“I’m in charge here.”
I remember that statement well, and I really appreciated it. I was attending LSU at the time, so while studying, I clicked on the TV and caught all of the news.
Just prior to Haig coming on and saying that, there was this individual speaking and I was shocked at the hesitancy, timidity, confusion he was projecting and it unnerved me. I think that performance is what prompted Haig to jump in front of the camera to reassure the nation that that snowflake was definitely not in charge.
That was exactly why he did it. The retired General knew that leadership needed to appear strong and in charge. And as Secretary of State he was the highest ranking official there.
The VP was out of town and the Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore were likewise unavailable. Of course it takes an act of Congress for anyone other than the VP to assume continuing authority.