In a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral of his former presidential running mate, Joe Lieberman, former Vice President Al Gore expressed concern over the rise of "artificial insanity" impacting democracy in the United States. The ceremony, held in Lieberman's hometown of Stamford, Connecticut, served as a platform for Gore to reflect on the divisive state of the nation and highlight Lieberman's approach to overcoming polarization.

Gore began by acknowledging the presence of rancor that is tearing the country apart, attributing it to the influence of online echo chambers. He coined the term "artificial insanity" to describe the effects of spending too much time in these echo chambers, which he connected to phenomena such as QAnon, election denial, climate denial, and even the resurgence of the Flat Earth Society. Despite the potential for division, Gore emphasized that the nation still possesses a sturdy foundation of common beliefs and values that can help bridge the gap.

Drawing inspiration from Lieberman's life, the former vice president pointed out the late senator's independent streak as a potential solution to bridging the existing polarization. He candidly shared their own experiences of deep divisions during their relationship, highlighting how Lieberman's willingness to repair their bond after their loss in the 2000 election demonstrated his commitment to reconciliation.

Gore urged the audience to learn from Lieberman's example, emphasizing the importance of friendship over anger and seeking reconciliation as an act of grace. He acknowledged the difficulties of politics and the pressures that come with it, but commended Lieberman for always prioritizing the true value of things. Gore praised Lieberman's readiness to reclaim friendships strained by disagreements and his willingness to stand by his principles, even in the face of partisan anger from both sides.

Addressing the current state of discourse in the nation, Gore expressed concern about the dwindling willingness to respectfully disagree and engage in constructive debates without seeking to destroy opponents. He highlighted the need for individuals to find common ground and embrace respectful dialogue.

Joe Lieberman, the first Jewish vice-presidential candidate of a major party, passed away in New York City on Wednesday due to complications from a fall. Gore reminisced about the deepening of their relationship during the 2000 campaign, which ended with a controversial Supreme Court decision that took over a month to reach.

The funeral served as a poignant reminder of the importance of bridging divisions and seeking reconciliation in a polarized society. Gore's tribute to his late running mate underscored the need to move beyond the artificial insanity of today's political landscape, forging a path towards unity and understanding.