Former Vice President Walter Mondale dead at the age of 93

Walter Mondale served as Minnesota attorney general from 1960 to 1964. He was a US senator from 1964 to 1976. Mondale most notably served as vice president to former President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 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. "During our administration, Fritz used 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 was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world. Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behavior. Rosalynn and I join all Americans in giving thanks for his exemplary life, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family," the statement added.

Walter Mondale earned the Democratic Party’s 1984 Presidential nomination and became the first presidential nominee to choose a woman as his running mate, Representative Geraldine Ferraro of New York. While running for President, Mondale was a strict advocate for raising taxes in order to reduce the federal budget deficit but lost to former President Reagan who won his reelection in a landslide, Fox News reported.

"I did my best," Mondale said the day after the election, and blamed no one but himself. "I think you know I’ve never really warmed up to television," he said. "In fairness to television, it never really warmed up to me.

Years later, Mondale said his campaign message had proven to be the right one. "History has vindicated me that we would have to raise taxes," he said. "It was very unpopular, but it was undeniably correct."

In 1976, Carter chose Mondale as his running mate. Mondale was the first Vice President to occupy an office in the White House, rather than in a building across the street where prior vice presidents worked. During his term as Vice President, Mondale advised Carter on domestic and foreign affairs while traveling on Carter’s behalf.

Former Vice President Mondale (D-MN) was remembered by Vice President Harris for his "extraordinary life of service." Kamala Harris credited him for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as well as hard fought fight for equal justice.She said he transformed the office of vice president into more of a joint effort with the president, creating a "true partnership."