Review: An easy read on Joe Lieberman

In this story: Ethical steadfastness Religious background RELATED STORIES, SITES

by Neil Rubin
Special to CNN.com

(CNN) -- Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman doesn't earn his living as a chronicler of either drama or historical research, neither one of which is in rich supply in his book, "In Praise of Public Life." But, though the book lacks heft, the read is smooth and worthwhile for the many Americans who suddenly want to know more about the Democratic vice presidential nominee, who has made history simply by being in the upcoming general election.

The story he tells in his narrative is a nice, easy read, as gentle as the surface blanket in which the national media has wrapped America's first Jewish candidate on a major party presidential ticket. The work, intended as a biographical essay on the merit of public service, offers much encouragement for potential future politicians and government workers. But it provides neither the euphoria a liberal policy-wonk can expect from a Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan work nor the "real story" aspect of Robert Reich's Washington memoirs.

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Sadly, there are few unknown revelations regarding the potentially remarkable episodes that Lieberman shares -- from being a freedom rider registering African-American voters in the South during the early 1960s, to his penetrating criticism of President Bill Clinton following the Commander in Chief's dismal attempt at a national apology over the Monica Lewinsky affair.

Ethical steadfastness

But none of this should shock, nor prevent one from thumbing through. Lieberman is known in Washington not for political exegesis, but for ethical steadfastness. In the nation's current political culture, that makes him a figure worthy of respect and, indeed, emulation.

He does present a relatively candid view, albeit brief, of political life's personal difficulties and rewards. There is mention of divorce from his first wife -- they grew apart, likely due to his professional life and increasing religious observance. And we hear of lesson's learned from first -- and to date, only -- electoral defeat, a 1980 race for the U.S. House of Representatives.

But mainly, he lays out the bipartisan and sensible tone that has brought him much praise -- even if now he is a very partisan warrior for his Democratic party, eagerly "clarifying" past views on affirmative action and limited private school vouchers.

Lieberman shot to national stature two summers ago. He took to the Senate floor to criticize his once close political ally, Clinton. He derided the president not just for abhorrent moral behavior, but -- and apparently much to the dismay of Clinton -- for setting such a poor example for children.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, argues for the value of public service in "In Praise of Public Life"

It was one of those breakthrough moments for a politician, as well as a provider of a national catharsis of sorts for Clinton backers who simply had no defense for such outrageous conduct.

Lieberman, as interested readers learned the next day, was an unusual combatant amidst Washington's partisan armies. This champion of the "New Democrats" had teamed with conservatives such as "my friend Bill Bennett" to improve the nation's cultural values. He also attacked Hollywood along the way, strange behavior for someone now ostensibly linked with an administration more popular there than gaudy premieres.

Religious background

The Clinton criticism made Lieberman a name; his selection as Al Gore's running mate has made him a genuine national figure. Now that he's in the spotlight, much is being made of Lieberman's life as an observant Jew -- a term he seems to prefer to that of "Orthodox." He openly shares how his religious background has shaped him in "In Praise of Public Life."

Early on, he writes of author Gail Sheehy preparing to speak at his Yale University 35th anniversary class by asking some former classmates how they relaxed.

"I observe the Sabbath," he told her.

He follows this statement in "In Praise of Public Life" with stories of his childhood. "I was raised in a religiously observant home, which gave me the clear answers of faith to life's most difficult questions," he writes. (Fans of Jewish humor will note that the book's introduction begins with an exchange between Lieberman and his mother. She often asks, he writes, "Sweetheart, do you really need this?")

But "In Praise of Public Life" being a book for all America, he continues by speaking of universal Jewish values. In closing, he paraphrases a sage of the Jewish Talmud, Rabbi Tarfon, without mentioning him by name. "The day is short, as that rabbi said so long ago, and there is much work to be done, tikkun olam, repairing our government and improving our beloved country and world. We are not required to complete the work ourselves, but, as good and grateful citizens, we cannot withdraw from it either," Lieberman writes.

Now Lieberman's work is to help Al Gore gain the nation's top spot. If the task is not completed, one hopes he will return to print with a more detailed analysis of the nation's woes, and the roles the average citizen can play in solving them. But for now, "In Praise of Public Life" sets a gentle tone for a man ironically no longer in a position to enforce such gentility.

Biography of Joseph Lieberman
August 7, 2000

Simon & Schuster
Office of Senator Joe Lieberman

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