Tom Brokaw's Big Ideas: Tom Brokaw at TEDxPortland

In only a way that Tom Brokaw can, we are taken through a time travel exposition of great ideas that have defined and transformed life in this world as we know it. Filled with many first hand accounts, his storytelling mastery delighted the crowd inspiring everyone to bigger and better pursuits. In closing, he challenges us to design a new template for public service in America -- an unparalleled opportunity before us.

Tom Brokaw has been an award-winning journalist and news anchor for over 40 years. His esteemed career includes the first one-on-one interview with Mikhail Gorbachev and the first network report on human rights abuses in Tibet with an exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama. He was also the only American network anchor to report from the scene when the Berlin Wall fell. In 1998, Brokaw published The Greatest Generation, one of the most popular nonfiction books of the 20th century.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[anndietrich]

I grew up in Nebraska, starting in the 1960’s, only a few miles from where Tom Brokaw lived, and watched him on the news. He, and Johnny Carson, who came from nearby Norfolk, were such sizable influences for me because of TV. He seems to share this pressing idea—end war before it ends humanity—with me and likely so many. imagine the relief that all of us would feel. We could raise children without sending them to die. What a gift it would be, one that we can give to each other. He values our heroes like I do, but surely wishes that we might call others heroes for other important reasons, instead.

[maferoa]

This guy can do a speech!!! Like poetry every word!

[edkalnins]

Our nation is in desperate need of man like this today. Amazingly inspirational.

[eawil-sunart]

Wow I would love to hear him speak about our country now!!! There is such a comfort hearing his voice it reminds me of the good old days !!! When things were safe and predictable!!!

[jamessepahpur]

Decades of reflecting the truth to the american nation, makes him a great

[franktfrisby]

This guy was ahead of his time. Because this age well. If there wasn’t a date, I’d thought it was a new video.

[alfredocalderon]

I grew up watching Mr. Brokaw deliver top stories with NBC nightly news; when his commanding deep baritone voice spoke people listen. the level of concern he transmitted was unparalleled now that I see where his coming from I realize he embodies the American Night in shining armor! He made all of us conscientious of what the greatest generation stands for and why with a great piece of Americana and not to forget we live in the world they created with the ultimate sacrifice. A fair Men who lives and stands by his values “Long live Mr. Brokaw”

[yoursubconscious]

10 yrs. later and still has meaning, maybe more than ever today.

[vickimcgillivray]

Excellent and so thought provoking. Really speaks to our problems today.

[Anasazi.The.nEveRHood.sHaMAn]

He would make a great president for USA. He is respected by many nations and intelligent with values. His life is open. A understanding person. Just food for thought 🤔

[PhilHarmonic]

We miss you Mr. Brokaw.
I was one of the woodworkers on your house in Mt. Kisco NY
Ever think of running for Office?

[sweetseve]

thank you so much for this Ted Talk. I feel incredibly humbled by the sacrifices that came before me, and inspired to find ways to contribute my own efforts to our home in meaningful ways.

[martinobrien]

LEGEND BROKAW PROVIDES A PERSPECTIVE THAT FEW CAN .

[letsbreakthesilence]

Love Tom Brokaw. He is amazing and very inspiring!!

[ericclark]

Tom Brokaw has incredible integrity, what an amazing example he is to us all. I wish young people would look up to men like this rather than social media influencers and celebrities.

[larrykent]

Outstanding, thank you very much Mr. Tom Brokaw and TedxPortland.

[MrMd]

This was 9 years ago & he says water gate was the greatest constitutional crisis this country had ever seen.... Watergate seems like a walk in the park considering where we're at now & where we continue to head late 2022

[soysan]

You really need to listen to his audio book!

[lolerskates]

Plumbers, Electricians, and Brick layers; all have some sort of journeyman and job training. Doctors have to go to traditional college but then have to train in hospitals. Even geologists and engineers have certifications requiring post college training under established workers. Is the future of college training to do skills and jobs? Should the goal of college be to train for a career? Should businesses partner with colleges to say; these are the types of workers we need for these types of jobs and we have these entry level positions for graduates? Should there be a bridge between college and work? Should there be a bridge between college and public service, where you can enter a pipeline to serve society in a profound way?

[Zarathustran]

I read he retired last year, so I think that means he continued working at NBC until he was 81. My father who died in 2016 was three years younger but had been retired since the 90s. I think it was around 2004 or 2005 when he told me Toronto wasn’t in Canada. Really important to stay intellectually active. Brokaw’s a great example.

He was the commencement speaker for the senior class that graduated a year ahead of me. Wasn’t even my graduation but I think I remember correctly that he told them to always live beneath their means. I don’t think that was necessarily the entire gist of his speech and maybe that’s what he closed with but it’s been 35 years and goes without saying that’s good advice, but I think of that as part of his personality and indicative of his character