Satff Reporter: Former United States Vice President Walter Mondale, a liberal icon who famously told voters to expect a tax increase should he win the presidency, died on Monday, US media reported. He was 93 years old.
No cause was given for Mondale’s death, according to reports citing a statement from his family.
“Well my time has come. I am eager to rejoin Joan and Eleanor,” Mondale said in a statement to his staff and released to the public after his death, referring to his late wife Joan, who died in 2014, and daughter Eleanor, who died in 2011 at age 51. “Before I go I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me.”
Mondale served as vice president under Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. “Today I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country’s history,” Carter said in a statement, extending his condolences to his former number two’s family.
“He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States and the world.”
Mondale became a more engaged vice president than many who preceded him. He played a key role in buttressing the sometimes frayed relationship between Carter’s White House and the Democratic-controlled Congress.
Prior to his stint at the White House, Mondale had served as attorney general to his home state of Minnesota from 1960 to 1964 and then as US senator from that state from 1964 to 1976.
After Carter left office, Mondale went on to serve as ambassador to Japan between 1993 and 1996.
‘Kind and dignified to the end’
Senator Amy Klobuchar, also from Minnesota, mourned Mondale’s passing, calling him “kind and dignified to the end,” while former President Barack Obama said Mondale “championed progressive causes and changed the role of VP.”
Current Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement her predecessor “led an extraordinary life of service,” and called him “so generous with his wit and wisdom over the years.”
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