Constitutionally, gentlemen, you have the president, the vice president and the secretary of state, in that order, and should the president decide he wants to transfer the helm to the vice president, he will do so. As for now, I'm in control here, in the White House, pending the return of the vice president and in close touch with him. If something came up, I would check with him, of course.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Haig claims authority to act for the president while awaiting the vice president.
- In plain terms
- I am in charge until the vice president returns.
- What can you take from it?
- Asserting control during a leadership transition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Did he have legal authority?
- How did the public react?
Another view
This statement may confuse the chain of command.
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