Alexander Haig 'I Am in Control' Quote Defines Haig After Death

Alexander Haig may be best remembered for saying, 'I am in control' after the Reagan shooting. But Alexander Haig's 'I am in control' quote was just one of his major actions in Washington. Before making that infamous statement, he was just known as a Secretary of State, a general, and a key figure in the final days of the Nixon White House. But since 1981, he became a caricature thanks to one of the most memorable gaffs in recent history. As such, Alexander Haig saying 'I'm in charge here' is leading off most of his obituaries, after his death today at age 85.

Haig was admitted to the hospital for infection days ago, and died this morning due to complications. His death is just the latest loss of a noteworthy political figure, after John Murtha and Charlie Wilson died earlier this month.

Alexander Haig's resume was much more than 'I am in control' as he had a major role in some of Washington's most turbulent times. He started off in the Army, rising to the position of General before moving into politics. Once Watergate broke out, he was promoted to chief of staff after Bob Haldeman was removed.

Once there, Haig became the "37 ½ President" according to special prosecutor, Leon Jaworkski. The book "The Final Days" accounts how Haig tried to keep the government going, despite the Watergate scandal. In the end, he helped nudge Nixon towards his ultimate resignation, and made sure that the transfer of power to President Ford went smoothly.

Under Ford, Haig became the supreme allied commander of NATO forces, but would retire from the army in 1979. However, he stayed in politics and took the job of Secretary of State under President Reagan. There, Alexander Haig's 'I am in control' quote would define the rest of his life.

After John Hinckley Jr shot the President, Haig held a press conference where he said he was in control until the Vice President arrived. He had indeed taken temporarily control during the chaos, even though he was not technically next in line after the Vice President. At best, he made a notable gaff, and at worse, it inspired constant negative speculation about Haig's actions on that day.

Haig would only stay on as Secretary of State until 1982, and would forever become best known for his actions in late March 1981. It took a statement that big to overshadow his immense contributions in the last several decades.

In some way, shape or form, Alexander Haig was at the center of some of America's biggest crisis's and ordeals. Saying 'I am in control' may have been an oversimplification or a bad choice of words - but it was a position he was very well prepared for.

Sources

Washington Post- "Alexander Haig, former secretary of state, dies"

CBC News- "Reagan's secretary of state Alexander Haig dead at 85"

Los Angeles Times- "Voices - Alexander Haig, 1924-2010"