© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Former Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman On Trump's Short List For FBI Director

Roanoke College
Former Senator Joe Lieberman speaking at Roanoke College in 2013.

President Donald Trump said former Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman is among the top contenders to lead the FBI after the firing of James Comey last week.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, told reporters on Thursday that he would support the pick.

“I think Joe Lieberman is a pillar of credibility,” Graham said. “I think he’d be a good choice. But now that you have a special counsel, the new FBI director doesn’t have to worry about riding herd over an investigation of the man who appointed him.”

But Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat from Missouri, rejected the idea of any politician leading the department, which requires Senate confirmation.

“This is a moment where we need a law enforcement professional that’s never campaigned for a presidential candidate, never campaigned for office, never worn a party label to head the FBI,” McCaskill said.

Lieberman represented Connecticut in the Senate from 1989 to 2013, initially as a Democrat. He was elected to his final term as an independent after losing his party’s nomination in 2006.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, who succeeded Lieberman to his Connecticut seat, didn’t specifically comment on his predecessor, but generally agreed with McCaskill.

“The nominee for FBI director ought to be someone with a background, expertise, and experience in criminal justice -- preferably a prosecutor -- and ought to have no political connections or ties,” Blumenthal said.

Lieberman currently works at New York law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres, which has represented Trump.

Prior to his time in Washington, Lieberman served as Attorney General for Connecticut. He was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2000, but split with his party when he supported Republican John McCain in his presidential bid in 2008.

Tucker Ives is WNPR's morning news producer.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content