Bob Graham, a Florida Democrat known for his clever populist strategy of working in various entry-level jobs to connect with constituents, has passed away at the age of 87. His daughter Gwen Graham announced his death on social media, revealing that he had been disabled by a stroke in May 2020.
Graham’s unique approach to politics, which he called “Workdays,” involved taking on different jobs for a day to gain insights into the lives of everyday Americans. This strategy helped propel him from a little-known state senator to the governorship, the United States Senate, and even a run for the presidency.
During his time as Florida’s governor, Graham implemented educational reforms, economic programs that boosted job growth, and environmental policies that protected fragile lands like the Everglades. He was widely popular, leaving office with an 83 percent voter-approval rating.
In the Senate, Graham served as chairman of the Intelligence Committee during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was a vocal critic of President George W. Bush’s response to terrorism and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Graham led the joint Congressional investigation into 9/11, which found no evidence of ties between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda.
Despite being considered as a potential vice presidential candidate multiple times, Graham ultimately ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004. However, his campaign was cut short due to health issues, and he retired from the Senate in 2005.
Throughout his career, Bob Graham remained dedicated to serving the American people and connecting with them on a personal level through his “Workdays.” His legacy as a politician who truly understood the struggles of everyday Americans will be remembered for years to come.
