Sen. Joseph Lieberman today made his first stop in Chicago sincebeing named the Democratic vice presidential nominee, addressingreligious leaders in the morning and then speaking to a labor rallyin the afternoon.
Lieberman invoked the name of the Rev. Jesse Jackson during bothevents, including an interfaith gathering at the South Shore CulturalCenter. He said Jackson's words still resonated: "Whenever a barrieris broken, it opens the door of opportunity wider for everyone."
Several leaders at the interfaith gathering, including Rep. BobbyRush (D-Ill.), pointed out that African Americans and Jews weregathering in what was once a restricted country club. Religiousleaders also praised Lieberman and his running mate, Al Gore, forhaving the courage to place a Jewish man on the presidential ticket.
"This is the ticket we have to support because they're the onesthat are making the progress," said Bishop Arthur Brazier.
Jewish leaders also were ecstatic at their first opportunity tomeet with Lieberman, an observant Orthodox Jew, three weeks afterGore called him to become his running mate.
"He has brought an element of faith into the campaign, andAmericans have been looking for religious leaders to restore faith togovernment," said Rabbi Herman Schaalman.
Later, at a rally of more than 1,000 union members and supportersat Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington, Lieberman was warmly welcomedby the crowd, which shouted, "Go, Joe, go!"
Lieberman was able to get some politicking done, including a plugfor a proposal to spend $250 billion of America's tax surplus onrelief for prescription drugs for senior citizens.
Mark Guethle, a union painter from St. Charles, said, "He's a manon the move. He really sounded strong today."
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