Haig’s words and press reaction need to be put in additional context.
Haig had a reputation for being a fanatical self-promoter and bureaucratic infighter. Many military types (who had been passed over for promotion due to Haig) were only too happy to share their anti-Haig anecdotes with the media. This had been going on for many years.
Haig’s gaffe reinforced the already existing stereotype.
What you say should seal the deal. That’s
exactly the temper of the times and how
it went down. Haig was seen afterwards as
a puffed-up little man.