Bob Graham, the former governor of Florida and U.S. Senator, has passed away at the age of 87. He notably chaired the Intelligence Committee in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks and was known for his opposition to the Iraq invasion.
Bob Graham’s passing was announced by his family on Tuesday in a statement shared on X by his daughter, Gwen Graham.
The Florida Democratic Party released a statement reflecting on Graham’s legacy:
“It’s difficult to encapsulate the immense impact Bob Graham had on the state of Florida. A towering figure in Florida politics, Bob established a benchmark for all future elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. His life was a testament to service, touching the lives of countless individuals with an unwavering commitment to principles and a compass that always pointed towards what was right. Our thoughts are with Adele, Gwen, and the entire Graham family as they navigate this loss and celebrate Bob’s extraordinary life.
“Bob Graham’s influence is ingrained in the fabric of every Florida Democrat. As we honor his memory, let us all aspire to love and serve Florida as he did — with boundless enthusiasm and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.”
Graham, who served three terms in the Senate, made an unsuccessful attempt to secure the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, highlighting his opposition to the Iraq invasion.
However, his campaign was postponed due to heart surgery in January 2003. Despite his efforts, he failed to gain significant support from voters and withdrew from the race in October of that year. He chose not to seek re-election in 2004, and Republican Mel Martinez took his place.
Known for his eccentricities, Graham popularized the political tactic of “workdays,” during which he would spend a day performing various jobs, ranging from horse stall mucking to shadowing FBI agents. He meticulously documented his activities in diaries, detailing his interactions, meals, television preferences, and even his golf scores.
During his brief presidential bid, Graham kept his notebooks closed to the media.
Graham was an early critic of the Iraq war, arguing that it diverted attention from the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. He also faulted President George W. Bush for lacking a comprehensive plan for post-war Iraq following the ousting of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Citing Bush’s alleged exaggeration of the threat posed by Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, Graham contended that the manipulation of intelligence was a more serious issue than the sexual misconduct allegations that led to President Clinton’s impeachment in the late 1990s.
Graham’s brief presidential bid was spurred by his declaration in 2003 that the quagmire in Iraq was a distraction solely created by the Bush administration. Despite being a wealthy Harvard-educated attorney, Graham was perceived differently by Florida voters, who recognized him as a skilled politician.
His dedication to improving Florida and the lives of its families earned him a lasting legacy. Senator Rick Scott paid tribute to Graham, emphasizing his impact beyond titles. Graham’s political journey began in 1966 with his election to the Florida House of Representatives, followed by a state Senate victory in 1970 and two terms as governor in 1978 and 1982.
He then embarked on a successful tenure in the U.S. Senate, starting in 1986 by defeating incumbent Republican Paula Hawkins. Throughout his five-decade career, Graham maintained widespread popularity among Florida voters, securing re-election in 1992 and 1998 with overwhelming support across the state
Even while in Washington, Graham remained attentive to affairs in his home state and the leadership in Tallahassee.
When Governor Jeb Bush and the Republican-dominated Legislature dissolved the Board of Regents in 2001, Graham perceived it as an attempt to politicize the state university system. In response, he spearheaded a successful petition campaign the following year for a state constitutional amendment that established the Board of Governors to assume the regents’ responsibilities.
Daniel Robert Graham was born on November 9, 1936, in Coral Gables, where his father, Ernest “Cap” Graham, had relocated from South Dakota and established a sizable dairy enterprise. During his teenage years, Bob worked on the farm, engaging in tasks such as milking cows, building fences, and handling manure. One of his half-brothers, Phillip Graham, served as the publisher of The Washington Post and Newsweek until his tragic suicide in 1963, just a year after Bob Graham’s graduation from Harvard Law School.
In 1966, Graham won a seat in the Florida Legislature, where he dedicated much of his attention to matters concerning education and healthcare.
Although Graham faced initial challenges as Florida’s governor and earned the nickname “Gov. Jello” due to early indecisiveness, he dispelled this perception through his adept handling of various significant crises.
During his tenure as governor, Graham endorsed numerous death warrants, co-founded the Save the Manatee Club alongside entertainer Jimmy Buffett, and led initiatives to establish several environmental conservation programs. Notably, he championed a bond program aimed at acquiring beaches and barrier islands threatened by development and launched the Save Our Everglades initiative to safeguard the state’s water resources, wetlands, and endangered species.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio remarked, “Bob Graham was a dedicated public servant whose impact will endure. From his service in the state House to his tenure in the governor’s mansion and the U.S. Senate, Bob Graham consistently prioritized the needs of those he served. His legacy is profound, and our thoughts are with Adele, their children, and the entire Graham family.”
Graham also gained renown for his 408 “workdays,” during which he undertook various roles including housewife, boxing ring announcer, flight attendant, and arson investigator.
Reflecting on his experiences in 2004, Graham stated, “This has been a crucial aspect of my growth as a public servant, enabling me to understand the expectations, desires, and aspirations of the people of Florida at a deeply human level, and then translating that understanding into policies aimed at enhancing their lives.”
Following his departure from public office in 2005, Graham dedicated much of his time to the public policy center bearing his name at the University of Florida and advocated for increased civics education in the state’s public schools.
In June 2010, Graham was appointed as one of five members of an independent commission by President Barack Obama to investigate a significant BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which posed a threat to marine life and beaches across several southeastern Gulf states.
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