with his impeccable manner, he was representative of a more moderate gop of the '70s. here on "meet the press" in 1973, he fielded this question from the late great jack germond. >> the view of the way people vote, do you think the republican party is ready for a black presidential nominee? >> i think the country is and the party is not behind the country. i think the party will vote for a man that they believe can do the job. >> edward brooke was 95. we will be right back. [coughing] dave, i'm sorry to interrupt... i gotta take a sick day tomorrow.