Tom Brokaw: If I had to cover Donald Trump every night as a newscaster, 'I'd call in sick'

Retired NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw expressed great relief that he is out of the news business while appearing at the National Book Festival on Saturday to promote his latest book A Lucky Life Interrupted, telling the crowd he's glad he doesn't have to talk about Donald Trump on television every night.

According to tweets from multiple sources captured by Business Insider, a relieved Brokaw told the assembled press and fans: "If I were there now, and leading with Donald Trump every night, I would call in sick"

Brokaw's offhanded remark was reportedly greeted with applause and cheers from the crowd undoubtedly weary of daily reports on the blustery businessman's outrageous statements and petty squabbles with anyone who challenges him.

While a segment of the U.S. electorate is enamored with the outspoken billionaire ex-reality show star, the press -- in particular the conservative press -- is looking on in horror as they see the Republican Party tearing itself apart.

In a recent interview with Politico, Brokaw noted that the unforeseen -- including Trump's rise and predicted fall -- can affect all candidates campaigns.

“In politics, particularly presidential races, my oft repeated mantra is the UFO rule. At some point, the unforeseen will occur,” Brokaw explained. "Gary Hart and Monkey Business, Dukakis failing to defend Kitty, Bush 41 and the Perot factor. What the UFO will be this time, I don’t know yet, but there will be one — and not just for Trump. All the candidates in both parties are vulnerable.”

Tweet from Morning Edition producer Alyssa Edes below: