The Surprisingly Disorderly History of the US Presidential Succession Order | US Presidential History | Thrilling Point
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In 1981 U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan was shot during an assassination attempt. While he was incapacitated in the hospital, Secretary of State Alexander Haig famously declared, “I am in control here.” He also told reporters, “Constitutionally, gentlemen, you have the president, the vice president, and the secretary of state, in that order.…” Haig, however, was wrong; he was actually fourth in line. And although he later backtracked on his comments—and Reagan recovered—the situation underscored the importance of an orderly presidential succession. In fact, a peaceful transition of power is seen as vital to a democracy.
In 1981 U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan was shot during an assassination attempt. While he was incapacitated in the hospital, Secretary of State Alexander Haig famously declared, “I am in control here.” He also told reporters, “Constitutionally, gentlemen, you have the president, the vice president, and the secretary of state, in that order.…” Haig, however, was wrong; he was actually fourth in line. And although he later backtracked on his comments—and Reagan recovered—the situation underscored the importance of an orderly presidential succession. In fact, a peaceful transition of power is seen as vital to a democracy.