Former US President Jimmy Carter issued a statement on Monday regarding the death of Walter Mondale, who served as vice president under Carter's administration, from 1977 to 1981.
Carter noted that he considers Mondale, often called "Fritz" by family and friends, as “the best vice president” in American history.
"Fritz use 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,” he noted.
Mondale died at the age of 93 in Minneapolis, according to a statement from his family, who did not reveal the cause of death.
Mondale was twice appointed Attorney General in his home state, Minnesota, in 1960 and 1964, and for many years served as US senator for the state. During his terms in the upper chamber (1964–1976), he supported a number of initiatives, including consumer protection, tax reform and measures to curb educational segregation and discrimination.
After his vice-presidency, Mondale was nominated as Democratic presidential candidate, but lost to Ronald Reagan, who won the election in a landslide.
A number of US politicians have also offered their condolences, including vice president Kamala Harris, former president Barak Obama, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren along with other lawmakers.
I loved Walter Mondale and I’m not the only one. Mondale was a giant not only because of the positions he held—Minnesota Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Vice President, Democratic Presidential candidate and Ambassador—but because of the work that he did.
— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 20, 2021