run
On August 17, 2006, the National Republican Senatorial Committee signaled their preference for Lieberman over Democratic nominee Ned Lamont. Prominent conservatives, including Rudy Giuliani and Bob Kerrey, expressed their support for Lieberman.
September 2006: Lieberman and Collins Lead FEMA Reform Legislation
In September 2006, Senators Lieberman and Collins successfully drafted and passed legislation to restructure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This legislation aimed to enhance FEMA's effectiveness in disaster preparedness and response, granting it special status within the Department of Homeland Security.
2006: Lieberman's Victory Similar to Crowley's Potential Run
Crowley's potential run on the Working Families Party line, without support of a major party, would be similar to how Lieberman defeated Lamont in 2006.
2006: Joe Lieberman's Fourth Senate Term
Joe Lieberman was re-elected for a fourth term in the U.S. Senate in 2006.
May 22, 2007: Lieberman Oversees Implementation of FEMA Reforms
On May 22, 2007, as the 2007 hurricane season approached, Joe Lieberman held an oversight hearing to assess the progress of implementing the FEMA reforms he had spearheaded. He urged FEMA to expedite the implementation process, emphasizing the importance of timely action.
December 17, 2007: Lieberman Endorses McCain for President
On December 17, 2007, Lieberman endorsed Republican Senator John McCain for the 2008 presidential election, diverging from his Democratic party and contradicting his previous statement from July 2006, where he expressed his desire for a Democratic president in 2008. He cited his alignment with McCain's stance on the War on Terrorism as the main reason for his endorsement.
March 21, 2008: Lieberman Accompanies McCain on Diplomatic Visit
On March 21, 2008, Lieberman joined John McCain and Senator Lindsey Graham on a diplomatic visit to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
June 5, 2008: Lieberman Launches "Citizens for McCain"
On June 5, 2008, Lieberman initiated "Citizens for McCain", an initiative hosted on McCain's campaign website, to rally Democratic support for McCain's presidential bid. The group particularly focused on reaching out to Hillary Clinton supporters who were anticipated to be disappointed by her potential loss of the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama.
July 2008: Lieberman Addresses Christians United for Israel Conference
In July 2008, Lieberman delivered a speech at the annual conference of Christians United for Israel (CUFI).
2008: Joe Lieberman's Endorsement of John McCain
At the 2008 Republican National Convention, Joe Lieberman endorsed John McCain for president.
2008: Lieberman Seeks Re-election to the Senate
Following his vice presidential candidacy, Lieberman decided to run for re-election to the Senate in 2008, similar to Joe Biden and Paul Ryan who sought re-election to their respective positions.
2008: Lieberman's Support for McCain Impacts Approval Ratings
In 2008, Lieberman's endorsement of John McCain and his alignment with certain conservative policies significantly influenced his approval ratings. While he enjoyed strong support from Republicans and independents in Connecticut, his support among Democrats remained moderate.
2008: John Heinz Award
Joe Lieberman received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official in 2008.
2008: Support for Georgia
Joe Lieberman showed his support for Georgia following the 2008 war with Russia.
2008: McCain Explores Lieberman as Potential Running Mate
During the 2008 presidential election, John McCain considered Joe Lieberman as a potential vice presidential nominee. However, concerns about alienating the conservative base of the Republican Party led McCain to choose Sarah Palin instead.
July 2009: Lieberman Accepts CUFI's "Defender of Israel Award"
In July 2009, Lieberman received the "Defender of Israel Award" from John Hagee, the founder and leader of Christians United for Israel (CUFI).
2009: Lieberman Oversees Response to H1N1 Pandemic
During 2009, Joe Lieberman was actively involved in the congressional oversight of the response to the H1N1 influenza pandemic. He conducted four hearings on the subject, including one in Connecticut, where he pressed the United States Department of Health and Human Services to accelerate the distribution of vaccines and antiviral medications and to simplify the process.
2009: Lieberman Supports Filibuster for Healthcare Proposal
In 2009, despite his past opposition to the filibuster, Lieberman expressed support for using it to block a public health option within the proposed healthcare legislation.
April 2010: Lieberman Criticizes Obama's National Security Language
In April 2010, Lieberman publicly criticized President Obama for removing terms like "Islamic extremism" from a significant national security document. He characterized the move as dishonest, misguided, and disrespectful to the majority of Muslims who do not engage in terrorism.
June 19, 2010: Lieberman Introduces "Internet Kill Switch" Bill
On June 19, 2010, Lieberman, alongside Senators Susan Collins and Thomas Carper, introduced a bill known as the "Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010." This controversial bill, dubbed the "Internet kill switch" by the media, aimed to grant the President emergency powers over the internet. While the bill's authors claimed it would limit existing presidential authority over telecommunication networks, it drew criticism from experts like Bruce Schneier who argued it was based on flawed assumptions and posed a danger to American citizens.
October 2010: Low Approval Rating
In October 2010, Lieberman had an approval rating of 31%, and only 24% of Connecticut voters felt he deserved re-election.
2010: Lieberman Opposes Public Option, Supports Efforts Against WikiLeaks
In 2010, during the debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Lieberman opposed the inclusion of a public option. His opposition proved crucial in its removal from the final bill as he held the 60th vote needed to pass the legislation. Lieberman also played a significant role in attempting to prevent WikiLeaks from publishing further sensitive information, particularly in the wake of the 2010 leak of US diplomatic cables.
2010: Introduction of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act
In 2010, Joe Lieberman introduced the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, advocating for the repeal of the policy that banned openly gay and lesbian individuals from serving in the U.S. military.
January 19, 2011: Retirement Announcement
Lieberman announced on January 19, 2011, that he would retire from the Senate at the end of his fourth term.
