Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
On August 8, 2000, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that "Vice President Al Gore's selection of Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., as his running mate is winning praise from religious leaders pleased that someone Jewish is on the national ticket. 'I think it goes a long way toward reminding Americans that we are a diverse community,' said Rabbi Mark Shook of Congregation Temple Israel in Creve Coeur. 'It's a sign of how mature we're becoming as a democracy.' Rabbi Susan Talve with Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis said that what was important was Lieberman's views - not his religion. 'The issue is that he's a good man and reflects the very best of what Al Gore is trying to bring to the country,' she said. Talve added that she was 'happily surprised' that Gore saw Lieberman as 'worth taking a risk for. Because he is Jewish, it does make him maybe a risk,' she said, because some Americans may be unwilling to vote for a Jewish vice president.
"A spokeswoman for the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis hopes that's not the case. 'I'd like to think that we choose people because of who they are, and that their religion isn't important,' said executive director Barbara Russell."