The next is excerpted from former Sen. Joe Lieberman’s “The Centrist Answer” How We Made Authorities Work and Can Make It Work Once more,” new from Diversion Books.
In June, with the nomination clinched, John requested me to accompany him on a visit to Mexico and Colombia to focus on his overseas coverage expertise and his assist of commerce and immigration reform. We met the presidents of each nations, and visited some particular native websites together with the Basilica of Our Woman of Guadalupe in Mexico Metropolis, the place we had been hosted by a charismatic priest. At one level, the priest spoke with nice ardour and religion concerning the Virgin Mary. John will need to have fearful I used to be feeling uncomfortable, as a result of he interrupted the priest and mentioned, “Monsignor, I don’t know whether or not you understand, however Senator Lieberman is Jewish.”
“That’s great,” the priest responded. “So was the Virgin Mary.”
If we weren’t in Mexico, I’d have mentioned, “Solely in America”— however wherever, it was a memorable interfaith second.
At some point throughout the spring that 12 months, Rick Davis, who was John’s presidential marketing campaign chairman and longtime political confidant, known as me:
“Senator, I’ve an fascinating query for you. John needs to vet you for vice chairman. Are you okay with that?”
“Are you kidding, Rick?” I replied.
“No, I’m not kidding,” Davis chuckled. “John is critical about contemplating you as his operating mate.”
I knew that presidential candidates generally vet somebody for vice chairman as a thanks to that particular person to provide her or him some favorable publicity, so my subsequent response was, “John doesn’t have to do that to thank me for supporting him. We’re too shut for him to have to try this.”
“That’s not why he needs to vet you.”
“However,” I continued in disbelief, “I don’t understand how he can do that. I received re-elected as an impartial, however I’m nonetheless a registered Democrat.”
“He is aware of all that however I can guarantee you he’s critical about contemplating you and he has his causes. So, is it okay if we put you on the quick record to be vetted?”
I used to be nonetheless in a state of disbelief, however I mentioned, “I can’t see how John can select me, but when he needs to have me vetted, I’ll consent. It’s okay.”
“Nice,” Rick mentioned. “You’ll be listening to from A.B. Culvahouse who’s chairing the VP vetting for us.”
A couple of days later, I joined John on his marketing campaign bus and earlier than anyone else received on, I instructed him:
“Rick known as me and instructed me you needed to vet me for vice chairman.” I used to be completely stunned, and honored, “However, Johnny, I don’t see how you may ever select me.”
“Why not?” he shot again.
“As a result of I’m a Democrat and also you’re a Republican.”
“That’s the purpose, Joey. Persons are fed up with all of the partisanship in our authorities. Possibly a bipartisan nationwide ticket is strictly what the individuals need and want.”
I mentioned, I get it, I get it. And I love you for desirous about the concept. It proves what a loopy maverick you actually are. However please perceive I don’t count on this to occur so, as you mentioned to me once you requested me to endorse you within the New Hampshire major, no matter you do may have no impact on our friendship.