'Rest in Peace, Governor': Bob Graham mourned across the political aisle after death at 87

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Bob Graham, Florida's veteran US senator and former governor, has died at age 87, his family confirmed on Tuesday, April 16.

The Graham family announced his demise in a statement posted on X by his daughter Gwen Graham, which read, “We are deeply saddened to report the passing of a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and even more importantly, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather: Bob Graham.”

“As a legislator, Bob Graham devoted his life to the betterment of the world around him,” they added.

Bob Graham’s life in politics

Bob Graham, a Democrat, held the position of Senator for the Sunshine State for three terms and served as Florida's 38th governor per the New York Post.

His political career spanned over five decades, commencing in 1966 when he won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives after graduating from the University of Florida and Harvard Law School.

He later served in the state Senate before being elected to the Governor's role, where he served two consecutive terms from 1979 to 1987.

His 18-year tenure in the United States Senate commenced thereafter. Graham was appointed as the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and in the lead-up to the Iraq War.

In 2003, he launched an unsuccessful bid for the White House, openly opposing the then-President George W Bush's invasion of Iraq.

Despite undergoing open-heart surgery before hitting the campaign trail, he withdrew from the race before the Democratic primaries.

In 2004, he chose not to seek re-election to the Senate, which allowed the Republicans to flip the seat upon the election of Mel Martinez.

Reactions from his peers within the Democratic Party and the state of Florida

Nikki Fried, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, wrote on X, “Bob Graham exemplified what it meant to be a servant of the people.”

“He gave everything he had to the people of our great state and boy did he love our state with all of his heart and all of his being,” she remarked, adding that Graham “was the first political name I learned.”

The Florida Republican Party celebrated Graham as “a great statesman and public servant that cared deeply for the state of Florida.”

Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif), the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, offered her condolences to the Graham family and remembered the late senator as "a patriotic American and a great Member of the United States Senate."

Sen Rick Scott (R-Fla.) stated he was "heartbroken" when he heard Bob Graham had died.

Scott took to X, and wrote, “Bob Graham was a good man and a great Floridian who dedicated his life to our state. His legacy will live forever, not because of any title he held, but for what he did with those opportunities to improve Florida and the lives of families in the Sunshine State.”

Throughout his political career, Graham was well-known for participating in more than 400 "workdays," in which he undertook 8-hour shifts for a variety of vocations held by constituents.

As part of his "workday" tradition, he worked as a flight attendant, housewife, boxing ring announcer, Christmas gift wrapper, and arson investigator.

The Graham family stated that "his very first workday" was teaching citizenship at a Miami high school, which fueled a "lifelong passion for helping Americans become effective citizens."

“Bob Graham would tell people his favorite title was not Governor or Senator. It was the name his grandchildren gave him: Doodle,” the family said. “‘When I’m really good, they call me Super Doodle,’ he liked to say.” 

“As his family, we will never forget his love for us, the love he had for Florida, the United States, and the world, and the love so many people showed him. We thank God for the gift of his life.”

Internet offers its condolences for the passing of Florida Democrat Bob Graham

People on X shared their reactions following the heartbreaking news of Bob Graham breathing his last at the age of 87, having spent decades in public service.

One X user said, “Prayers and condolences to the Graham family. Rest in Peace, Governor."

Another user wrote, "Bob Graham was a great governor but more importantly a wonderful person. He truly cared about others and spent his life helping to make the world a better place. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends."

Another user said, "My deepest condolences to the Graham family. He did so much for Florida. What a sad day."

One user remarked, "They don't make democrats like him anymore unfortunately."

Another X user claimed, "So sad to hear this. As a reporter, I rarely liked politicians. But #BobGraham was different. I will NEVER forget the little notebook he always carried. If he didn't know the answer to your question, he'd write it down & often call you back himself!!"

Another user wrote, "A good man and a great governor. The last great governor we had in Florida."

Finally, this user tweeted, "I’m so sad. What a legend and outstanding Floridian. He was the best. may he rest in peace."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.