Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida Bob Graham has passed away at the age of 87. He was known for his role as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee following the 2001 terrorist attacks and as an early critic of the Iraq war. Graham made an unsuccessful bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, emphasizing his opposition to the Iraq invasion, but was delayed by heart surgery and never gained enough voter support. He was a unique politician who kept meticulous diaries but refused to share their contents with the media during his presidential campaign.
Bob Graham was an early opponent of the Iraq war, criticizing President George W. Bush for exaggerating claims of Iraqi weapons of destruction and lack of an occupation plan after Saddam Hussein’s removal. He believed the war was a distraction from the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and launched a short-lived presidential bid due to his disapproval of the administration’s approach. Graham worked well with colleagues from both parties during his 18 years in Washington, particularly with Republican Senator Connie Mack from Florida.
Graham’s political career began in the Florida Legislature in 1966 before serving as governor and then winning three terms in the U.S. Senate. He remained popular with Florida voters, often winning re-election by wide margins. Even while in Washington, Graham remained connected to Florida and closely monitored leadership in Tallahassee. He successfully led a petition drive to create the Board of Governors after Gov. Jeb Bush eliminated the Board of Regents in 2001 in a move seen as politicizing the state university system.
Born in Coral Gables, Graham hailed from a family of dairy farmers and was known for his humble beginnings and hands-on approach to politics. He attended the University of Florida and focused on education and health care issues during his time in the state legislature. Despite an initial nickname of “Gov. Jello,” Graham overcame early indecisiveness and earned a reputation for his handling of crises and his commitment to environmental conservation. He founded the Save the Manatee Club and initiated the Save Our Everglades program to protect the state’s natural resources.
Bob Graham’s legacy extended beyond his political career, as he focused on public policy initiatives at the University of Florida after leaving office in 2005. He continued to advocate for increased civics education in schools and was selected to investigate the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico by President Barack Obama in 2010. Graham’s dedication to public service, environmental conservation, and political integrity left a lasting impact on Florida and the nation. His unique approach to politics, commitment to bipartisan collaboration, and unwavering advocacy for the people of Florida will be remembered by all who knew him.
