Bob Graham is now in his 60s. That makes him either an experienced statesman or an over-the-hill candidate.
On Tuesday, The Miami Herald reported that U.S. Sen. Bob Graham was considering throwing his hat into the 2004 presidential ring. The newspaper reported that he was "said to be considering what most insiders consider an unlikely White House bid."What I'd like to know is this: If it's so unlikely, why are people saying it? And, by the way, who is saying it? The report didn't say who said it. But I'll say it: I think Graham would make a great president. He would be the first president from our state, and he would represent it well.
What bothers me is this business about the potential of his candidacy to be "unlikely." Is it unlikely because the post-Gore candidates --- Joe Lieberman, John Kerry and John Edwards --- are younger than Graham? Is there subtle ageism at work here? Perhaps it's not so subtle.
I know plenty of people who think of Graham as Florida's best governor in recent memory. But I also know plenty of people who, while they respect the senator, think that he's too old to be a viable candidate for president. Yes, too old. Can you believe it? These are the same people who think Florida's Democrats are experiencing a geriatric problem because the party's stars are Janet Reno, Bob Butterworth and Bob Graham.
It is true that Florida Democrats have not done as good a job as Republicans in recruiting, mentoring and developing a new generation of young leaders such as Johnnie Byrd, Florida's fresh, young speaker of the House. But Reno, Butterworth and Graham each have a wealth of experience, and they should not be overlooked for leadership positions merely because they are in their 60s.
Whatever happened to valuing experience? What happened to respecting our elders? There was a time when older meant better.
Consider Gov. John Martin's appointment of William V. Knott, one of the Knotts who inhabited the Knott House on Park Avenue. When the governor appointed him state treasurer upon the death of John Luning in 1928, Knott was 64. His years brought a wealth of experience and wisdom, including previous service as a state comptroller and a prior appointment as state treasurer, serving under six previous Florida governors. He also had been an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1916 (attention Reno: there's still hope of a statewide office) and continued serving in that position until he was 75.
Consider former Commissioner of Agriculture Nathan Mayo, for whom the Mayo Building is named. He served in that position under 11 governors, an astounding 37 years. Mayo was responsible for countless developments, innovations and procedures --- including overseeing the rise of citrus in Florida.
Then consider Walter Mondale and Frank Lautenberg, two highly qualified Senate candidates who, in our most recent election cycle, were savagely condemned for being too old for the job.
High public office should not be a novice's game. Despite the fact that both Bush brothers have assumed office with minimal experience, there is something to be said for the wisdom that comes with age. It's possible that their performance in office has suffered as a result of their lack of experience. (Consider Jeb Bush's naive approach to implementing the One Florida Initiative.)
As for Gore, he was the sentimental favorite for Florida Democrats. A rematch between the president and the former vice president would have allowed Florida Democrats to once again cast a vote for Gore and hope that, this time, their votes would be counted. Now that will not happen, and many Florida Democrats are considering the field of candidates.
To whom should their support go? This is a serious decision, of course, and should not be made on trivial matters such as who a candidate's brother is or how carefree he appears on live television.
In 2000, Graham was on Gore's short list of potential running mates. Now, as Gore has opened the field for other possible candidates, Graham should give serious consideration to running for president. His years of experience --- meticulously detailed in those famous notebooks he's always scribbling in --- would be an asset, not a hindrance.
And he would be a native son in whom Florida could take great pride.
Contact Mike Pope at (850) 599-2173 or mpope@taldem.com.
