Obama, Clinton reflect on Mondale’s legacy

Former Democratic presidents Obama and Clinton honored former Vice President Walter Mondale after his death on Monday.

Obama on Twitter shared that Mondale “championed progressive causes and changed the role of VP—so leaders like @JoeBiden could be the last ones in the room when decisions were made.”

He also lauded Mondale for choosing former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate in 1984 during his bid for the White House against former President Reagan. Ferraro was the first woman from a major party to be on a presidential ticket. 

“In selecting Geraldine Ferraro, he also paved the way for [Vice President Harris] to make history,” Obama tweeted.

Walter Mondale championed progressive causes and changed the role of VP—so leaders like @JoeBiden could be the last ones in the room when decisions were made. In selecting Geraldine Ferraro, he also paved the way for @VP to make history. Michelle and I send prayers to his family.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 19, 2021

Clinton on Monday shared that Mondale “believed in the power of government to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and proved it at every stage of his remarkable career.”

The former vice president served as ambassador to Japan under Clinton from 1993 to 1996.

Walter Mondale believed in the power of government to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and proved it at every stage of his remarkable career—with deep policy knowledge, a tireless work ethic, and uncommon decency. Hillary and I loved him and will miss him very much.

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 19, 2021

Mondale died of natural causes at the age of 93 in his Minnesota home. The longtime lawmaker was surrounded by his immediate family, Kathy Tunheim, a spokesperson for the family, confirmed to The Hill.

Prior to serving as vice president during former President Carter’s single term in the Oval Office, Mondale represented Minnesota in the Senate for 12 years.

Carter honored his former vice president on Monday, calling him “the best vice president in our country’s history.”

“During our administration, Fritz used his political skill and personal integrity to transform the vice presidency into a dynamic, policy-driving force that had never been seen before and still exists today,” Carter said in a Monday statement. “He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world.” 

Mondale is survived by two sons, Ted and William Mondale, in addition to a brother and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, and his daughter, Eleanor.