TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A leader like Bob Graham would be a unicorn in the hyper-partisan politics of today.
The former Florida governor and U.S. senator wasn’t a slick, slogan-spouting politician. He didn’t have an us-against-them mentality. Sometimes, he even came across as more of a kind-hearted professor just trying to make the world a better place.
He connected with people on a very real level during his nearly five decades in politics, and he had immense respect for the nation’s political process and institutions. Graham died Tuesday at the age of 87.
In a state long politically divided and now dominated by Republicans, he earned support among Republicans and Democrats alike with a folksy charm that belied the fact that he was a millionaire Harvard-educated lawyer. He fit in just as easily in conservative, rural north Florida as he did in bustling Miami.
Jim Harbaugh takes fans inside his RV! New Chargers coach, who earns $16m
Across China: Tourism Rejuvenates Ancient Korean Ethnic Folk Village
Workers Produce Spring Festival Posters in China's Shandong
China's Slow Trains Ensure Smooth Trips During Spring Festival Travel Rush
China expels teacher for pushing for students to use Tibetan language — Radio Free Asia
Woman's 'Home' a Pillar of Strength for Families with Sick Kids
Women's Federations, College Students Care for Rural Children in Anhui
Women's Federations, College Students Care for Rural Children in Anhui
Police confirm Missouri officer fired fatal shot that killed man who allegedly shot another man
Zheng reaches Australian Open semifinals after fighting win
Myanmar's jailed former leader Suu Kyi moved from prison to house arrest
Night School Classes Win Youngsters' Hearts in Wuhan, C. China's Hubei