Lieberman looks back on his career

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Senator Joe Lieberman looks back on his remarkable career while paying Yale a visit, to talk to students about Israel.

"I look back with a profound sense of gratitude, I mean, that's my most dominant emotion now," Senator Lieberman said.

Senator Lieberman was first elected to public office back in 1970, and 42 years later, he's looking back on a remarkable career.

He served in the State Senate as Attorney General and as a United States Senator.

A democratic darling, Lieberman ran for Vice President in 2000 as Al Gore's running mate, the first Jewish candidate to ever run on a presidential ticket, but he lost the party's love after backing the war in Iraq. In 2006, he lost the democratic primary to Ned Lamont, but went on to win the race as an Independent.

With just months to go before retiring from Congress, he visited his old alma mater in New Haven to address an intimate group of students. Lieberman graduated from Yale and Yale Law School.

It's clear he enjoys discussing the issues of the day, but he says, it's nice to not be running for a change.

"I'm so enjoying not being involved in a political campaign this year. I've decided to stay out of the campaigns," Lieberman said.

Lieberman is declining to endorse either President Obama or Governor Romney and says, he won't endorse either candidate running for his Senate seat either.

"I know both Linda McMahon and Chris Murphy. I respect them both. I thought one of the reasons I shouldn't endorse is I want to be able to see whoever wins on a seamless transition," Lieberman said.

But he does have advice for them, he says, do what is right.

Lieberman said, "Don't feel compelled, whichever one of you wins, by your political party or some interest group, to do something they want you to do that you don't think is right."

Secondly, he says, reach across the aisle because partisan divide is destroying Congress and the country. It's something Lieberman succeeded at, notably, with the environment, the defense industry, saving the sub base, and human rights. He led the charge to repeal don't ask, don't tell in 2010 and leaves with a long list of accomplishments.

"I'm a very fortunate person to have had the chance I've had to serve this state and country that I love," Lieberman said.