Secretary of State Alexander Haig 1924- 2010

Alexander Haig former Secretary of State in the Reagan Administration died today.Haig was a true patriot serving his country in the Korean War and Viet Nam War.In the political arena he was a general in his mannerisms,always commanding, prodding,and seeking to fill power vacuums with authority and order.

Originally a protege under Secretary Of State Henry Kissinger in the National Security Council he was appointed by Nixon to be his chief in staff.During this time with Nixon preoccupied with Watergate,Haig ran the White House day to day operations.

Haig after the release of damaging Watergate tapes persuaded Nixon to resign. During the Gerald Ford Administration he was the chief of staff where he remained for a short period. During this transition period he persuaded Ford to pardon Nixon.A subsequent return to the military saw him lead NATO as the Supreme Commander a post that he held for the remainder of the Ford Administration. Haig held that position until he resigned in 1979 regarding a dispute with President Carter regarding the Iran Hostage Crisis.

Haig's support of Ronald Reagan and a strong military resulted in Haig being appointed the 59th Secretary of State.During this time his comments in the aftermath of the Reagan assassination attempt backfired.His remarks intended to assure,had the opposite affect.Haig's enemies which were legion pounced upon the statement and the widely held perception of Haig as a power grabber cemented his tenure during the Reagan Administration.
Alexander Haig and the moments most Americans remember him for.

Haig subsequently resigned a year half later.Haig stated the "effort to write my character out of the script was under way with a vengeance."Haig ran for president in 1988 as a fierce critic of Vice President Bush.Haig assessing his chances dropped out before the New Hampshire primary.Haig later joined the private sector where he joined several prestigious companies on the board of directors or leadership positions.Alexander Haig was 85 years old.