![]() ![]() He may have wanted control, but he certainly didn’t know how to secure it.įor the most part, historians have not done much to complicate Haig’s image. In hindsight, Haig’s gaffe appears more ironic than Machiavellian. In June 1982, after only 18 months of service, he was replaced by George Shultz. 3 But his combative personality, flair for the dramatic, and penchant for behind-the-scenes machinations ultimately put him out of step with the rest of the administration. 2 He demanded that Reagan name him “vicar” of foreign policy and appeared, just two weeks before the assassination attempt, on the cover of Time magazine with the headline “Taking Command” emblazoned across his chest. Described by Richard Nixon as “the meanest, toughest, most ambitious son of a bitch I ever knew,” Haig made no secret of his desire for power. “I am in control here,” he declared.įour decades later, the incident has become a metaphor for Haig’s tenure as secretary of state. But when pressed to clarify who was making decisions, Haig mangled the order of succession. Bush aboard Air Force Two, and the rest of the president’s aides gathered at the hospital, Haig strode out into the White House press room to reassure reporters that the federal government was still running. He had been in office for two months when, on March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot by a would-be assassin and rushed into emergency surgery. Rosenfeld, Washington Post Editorial Board, 1981įor most people, the only memorable thing about Secretary of State Alexander M. “If you are looking for villains in Washington, there is Alexander Haig.” 1 ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |