Ridgefield News
August 9, 2000

Gore-Lieberman Rally

Veep Candidate Comes Home To Stamford - With Al Gore!

Joe Lieberman addressed a home town crowd that was clearly thrilled with his selection as Vice Presidential candidate. A proud Al Gore is flanked by his wife Tipper (left) and Lieberman's wife Hadassah (right). Exclusive photo by Dave Nichols

Stamford, Ct., Aug. 9 -- A jubilant Joe Lieberman returned to his home town tonight in his first Connecticut appearance as the Democratic nominee for Vice President. Sen. Lieberman, who has spent the last two days with Presidential candidate Al Gore, delighted the overflow crowd at the Stamford Italian-American Center with his thanks to his family, the local community, and the public school teachers who taught him in his formative years. Vice President Al Gore, who has kicked his campaign into overdrive by picking Lieberman as his running mate, added a bit of local flavor. Noting that Mark Twain had spent much of his life in Connecticut, Gore quoted America's favorite story-teller as saying: "Do the right thing. It will gratify your friends, and surprise everyone else." Gore added: "I think a lot of people here tonight are gratified with my decision on a running mate." Ridgefield was represented by DTC Chair Jim Diamond, who attended the rally with his wife, and webmaster Dave Nichols.

Hundreds of excited Democrats packed the Stamford Italian-American Center for tonight's rally

Ridgefield DTC Chair Jim Diamond and wife Irene at tonight's rally

Jim Diamond, Ridgefield DTC Chair, who attended tonight's rally, said, "Vice President Gore has shown remarkable courage and wisdom in selecting Ridgefield's friend and Senator, Joseph Lieberman. I am honored and proud to have represented Ridgefield at the "Welcome Home" rally for Senator Lieberman and his wife, Hadassah." Diamond and his wife, Irene, attended tonight's rally along with other Democratic leaders from across Connecticut. Diamond added, "To say that the crowd of Connecticut Democrats were energized at this rally is an understatement. They were thrilled to show Joe Lieberman how proud they were of him and how willing they are to share him with the rest of the country."

Famed commentator William F. Buckley chats with State Central Commiteewoman Martha Aasen of Westport

Al Gore plunges into the crowd of Democrats to thank them for coming out tonight.

It was not only Democrats who turned out for tonight's historic event. Noted commentator William F. Buckley attended, explaining that he is a long-time friend of Joe Lieberman. Buckley, who normally supports Republicans, admitted somewhat reluctantly that the Gore ticket's chances were significantly improved with Joe Lieberman on the ticket. Ridgefield's Jim Diamond, who visited briefly with Al Gore after the speechmaking, said, "When I shook hands with Vice President Gore, I felt part of history in the making and was proud to share that historical moment with the man who will be the next president of the United States."

Rep. Jim Maloney waits to make his welcoming speech for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. 4th Congressional District Challenger Stephanie Sanchez (red suit,right) reviews her notes.

Ridgefield DTC Jim Diamond visits with Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz before the rally.

Connecticut Democrats schmoozed at tonight's history-making event. Virtually every major Democratic figure from the state, and many from neighboring states, were present tonight. Ridgefield's Jim Diamond, who visited with Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, Rep. Jim Maloney and other key Democratic officials, noted, "One interesting observation I made at the rally was the awe and excitement that you could see on the faces of our Congressional delegation and statewide officials. Attorney General Blumenthal and Congressman Maloney, for example, looked like they knew they were witnessing history being made." Diamond noted that interest in this Fall's upcoming campaign has increased significantly since Lieberman's slection, noting, "We have received many calls and walk-ins looking to work on this campaign since this remarkable development occurred. This will, no doubt help us reelect Jim Maloney to Congress."

Vice President Al Gore addresses the rally.

Reflecting on his association with Joe Lieberman, Ridgefield DTC Chairman Jim Diamond said, "I have spoken with Senator Lieberman in private settings at my synagogue in Stamford, which is the synagogue he grew up in, and where his mother is still active. He is an extraordinary man and a rare public official. When you speak with him you know that he is listening to you and that he cares what you have to say." The Ridgefield Democrat added, "Joe Lieberman will be a forceful advocate and campaigner for this ticket."

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