Former US Vice President Walter Mondale, a liberal icon who famously told voters to expect a tax increase should he win the presidency, died Monday, US media reported. He was 93 years old.
No cause was given for Mondale’s death, according to reports citing a statement from his family.
Mondale served as vice president under President Jimmy Carter, from 1977-1981.
“Today I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country’s history,” Carter said in a statement, extending his condolences to his former number two’s family.
“He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world.”
Prior to his stint at the White House, Mondale had served as attorney general to his home state of Minnesota from 1960-1964, and then as US senator from that state from 1964-1976.
After Carter left office, Mondale went on to serve as ambassador to Japan between 1993 and 1996.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a fellow Minnesotan, mourned Mondale’s passing, calling him “kind and dignified to the end.”
“Walter Mondale was a true public servant and my friend and mentor,” she said on Twitter.
“He set a high bar for himself and kept passing it and raising it.”
Former President Barack Obama said Mondale “championed progressive causes and changed the role of VP.”
