First African American Senator, a Republican, Praises Sen. Obama
Edward W. Brooke, a Republican from Massachusetts, was the first African American popularly elected to the United States Senate, winning election all the way back in 1966. At a recent book signing for his new memoir, “Bridging the Divide,” the New York Times reports that Brooke discussed parallels between his experience and that of Sen. Obama, who had just announced his presidential candidacy that morning in Springfield:
“I turned on the television this morning,” said Mr. Brooke, still dapper at 87, “and there stood a young man in Illinois.” Mr. Brooke praised Mr. Obama’s “gold résumé” and challenged questions about the senator’s experience, saying he possessed “better qualifications than many people who have run for that office and some who have won that office.”
February 21st, 2007 at 10:53 am EST
Man, JHC, you’ve been mighty busy these last few days.
Keep up the great work!