Former NBC

When Tom Brokaw took the stage at the Dole Institute of Politics Thursday, he made a point to compliment the Kansas Jayhawks for their victory Monday night before talking about anything else.

“I have four words for you: Mario Chalmers for President,” the well-known TV journalist joked.

Brokaw was at the institute to deliver the annual Dole Lecture. Though he was only here briefly – his first trip to Lawrence since emceeing the institute’s dedication in 2003 – he packed as many stories as possible into his 90 minutes on stage.

As is typical for speakers at the institute, he lavished praise on namesake Bob Dole and spoke of his experiences with the former senator.

“Bob was a warrior for the Republicans,” Brokaw said. “He was a tough guy if you were with the media, but he was always looking out for what’s best for the country.”

In turn, Dole Institute director Bill Lacy heaped praise on Brokaw, dating back to his first encounter with the then-anchor of “NBC Nightly News.”

Lacy said he was running the California office of George H.W. Bush’s presidential campaign when his assistant said Brokaw was on the phone.

“He was doing his homework and not being content to read what someone else prepared for him in his briefing book,” Lacy said.

Scottie Lingelbach of Lawrence was instrumental in bringing Brokaw to the institute. She got to know him when she was featured in his first best-selling book, “The Greatest Generation.”

Previous presenters of the Dole Lecture include Gen. Richard B. Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former Sen. Tom Daschle, former President Bill Clinton and Bob Dole himself.