ST. PAUL, Minn. — Joe Lieberman broke all the rules this year when he agreed to endorse Republican John McCain and campaign alongside him.
On Tuesday, the Connecticut senator made history as the first former Democratic vice presidential nominee to speak at a Republican convention.
Lieberman, who became an independent in 2006, urged the party to put partisanship aside, while praising McCain as a leader who can be counted on in a time of war. He credited McCain with supporting a troop surge that stabilized Iraq and allowed American forces to start returning home.
“I’m here to support John McCain because country matters more than party,” Lieberman told the crowd. “I’m here tonight because John McCain is the best choice to bring our country together and lead our country forward.
“I’m here because John McCain’s whole life testifies to a great truth: Being a Democrat or a Republican is important. But it is not more important than being an American.”