2011: St. George Order of Victory
In 2011, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili awarded Joe Lieberman the St. George Order of Victory for his support of Georgia after the country's 2008 war with Russia.
2011: "The Gift of Rest" & "Ticking Time Bomb" Published
Joe Lieberman published two books in 2011: "The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath" with David Klinghoffer and "Ticking Time Bomb: Counter-Terrorism Lessons from the U.S. Government's Failure to Prevent the Fort Hood Attack".
2011: American Patriot Award
The National Defense University Foundation awarded Joe Lieberman and John McCain the American Patriot Award in 2011 for their lifelong dedication to public service.
April 2012: Lieberman Refrains from Endorsements in 2012 Election
In April 2012, Lieberman announced his decision to abstain from making public endorsements in the 2012 presidential election between President Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
December 12, 2012: Farewell Address
Lieberman gave his farewell address to the Senate on December 12, 2012.
2012: Lieberman Retires from the Senate
Joe Lieberman continued to serve in the Senate after his re-election until his retirement in 2012.
March 2013: Joining American Enterprise Institute
In March 2013, it was announced that Lieberman would be joining the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank as co-chairman of their American Internationalism Project.
2013: End of Joe Lieberman's Senate Term
Joe Lieberman's time as a U.S. Senator concluded in 2013.
February 2014: Counselor at National Bureau of Asian Research
In February 2014, Lieberman was named as Counselor at the National Bureau of Asian Research.
2014: Joe Lieberman Reflects on His Criticism of Bill Clinton
In 2014, Joe Lieberman offered his thoughts on his previous criticism of Bill Clinton.
June 2015: Bipartisan Letter on Iran Nuclear Deal
In June 2015, Lieberman was a signatory to a public letter written by a bipartisan group of 19 U.S. diplomats, experts, and others concerning the then-pending negotiations for an agreement between Iran and world powers over Iran's nuclear program.
July 2015: Influence on Iran Nuclear Deal
The final agreement, concluded in July 2015, between Iran and world powers over Iran's nuclear program, shows the influence of the letter Lieberman signed.
August 2015: Chairman of United Against Nuclear Iran
In August 2015, Lieberman became chairman of the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI).
2015: Co-chair of Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense
In 2015, Lieberman served as co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense, a commission that recommended changes to U.S. policy regarding biodefense.
March 2016: Assisting Schaghticoke Tribal Nation
In March 2016, Lieberman was hired by the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation to assist the group in challenging Connecticut laws giving exemptions to only the top two state gaming tribes to build casinos.
August 10, 2016: Lieberman Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
On August 10, 2016, Lieberman endorsed Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate, in the 2016 presidential election.
2016: Joe Lieberman's Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Joe Lieberman endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.
2016: Richard Sugarman Advises Bernie Sanders
Joe Lieberman's former Yale roommate, Richard Sugarman, served as an advisor to Bernie Sanders during his 2016 presidential campaign.
2016: Russian Interference in US Elections
Lieberman's interview for FBI Director took place against the background of the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate issues connected to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
2016: Legal Work for Donald Trump
Lieberman's law firm, Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, had done extensive legal work for Donald Trump since at least as long ago as 2001, including bankrupt casino restructuring and, during the 2016 campaign, threatening The New York Times over publication of a few 1995 Trump tax documents.
May 17, 2017: Interview for FBI Director
On May 17, 2017, Lieberman was interviewed by President Donald Trump for the position of FBI Director, to replace recently fired James Comey.
May 25, 2017: Withdrawal from FBI Director Consideration
On May 25, 2017, Lieberman officially withdrew his name from consideration for the position of FBI Director.
2017: Introducing Betsy DeVos to the Senate
In early 2017, Lieberman introduced President elect Donald Trump's nominee as Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee.
July 17, 2018: Support for Joe Crowley
On July 17, 2018, Lieberman published an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal imploring people to vote for Joe Crowley.
September 2018: Lieberman Delivers Eulogy at McCain's Funeral
In September 2018, Lieberman delivered a eulogy at John McCain's funeral, revealing that he had declined a request to be McCain's running mate in the 2008 presidential election.
2018: "With Liberty and Justice" Published
In 2018, Joe Lieberman published "With Liberty and Justice: The Fifty-Day Journey from Egypt to Sinai", about his trip with Rabbi Ari D. Kahn.
2018: Hana Lieberman's Aliyah
In 2018, Joe Lieberman's daughter Hana immigrated to Israel with her family.
January 2019: Lobbyist for ZTE
In January 2019 Lieberman officially registered as a lobbyist working for ZTE but stated that his work for the corporation will be limited to assess national security concerns and will not include actual lobbying.
September 13, 2020: Lieberman Endorses Joe Biden for President
On September 13, 2020, Lieberman endorsed Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate, in the 2020 presidential election.
2020: Matt Lieberman's Senate Run
In 2020, Joe Lieberman's son Matt ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia but was unsuccessful.
2020: Joe Lieberman's Endorsement of Joe Biden
Joe Lieberman endorsed Joe Biden for president in 2020.
May 2021: Support for Israel
In May 2021, Lieberman expressed support for Israel in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and praised "the quiet and effective diplomacy of President Biden".
2021: "The Centrist Solution" Published
Joe Lieberman published "The Centrist Solution: How We Made Government Work and Can Make It Work Again" in 2021.
July 2022: Founding Member of Group for US-China Relations
In July 2022, Lieberman became one of the founding members of a group of U.S. business and policy leaders which shares the goal of engaging constructively with China and improving U.S.-China relations.
2022: Report on Pandemic Prevention
In 2022, the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense, which Lieberman co-chaired, released a report recommending a $10 billion, 10-year program to prevent the next pandemic.
March 27, 2024: Death of Joe Lieberman
Joe Lieberman passed away on March 27, 2024.