The Milestone We Missed

A significant milestone of American political history passed this August with almost no acknowledgment. Twenty-five years ago, when Al Gore chose Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Orthodox Jew, as his running mate, it marked the first time in our nation’s history that a Jew had been nominated for the second-highest office in the land.

Beyond the elation of the American Jewish community, Lieberman’s selection in the 2000 election represented something deeper than political calculus. It was a declaration that faith and public service need not be at odds. Lieberman practiced his Judaism with humble conviction, demonstrating that one could bring the full integrity of faith into public life without imposing it on others. His refusal to campaign on the Sabbath, initially seen as a political liability, was a window into his character shaped by faith and principle.

At a time when the United States was experiencing declining public trust in government and widening partisan divides, Lieberman embodied a now-rare blend of conviction and civility. In Washington, where personal attacks were commonplace, he was known for friendship across the aisle. He prayed with colleagues of different faiths, sought common ground, and believed deeply in the moral potential of democracy.

Lieberman’s decency was matched by political courage. His willingness to challenge his own party on issues ranging from national security to political ethics earned him both criticism and admiration. Even his detractors regarded him as a leader who placed conscience above convenience.

In his final book, Faith’s Answers to America’s Political Crisis, Lieberman wrote: “I believe that unity still underlies America, but that it has been suppressed by all the divisive factors I have cited … partisanship, incivility, distrust, inability to debate, and unwillingness to compromise.”

That unity must be rebuilt for sake of the nation’s future, and civic education is one of the most promising productive paths forward. At Civic Spirit where I work, we take seriously Senator Lieberman’s call to restore trust, civility, and responsibility in public life. We believe that the habits of democracy are not inherited; they must be taught, practiced, and renewed in every generation.

The data reveal the great distance we have to go. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 22 percent of eighth graders scored at or above the “proficient” level in civics in 2022. The U.S. Chamber Foundation reports that more than 70 percent of American adults cannot name the three branches of government. And recently in Massachusetts, which has long been considered a national leader in education since the days of Horace Mann, the first-ever statewide civics exam under the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) found that only 39 percent of eighth graders met or exceeded expectations, with some districts scoring below 20 percent.

These results point to a widening civic knowledge and civic opportunity gap at the very moment when democracy demands informed, engaged citizens. If young people do not understand how our system works, or believe their voice matters, they cannot be expected to sustain our form of government. Equally important, news literacy will help students navigate conspiracy theories and misinformation that fuel antisemitism and all forms of hatred online and in the public square.

Civic Spirit and our partner organizations are working to close this civics gap. We train teachers to integrate civic learning into their classrooms in ways that foster knowledge, curiosity, and mutual respect. We provide students with opportunities to explore democratic ideas, practice dialogue across lines of difference, experience civic engagement as a shared endeavor, and collaborate with students with different backgrounds.

Twenty-five years later, we might pause to reflect on the milestone we just missed. Senator Lieberman’s nomination was not only a triumph for the Jewish community but also a reminder that character, faith, community, and a bipartisan spirit remain the building blocks of civic renewal. As America approaches its 250th anniversary this summer, Lieberman’s values and vision can still guide us toward a more perfect union.