Edward Brooke

I am not a civil rights leader, and I don't profess to be one.

The polarization of Congress; the decline of civility; and the rise of attack politics in the 1980s, the 1990s, and the early years of the new century are a blot on our political system and a disservice to the American people.

I'm looking for the best person irregardless of political party, of race or religion, or color of their skin. Those things don't matter to me. I want someone who's qualified, who has a qualification to character and the integrity to do the things that have to be done to save this world.

My fervent expectation is that sooner rather than later, the United States Senate will more closely reflect the rich diversity of this great country.

I had made my reputation on integrity.

I always believed there would be an African-American president. It was something I'd dreamed about, thought about, but certainly did not believe would happen in my lifetime.

I grew up segregated, but there was not much feeling of being shut out of anything.

I've never tried to run away from my race. I was born a black man. You know that in your bones as soon as you are able to understand this country... My approach to life about race is, I don't see the difference between black people and white people.

When I left the Senate in 1979, there were several publishers who had approached me about writing an autobiography, and I knew that politicians write books for many reasons, but at that time, I just thought I wasn't ready and my story wasn't over, and I knew I had a new life ahead of me.

I was one of God's chosen few, no doubt about it. Not only being elected, but the joy and pleasure I derived from it. It was a wonderful life.

President Nixon has lost his effectiveness as the leader of this country, primarily because he has lost the confidence of the people.

When I arrived in the Senate, the moderate so-called Rockefeller Republicans held the balance of power.