[rhombus10]

I remember Haig took a load of grief for this. But I don't remember why.

1. He was a Republican
2. He was a General
3. He worked for Reagan

The media made it into something it wasn't - same then as it is now.

[ClearCase_guy]

Yes. Haig chose his words poorly at a time when everyone was very on edge.

The VP was heading back to the White House. Everyone understood that. Meanwhile, there was a press conference at the White House and someone had to stand up and say something. The Secretary of State tried to calm things down by communicating that the White House was not in chaos. Therefore, “I’m in charge here” was simply meant to be reassuring.

But people got upset and the media made a big deal over it.

It’s a bit like Obama’s “57 states” comment. Although Obama made an unforced error and Haig was dealing with a national crisis and a chaotic situation.

[Mathews]

The Russians thought it was a military Coup.

[frog in a pot]

The media made it into something it wasn't - same then as it is now.

Bingo!

Unlike a lot of Clinton and Obama admin officials, Haig was by profession a take-charge kind of guy when it mattered. He didn't say "I am in charge of the nation"; rather he should have been interpreted as saying no more than, "I am the ranking admin official at this moment situated in the WH."

Had it been Hillary's voice in a similar moment, the MSM would still be swooning over her bravery.