The former right-hand man of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale, died at his home in Minneapolis at the age of 93, a spokeswoman for his family told several American media on Monday, April 19, without specifying the cause of his death.
Vice-president from 1977 to 1981, Walter Mondale defended progressive ideas, notably in favor of the civil rights movement. An unsuccessful candidate in the 1984 presidential election against Ronald Reagan, who largely defeats him at the polls, he was the first representative of a major party in the race for the White House to name a woman, Geraldine Ferraro, as running mate.
“I am devastated by the death of my dear friend Walter Mondale, whom I consider to be the best vice-president in the history of our country”, reacted former President Jimmy Carter in a statement. Mr. Mondale has “Used his political skills and integrity to transform the vice-presidency into a vibrant force and a public policy engine that had never existed before and that remains today”, he continued.
He “changed the role of the vice-president”
For a long time, the vice-president was physically removed from the executive power: his office was in the Senate. The turning point, in both substance and form, took place with the presidency of Jimmy Carter, who will make a real permanent place in the prestigious West Wing for Walter Mondale. He “Defended progressive causes and changed the role of vice president”, echoed ex-President Barack Obama.
Son of a Methodist pastor and a music teacher, Walter Mondale represented the State of Minnesota, in the northern United States, in the Senate for twelve years from 1964 to 1976. He was “Truly devoted to public service”, commented current Democratic Senator from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar.
